Page 14 - The Year at Millfield 2024-2025

Product Design
Product Design students once again demonstrated
outstanding creativity and technical skill across
both GCSE and A level. Year 11 student Jovie
developed a 3-in-1 golf club, allowing golfers to
select between three close-range chipping options
within a single head, designed in Fusion 360 and
manufactured on our commercial resin 3D printer.
Upper Sixth student Zac completed a functional and
compact storage solution, specifically designed to
help declutter and optimise small living spaces. Across
the department, students continue to combine design
theory with real-world problem solving, producing
an impressive range of innovative prototypes and
professional-standard design portfolios.

01
Science Show
During Science Week in March, the Physics
department put on their ‘Physics Extravaganza’
show to all Year 9, Year 10, and Lower Sixth students
in the Science Lecture Theatre. We were also able to
invite over 300 students from local primary schools
to enjoy the shows with us. In each of the 11 shows
with both morning and matinee performances,
students witnessed; the behaviour of lasers, optical
illusions with colour, the fire tornado, the Mould
Effect, the mysteries of gyroscopic action, blowing
out birthday candles from 50 feet, and the principles
of rocket propulsion! None of this would have been
possible, of course, without the fantastic Physics
technicians, Mr Scriven and Mr Selway-Barry, who
worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make it all
possible.
02
MP Alex Burghart engaged us in a lively debate
01 Year 11 Jovie project about current political issues. Thank you to all our Brilliance Curriculum Days
02 Science show
03-05 Brilliance Curriculum speakers this year for inspiring Millfield students. Our whole-school Brilliance Curriculum Days
Days offered a fantastic opportunity to step off timetable
and engage in deep, strategic collaboration across
BBC Any Questions departments while allowing students to explore
On Friday 25 April, four students attended a multidisciplinary projects that broaden their skills
live recording of BBC Radio 4’s Any Questions? and perspectives.
at the Strode Theatre in Street, Somerset. The
programme, hosted by Alex Forsyth, featured a On day one, individual departments focused on
lively political debate with panellists Jess Brown- professional development and strategic plannings.
Fuller MP, John Glen MP, Baroness Angela Smith, Heads of Departments were given free reign and
and Gawain Towler. Key topics discussed included a huge range of activities were planned. Teachers
the use of same-gender rest facilities and Donald attended INSET and CPD sessions both in and
Trump’s involvement with the Russia-Ukraine outside school, upskilled in innovative areas like
peace proposals. The experience gave students a AI, and worked collaboratively on schemes of
fascinating insight into current political issues and work, resources, and next year’s strategic planning.
the workings of a live broadcast. It was an engaging Departments also developed subject-specific skills,
and thought-provoking evening, highlighting the with highlights including Dr. Neil Gilbride’s work on
value of political discussion and debate. self-efficacy embedded in department planning and
a practical Physics and Ballistics workshop held at
Ivythorn Sporting.

12 The Year at Millfield 2024/2025