Our Economics pupils are celebrating after winning the regional heat of a national interest rate challenge.

The team saw off seven other schools to secure their place in the next stage of the Target Two Point Zero competition.

Pupils analysed UK and global economic data, their possible impact on inflation and the economic outlook for the UK - just as the Bank of England Monetary Policy Committee does each month. Read more

Towards the end of term, the Millfield Economic Society welcomed its first guest speaker - David Miles, visiting Professor at Imperial College London and former Chief UK Economist of Morgan Stanley.

Professor Miles spoke to Sixth Form pupils of his role as a member of the Bank of England's interest rate-setting Monetary Policy Committee and also outlined his views on the outlook for the UK economy.

In a lively discussion at the close of the lecture, pupils questioned him on his opinion of what would cause a sustained recovery in the UK economy and his views on the normalisation of asset prices.

Jon Andrews, Head of Economics, praised the pupils' level of engagement during the lecture. “David Miles is at the very top of his profession but he made it very accessible for the pupils. We are very fortunate to have secured such a high calibre speaker. The pupils' understanding of the current macroeconomic climate will have improved immeasurably".

During November, Millfield teachers joined forces to grow moustaches in support of ‘Movember’, an international event that raises awareness and funds for men’s health, specifically prostate cancer and other cancers that affect men. The “Millfield ‘Tashes” raised an outstanding £1500 for the cause with donations set to skyrocket with the production of a Christmas card with members of staff proudly displaying their facial growth!

Also in November, the pupil led Charity Committee organised a 'Mufti Day' in support of the NSPCC who coordinate the operation of Childline , raising in excess of £2500. The Commitee have been hard at work during the term coordinating candy and bake sales, with the money going to the School charity BIBIC.

Millfield played host recently to Som-r-set 4 Talent , a talent show conceived by former Millfield pupil Christy Lambden, which was hosted by Millfield in association with Rotary Clubs in Somerset. The competition is an opportunity to showcase local talent in Somerset, and raise money for regional charities, with the ultimate prize being the opportunity to perform at the Glastonbury Festival in 2013 and a session in a recording studio. The first heat at Millfield raised over £2000 for charity and a big thank you must go to Miss Jackson, Head of Religious Studies, the Rotary Club and pupil Ed Durgan for organising the event.

We have enjoyed some wonderful highlights in the latter part of this term, with National titles in Riding, Skiing, Swimming and Tennis, and Regional wins in Hockey and Squash on the way to National Finals - more sports news here.

I had the pleasure of attending our inaugural Showcase fixture on Wednesday - Millfield's annual rugby match against Sedbergh School.  The event provided a platform of exciting rugby at the highest level with in the region of 200 boys taking part in the matches, ranging from the U14s through to the final showcase game of the First XVs - read more  - see photos.

The Music Department hosted two renowned professional performers in November; percussionist and BBC Young Musician of the Year, Adrian Spillett and Joanna MacGregor, Head of Keyboard at the Royal Academy of Music.

Millfield percussion pupils took part in a performance workshop with Mr Spillett during the afternoon and then showcased their work at an evening concert which concluded with an astonishing performance of Khatchachurian’s Sabre Dance.

Joanna MacGregor is one of the world’s foremost pianists whose mastery of an eclectic range of styles makes her one of the most fascinating performers around.  She spent an afternoon working with four of our young pianists, before playing a stunning recital in the evening featuring music by Bach, Chopin and Argentinian Tango king, Piazzolla.

Both events were wonderful opportunities for our pupils to work with international performers and hear music making of the very highest standard. The events form part of our plan to promote Millfield as the premiere concert venue in the area.

Millfield's most able academic pupils have enjoyed getting together this term in after school hours to develop their problem solving, debating and logical thinking skills.

Dr. Brian Brooks, Head of Academic Enrichment and the designer of mentoring programmes Eureka! (Years 9, 10 and 11) and Think Tank (Sixth Form), said, “the meetings give pupils with high academic ambitions the opportunity to work together on their ability to engage critically with texts and arguments, and prepare themselves for entry to top universities.” At the meetings, students tackle problems from critical thinking, linguistics, and logic, and work on their ability to understand and construct arguments by debating topics such as “It’s time to axe The X Factor” and, more seriously, the potential of synthetic life and the problems associated with its creation.
 

In a festive themed final meeting of the term, the two groups came together to look at symbolism and meaning in paintings of the Madonna and child.

I always enjoy the Atkinson Gallery exhibitions which are thought provoking for both pupils and staff. “The Climate is Changing” has proved to be just that with a collection of local and international work exploring the impact of human actions on the environment through the medium of felt.

The exhibition has provided a tactile way to debate one of the most pressing issues facing the environment and I was pleased that Liz Clay, feltmaker, lecturer, researcher, author and one of the exhibitions featured artists was able to lead a guided talk through the exhibition last Friday for our Art Scholars.

Liz also held a workshop for BTEC and Upper Sixth pupils who were able to produce samples using felting techniques. Pupils learnt from her specialism in couture handmade felt for fashion and interiors. Her collaborations have included Givenchy, Paris – Mina Perhonen, Japan – English Eccentrics and Stella McCartney, London.