USA Trip, Marathon Success & Semi-Final Wins

Torquay Academy Takes Alabama: A Greenpower Adventure to Remember!

What an incredible Easter break it’s been for our budding engineers! While many were enjoying their chocolate eggs at home, a team of 10 dedicated boys and girls from Torquay Academy were over 4,000 miles away, representing the UK in the heart of American motorsport: Alabama.

Our Greenpower team embarked on an all-expenses-paid trip of a lifetime, blending high-stakes racing with a deep dive into American culture, history, and education. Here is a look back at an unforgettable week.

Life as an American Student

One of the most unique aspects of this trip was the chance to step into the shoes of our transatlantic peers. Our students spent a full day as students at Wetumpka High School, experiencing everything from the bustling hallways and lockers to the different teaching styles.

The exchange of ideas was fantastic; our team was surprised by the scale of the campus and the school spirit, while the Wetumpka students were fascinated by life in Torquay. It was a brilliant way to build international friendships and compare the two education systems first-hand.

Classroom Assistants at Holtville Elementary

The learning didn't stop there. The team also visited Holtville Elementary School, but this time they were the ones at the front of the class! Acting as classroom assistants, our students supported younger children with their lessons.

Whether helping with reading or explaining the mechanics of our Greenpower car, the TA team showed wonderful leadership and empathy. The elementary students were absolutely starstruck by their "British teachers," and our students gained a new appreciation for the hard work that goes into primary education.

Racing at the Barber Motorsports Park

The main event took us to the world-renowned Barber Motorsports Park. Not only were we given incredible access to the largest motorsport and motorcycle museum in the world, they also received a masterclass from Pierre Terblanche, the world renowned Ducato designer.

To top things off our children were taken for a couple of laps of the Indy track in V8 Porsches piloted by professional race driving instructors.

The U.S. Space & Rocket Center

Engineering isn't just about what happens on the track—it’s about reaching for the stars. The team spent an awe-inspiring day at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville.

Standing beneath the massive Saturn V rocket, the students got a true sense of the scale of human ingenuity. They explored the history of the Apollo missions and the future of Mars exploration, sparking plenty of conversations about where their own engineering journeys might take them.

Lessons in History: Selma and Montgomery

Beyond the workshops and racetracks, this trip was a powerful educational journey. We traveled to Selma and Montgomery to walk the path of the Civil Rights Movement.

Walking across the Edmund Pettus Bridge and visiting the sites of the Montgomery bus boycotts provided a sobering and vital perspective. It was a chance for our students to reflect on the importance of courage, equality, and social change, lessons that are just as important as anything learned in a lab.

Entertainment

It wouldn't be a trip to the Deep South without some classic American culture. The team headed to the stadium for an Alabama baseball game. From the "seventh-inning stretch" to the stadium snacks, the students fully embraced the local tradition, cheering along with the fans and soaking up the high-energy atmosphere.

They also enjoyed some more high adrenaline at Six Flags Roller Coaster park in Atlanta, Georgia!

A Huge Well Done

This trip was about more than just cars; it was about building confidence, global awareness, and lifelong friendships. Our 10 students represented Torquay Academy with excellence, curiosity, and impeccable manners throughout the journey.

Going the Distance: A Marathon Effort from Brunel House

On Sunday, Miss Pappin, Head of Brunel House, took on the London Marathon in support of The Children's Society, Brunel’s house charity.

In the weeks leading up to the race, students, particularly those in Year 7, have been full of energy in their fundraising efforts. Bake sales have been a regular feature, and these were supported by money raised at the Christmas Concert and our production of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, alongside generous donations from friends and family.

Together, the school community raised £2,701, beating the original £2,500 target. With that level of support behind her, there was definitely a sense that Miss Pappin had a team running with her on the day.

She didn’t disappoint, finishing in a superb time of 3:49:24, a personal best and a result that made Brunel House very proud.

Miss Pappin said:
“I am extremely grateful for all of the support, from the charity donations to the support and good luck wishes on the day. It was a phenomenal experience and I hope I have inspired some of our students to take on the challenge themselves one day.”

A fantastic collective effort, and a great example of what can be achieved when everyone pulls together.

Sarah also did an interview with John Acres, to listen, follow this link:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0ngtjby

year 9 poetry

One of our Year 9 students - Jamie Hancox has written a wonderful peom which I would love to share with you all.

The Otter and The Shrew

I used to live,

In the place you destroyed,

I had a partner,

And a little, baby boy.

Now they're gone,

Along with my home,

What will I do,

Now I'm all alone?

There was a river,

I used to drink from,

Now full of boats,

And plastic and oil.

I used to eat,

Critters and bugs,

But they also left,

Because of what you've done.

Now I'm hungry and thirsty too,

I don't have a family or a place to call home,

You've taken my everything, I've got nothing left,

So I'll lie on the pavement, and eternally rest.

y12 geography

The Year 12 Geographers got a first taste of their coursework on Wednesday this week when we made the short journey along the coast to Lyme Regis, just over the county border into Dorset. The weather was kind but a biting onshore north-easterly wind kept us on our toes. Students practiced firsthand a range of techniques which they will be able to apply to their own studies, whilst developing an appreciation of the coastal processes and management strategies which help to protect both the social fabric of the town as well as the tourist industry; a vital economic characteristic of our rich coastal environment. Next week we move on to Plymouth to experience the human landscape and the potential opportunities which a study of an urban location can provide. Well done to all our Year 12 Geographers.

y13 drama

In Drama, our year 13 students have performed their final creative performance piece for their A Level work. This is a devised piece created entirely by them from a given theme/stimulus. They have been working on this piece since January, writing, sourcing music, costumes and supplies. Mrs Wilson is incredibly proud of all of the work they have created and of their hard work on this unit. Well done!

science with Mrs thompson

This week in the cycle is superteaching week. This means that Mrs Thompson's KS3 science students have been responding to feedback from their end of cycle assessments and revisiting key content from the cycle.

For example, year 8 (8Q6 and 8T5) completed a superteaching lesson on electrical components, drawing circuits and calculating resistance. Additionally, year 7 (7T9 and 7Q6) have just started studying chemistry so time was spent revising the difference between atoms, elements and compounds and practicing using the periodic table to find information such as the group and periods of different elements. 7T9 also started applying their knowledge to some GCSE exam questions which the current year 11s are preparing for!

maths with mr whelan

9Q6 have been getting to grips with inequalities this week. One of the more subtle and often overlooked pieces of algebra, it has a lot of uses in a variety of engineering contexts. So far we've been ensuring we understand the notation, how to read them and how to represent them on a number line. The last stage has been being able to state the integers which satisfy the inequalities.

A great end to the week with Fun Friday

We finished the week in style with another brilliant Fun Friday, and it was fantastic to see so many students getting involved across the school.

Each year group took part in their own activity, creating a real sense of energy and enjoyment throughout the afternoon. Year 7 brought plenty of competitive spirit to the basketball shootout, with students showing determination and encouraging each other throughout. Year 8’s rock, paper, scissors tournament proved to be louder than expected, with quick reactions and plenty of celebrations along the way.

In Key Stage 4, the atmosphere shifted slightly but was no less engaging. Year 9 and Year 10 took to the stage for karaoke, showing real confidence and a willingness to step outside their comfort zones. It was great to see students supporting one another and creating such a positive environment. Year 11 enjoyed a more relaxed activity with sweets in the jar, but with just as much focus and friendly competition as they tried to estimate the winning number.

What stood out most was the way students engaged with each other. There was a strong sense of community, with encouragement, laughter, and genuine enjoyment across all year groups.

These moments matter. They help to build relationships, strengthen our culture, and give students the opportunity to experience school in a different way.

A big thank you to the staff who organised and supported the activities, and well done to all students who took part and made it such a success.

learning legends

Year 9 - Alex Iftode, Keylan Hodgson and Emily Redmond

Students of the Week

Year 7 - Ruby Sambrook and Max Dickerson

Year 9 - Kumar Hopton and Seren Stephenson

Year 11 - Ethan lynch, Scarlett Finley-Squires and Sonny long

Years 7, 8 and 10 Progress to the Semi-Finals

It’s been an action-packed week of quarter-final fixtures for our teams, and we’re delighted to share that Years 7, 8 and 10 have all secured their places in the semi-finals.

Year 8 kicked things off on Monday with an away trip to Teign School on an exceptionally hot day. Despite the testing conditions, the boys put in a fantastic performance, playing with great spirit and securing a convincing win.

On Wednesday, Year 10 travelled to South Dartmoor Community College for their cup match. After a long break since their last outing, they wasted no time getting back into rhythm. A strong, confident display ensured their well-deserved progression to the semi-finals.

Thursday completed the trio of fixtures with Year 7 stepping up in style. The whole squad delivered an excellent performance, showcasing new patterns of play and fresh ideas with real confidence. Their dominant display saw them comfortably book their place in the next round.

Opponents for the upcoming semi-finals will be announced soon, and excitement is already building as we look ahead to the challenge of reaching the finals. We’re also hoping Years 9 and 11 can follow in their footsteps when they compete next week.

A huge well done to all the players involved, what a brilliant week of football for the school!

prestigious Diamond Award

Year 7 - Bogdan Piasta, Freddie Osborne, Sienna Thomas, Heni Ujj, Madison Trott, Lewis Tandy, Maisy Sellick, Baran Sular, Scarlett Paton, Ellie Peters, Rupert Jones, Alfie King, Daniel Ibell & Damon Reen

Year 8 - Isla Parsons and Karen Shaju

Year 9 - Oceana Furse, Jessica Stoyle, Catherine Ramesh Mani & Christopher Csapo

Governors’ Platinum certificates

Year 7 - Lucas Worrall, Meelie Harvey, Immy Weeks, Mylo Jury, Corey Watt, Holly Garbett, Benji Kittow, Grace Sampson, Henri Jefferies, Nathan Cameron, Sienna Tucker, Nathan Hooper, Archie West, Izzy Beer & Zara Isemede

Year 8 - Karim Taha, Charlie Skinner, Liv Andrews, Lilah Dallow, Erin Gayton, Frederick Sintim, Amaris Quennell, Poppy Pope, Charlie Williams-Powell & Ajay Squires

Year 9 -Seth McCann, Summer Reed, Charlotte Townsend, Jesse Isemede, Emily Bowden, Kobi Burness-Moakes, Harry Rowlands, Luke Moran, Alba McKechan, Daisy Dorman & Max Kapusta

Governors’ Gold certfificates

Year 7 - Cody Aguilana, Angelina Bassett, Logan Mansell, Remy Beaumont Gray, Max Watkins, Max Dickerson, Isaac Armitage, Arthur Williams, Elias Abbott, Echo Williams, Lennon Head, Freddie Bullions, Roni Bates, Ludo Mudge, Elijah Benson, Crystal Anning-Bragg, Phoebe Smith, Daisy Prior, Beau Luker-Hulme, Elyce Turner, Jamie Smyth, Harry Barrett & Shia Davidson

Year 8 - Charlie Williams-Powell, Rocco D'Alessandro, Georgina Morton, Braxton Biggs, Kobe Laker, Jacob Hicks, Emilie Cutmore, Fi Bellamy-Hall, Ela Uven, Sienna Frost, Chloe Bastow, Oscar Anderson, Lucy Matthews, Simeon Manners, Ryu Cutts, Ethan Halliday, Ethan Nichols, Zofia Bocianowska, Olivia Fisher, Owen Brown, Laura Mercer & Sophia Houghton

Year 9 - Ben Walters, Grace Gatting, Leo Shaw, Lucy French, Jessica Ferguson, Seren Chadwick, Harry Austin, Morley Villiers, Aaron Pinto, Frederick Blagden, Riley Johnson, Toryn Bond & Sofia Adamson

Governors’ Silver certificates

Year 7 - Isabella Hughes, Rosie Taylor, Sivaganga Renjith, Luca Chadwick, Frankie Wilson, Amelia Lyons, Elyce Turner, Awa Camara, Charles Hepburn, Ruby Sambrook, Archie Faulkes, Evie Allington, Sienna Stanbury, Jaiden Wragg, Hope Briant, Ollie Webster, Florence Potter, Indie Kenyon, Luke Drew-Stevenson, Taylor Norgaard-Welsh, Fran Mildren, Oliver Simpson, Amelia Drew, Marcus Feasey, Isaac Bond, Luca Vaio, Lacey Dennett, Harley Sims, Ella Austin & Layla Selley-Dillon

Year 8 -Maya Campineanu, Freddy Bonner, Dee Davies, Dylan McDonald, Oscar Josey, Autumn Dakin, Gabriele Stadalninkaite, Nevaeh Piri-Sadigh, Zack Jeneway, George Tonks, Jude Nwachukwu, Megan Bushell-Sneap, Poppy Cosh, Gergo Rammer, Joe Matthews, Riley House, Finley Thompson, Laila Stuttaford, Oliver Luscombe, Milly Skelly, Luca Guppy, Jude Brodie, Millie Beamish, Fynlay Dever, Brooke Harding, Colby Craig & Nora Gordon

Year 9 - Jenson Tandy, Rosie Bevan, Keylan Hodgson, Seren Panther-Glinn, Jack Robinson, Hydie Munday, Oscar Deegan, Morgan Fisher, Bradley Wright, Katie Tonks, Gabi Cobain, Mya Pring, Tyler Davis, James Cosh, Wiktoria Aleksander & Tyler Jackson

Governors' Bronze certificates

Year 7 - Samuel Vesely, Phoebe Prior, Alfie Thomas, Naomi Hering, Toby Giles, Toby Wright, Isaac Bell, Kaitlyn Blades, Alfie Bortoli, Martha Wilcox, Esme White, Leo Green West, Ayda Snell, Leo Allington, Oakley Wise & Asia Knight

Year 8 - Madison Stewart, Hayley Steenkamp, Zafirah Faryal, George Ballance, Evan Jones, Caleb Drein, Charlie Courtier, Isla-Mae Gale, Chloe Hornsby, Toby Young, Skyla-Rose Whitfield, Alex Oleksy, Oscar Hall, Teddy Shobbrook, Macy Hickman, Caelan O'Gorman, Jack Lennox-Statham, Archie Kershaw, Bella Cassidy, Brooke Dennett, Mason Beardsley, Lexi Johnson, Kayleb Yeo, Harry Monro, Chloe Eales, Toby Roadnight, Neave Heavens, Libby Pell, Zac Retter, Cole Barton, Eve Truscott, Ruben Tidball, Liv Reed, Kai Cornish, Jacob Purdie, Kai Parton, Jaycie Kennedy-Taylor, Lillyanna Edmonds, Jacob Caldwell, Riley Piercy, Scarlett Slater, Ava Harrison, Theo Mason, Freddie Thatcher & Calvin Downer

Year 9 - Elizabeth Francis, Ania Rozanska, Layla Lock, Alana Houlihan, Elena Bolton, Zachary Kittow, Dylan Drinkwater, Lily Hubbard, Rudy Abdulla, Keeley-Mae Moran, Calum Carpenter, Luke Sandeman, Jessica Munnangi, Olly Bell, Rosco Biagott, Andy Iftode, Elissia Greenwood, Darcy Dainton, Seraphina Rozier, Allen Burns-Muir, Maisy Hart, Gabriela Piasta, Jamie Hancox & Farah Davidson

Principal’s Gold certificates

Year 7 - Jasmine Hartrey, Esther Munnangi, Millie Horrocks, Aaliyah Phillips, Hope Jelley, Ronni McElkenny, Faith Jelley, Hugo Cowan, Charles Blocksage-Tomicek, Heidi Downey, Evie Bache, Freddie Drein & Maisie Madge

Year 8 - Darcey Partridge, Luka Hingley, Maja Kokoszka, Isobel Dowell, Libby Rycroft, Alex Skorzewski, Bella Stevenson, Rufus Kerslake, Ethan Chapman, Amelia Woodland, Alex Nicholson, Darcy Gibbings, Jessica Green, Arya Kelly, Archie Hudson, Jasmine Roberts, Pandora Ferguson, Jake Jolly, Erin Ayres, Georgiana Elliott, Ethan Eales, Millie Porter, Josie Cotton, Luna Mearns & Josiah Addai

Year 9 - Myah Sellick, Isaac Mccabe, Freya Brown, Aaliyah Akpo, Thalia Dunsmore and Summer Dockrey, Bobby O'Regan, Lily Langler, Emelia Wood, Daisy-Mae Rees, William New, Ted Dudley, Ruby Turner, Ayden Quarshie, Alfie Williams, Kaitlin Towell & Xanthe Tyson

Year 10 -Ella Lake, Katie Peryer, Bella Hobbin-Mills and Poppy Bettridge

Year 11 -Aadhik Retheesh & William Kelly

Principal’s Silver certificates

Year 7 - Wiki Bartoszewska, Riley Thompson, Noah Harding, Luna-Mai Williams, Kaci Street and Jenson Taylor

Year 8 - Lydia Shetliffe, Holly-Rae Mason, Kyle Squires, Lilly Jones, Finley Elliott, Achara Edmund and Henry Cooper

Year 9 - Cooper Syms, Jake Richards, George Kasparis, Lyra Sully, Laila Mills, Leo Nicholson, George Pitts, Freddy Novis, Izzie Mildren, Niah Slowley, Isla Herbert, Poppy Haslett, Bonnie Stacey, Haddie Inturi & Elliott Hytche

Year 10 -Mollie Longthorpe, Imogen Clifford, Lewis Graham, Ed Rackley, Ellie Simpson, Saket Raj, Lily-Rose White, Harry Pitman, Ashton Lynch & Ella Weeks

Year 11 - Oscar Mills, Imogen Symonds, Gracie-May Tolley, Freya Coatesworth & Sraavan Sooryaprakash

Principal’s Bronze certificates

Year 7 - Troy O'Shea, Godwin Ramesh Mani and Logan Blampey-Roberts

Year 8 - Cody Hunter, Tallulah Owen, Beau-Angel Talbot and Noah Talbot

Year 9 - Viktoria Simunkova, Lily Ellis, Olivia Hooper, Seren Stephenson, Beth McMahon, Riley Harper, Olivier Szyszka, Frances Roberts, Tiffany Eastley, Jess Wiltshire, Helena Losiewicz, Hollie Bassett & Poppy Anderson