Street to Stadium, GB call up and Geography field trip

stem trip

Mrs Horton and Mrs Thompson took a group of girls from years 9 and 10 to compete in a Dragons Den style STEM event. The girls had to design and present an idea to help prevent fast fashion and reduce the amount of textile waste. The girls designed an idea of reusing clothing donated by the public to be up cycled into various garments with the help of neighbouring universities and colleges. The girls designed a beautiful logo which tied into their whole presentation with their brand name being save and stitch. The girls were impeccable throughout and came up with some truly fantastic and creative ideas, their presentation was incredibly strong and inspiring and we couldn’t be more proud of them.

Dragons Den winners podcAst

Our Dragons Den winners have had their podcast officially released. You can see their interview in the video below.

Geography Fieldwork

This week the GCSE Geographers went out to Dawlish Warren to complete their physical fieldwork for Paper 3 out in the scorching conditions.

Students collected data from a pebble size analysis where they had to measure the size and shape of sediment, a groyne measurement survey where they measured the amount of sediment either side of the groynes as a result of longshore drift and also completed a bipolar evaluation of the sea defences in action at Dawlish Warren.

The students will now analyse data and use different presentation methods to apply these to practice questions, all preparation for the GCSE examinations

english with Miss carter

This week, students in Miss Carter's Year 7 History classes have been completing their knowledge tests and an extended piece of writing based on the Cycle 4 topic: How do historians view the British Empire? Why was slavery abolished? Last week, students were exposed to a variety of historical interpretations and categorised these into the three key reasons for abolition. This week, students were able to use this, as well as an article they read, to write three paragraphs answering the question: Why was slavery abolished in the British Empire? Miss Carter was very impressed with the level of detail used by students and their engagement throughout the cycle in this interesting but sensitive topic. Well done Year 7!

Year 9 English

Year 9 have been working very hard over the last 4 weeks in English to complete their GCSE speaking and listening presentation to gain either a pass, merit or distinction in effective communication. The English team has been so impressed with the effort, maturity and pride shown by all our classes. Many students have overcome nerves and pushed themselves to present to their classes on a range of topics including: animal exploitation; the nature/nurture debate; social media; and dealing with grief. Every teacher is proud of their classes but some particular stand out students are mentioned below.

Mr Dickin

A big shout out to two of my Distinctions:

Jenson Gorin - Racism in the media. A really detailed piece which explored why there might be racism in the media and what we can do to tackle it.

Lauren Harbutt - The history of the class divide and how it impacts society. Lauren produced a really engaging piece that explored not only the roots of classism but also the north-south divide all the way back to the harrowing of the North.

Miss Smith

A particular shoutout to George Evans who did his speech on prison reform; it was well researched and as such, was engaging.

Generally, I was so impressed with this year group! My class have shown a lot of pride in what they've done, which was lovely.

Dr Jones

Olivia Williams in 9T5 was really nervous beforehand but gave a fantastic and really impassioned speech about Rosa Parks and racism barely looking at her notes.

Miss Elson

Incredible presentations delivered by: Poppy Sanderson; Mason Findlay-Peers; Olivia Stewart; and Stella de Rose.

But as a whole, they have been the most supportive class I have ever taught - they have really cheered each other on.

Miss Daw

Will Wrathall - spent so much time on his! Really professional - engaging with the audience - used props - read with passion and genuine interest in his subject (social media - detrimental effects).

Ms Wilstshire

Ethan Greenwood was absolutely amazing also included some dancing!

Robyn Higgins and Maisie Newton also shared some deeply personal and touching stories, so they really stuck out in my mind.

Miss Risk

I can't really single anyone out because I was so impressed with the co-operation and respect shown by 9T7. Students not only listened quietly but videoed and sent presentations through for their friends. A really positive whole-class effort.

Miss Turner and Mr Crow

Bella Allen's presentation on dealing grief left everyone speechless- it was emotive, honest and deeply personal. We felt privileged that she wanted to share her story with us.

Gracie Sandercock, Lewis Allington and Honor Dawson overcame huge nerves to complete their presentations- we were really proud of them and their 'can do' mindset.

DofE Bronze Qualifying Expedition

Last weekend thirty Year 9s undertook their DofE Bronze Qualifying Expedition. Having completed their Practice Expedition a few weeks previously the students were feeling more confident this time around. It was evident that the Practice Expedition had been a useful learning experience. Particularly observed by Mr Adams and Mr Brett in that loading the students rucksacks onto the minibuses their backs did not give out under the weight of them!

So feeling more confident and more efficiently packed and prepared the students set off on their expedition from Bantham Car Park. After a short briefing from Mr Adams the teams set off to follow their own planned routes from Bantham to their campsite at Higher Rew Farm, near Salcombe. One rule for their route planning was that they needed to come away from the coast path at least once each day. This meant that their planned routes would be over 15km rather than the 10km direct route. It also meant more challenging navigation skills for the teams.

With a wide range of experience amongst the teams they all acquitted themselves to the challenge with resilience and determination. Each team showed that they had really learned a lot from the Practice Expedition - although for some being without their mobile phones for the weekend proved to be more of a challenge than the walking! With staff manning checkpoints along the way - at South Milton Sands, Hope Cove, Bolberry Down and Soar Mill Cove on Day 1, and at Salcombe Ferry, Mill Bay, Gara Rock and East Prawle on Day 2 - the it was noticeable how cheerful and confident the students seemed. Some teams were motoring along, despite foggy conditions, and had to ensure they were going to be on their route for the required minimum 6 hours per day.

Each of the teams were making really good progress until two members of one team experienced falls on the uneven coast path, between Bolberry Down and Soar Mill Cove. With one cutting their knee and the other turning their ankle it meant that progress was delayed and significantly slowed. This was really unfortunate as they were on track to reach camp in just over 6 hours. Despite feeling some pain and discomfort the team, and their injured members, kept on going after putting into practice some basic first aid to dress the cut knee and support the injured ankle. Showing high levels of resolve and toughness the team made it to the campsite after nearly 9 hours!

Each team successfully made it to the campsite, at or above the minimum 6 hours expedition time per day. Despite feeling tired they knew they needed to get their tents set, kit packed away and dinner cooking on their gas stoves, before they could think about rest. With a varied choice of menus, ranging from more ambitious to less so but all involving pasta, the students ate and most chatted or played games before they turned in for the night. A few of the boys seemed to somehow still have a lot of energy left over and tried to stay up later playing tricks on each other but soon the strenuous day caught up with them and all were in their sleeping bags by 1130, much to the relief of the staff!

Some students were awake at 6.00am - and some took a bit longer to rouse! All were breakfasted, packed away and briefed before their day 2 hike by 10.00am. The first group had left at 8.20am and the others left in 15-20 minute intervals. The fog had lifted and the day was still overcast but brighter. With Mrs Schwarz at the ferry jetty in Salcombe, the teams headed her way to get the ferry across to Mill Bay. With Mr Brett on the other side to ensure the students were following their planned routes the teams were taking various routes towards Gara Rock. Team 10, who had left camp first, were making impressive progress and were looking likely to make the end point at Start Point. Team 6, who left camp last, were also motoring along and had passed some of the other groups that had left before them.

All teams managed to be on expedition for the required 6 hours minimum, despite all feeling very tired with the distances walked carrying full rucksacks and in the case of members of Team 4 carrying injuries. Special mention has to go to Team 10, who did indeed make the end point at Start Point, navigating effectively and showing great perseverance and determination. But well done to all teams for completing the Qualifying Expedition and thus ticking off another section on their journey towards their DofE Bronze Awards.

Many thanks to all the staff who helped to make it an amazing experience for the children: Mr Brett, Miss Essam-Wood, Miss Baker, Mr Green, Mrs Schwarz, Mr Butler and Mr Adams. Most importantly, congratulation on your sterling efforts to the following students:

Team 4 - Emily Cowan, Poppy Sanderson, Aleta Stojic, Katie Peryer, Sofia Peryer

Team 5 - Jessie Mountstevens, Mollie Peters, Emily Lock, Lauren Harbutt, Naomi Szyszka Team 6 - Sean Canham, Ivan Masliakovas, Ben Nicholson, Milan Ujj

Team 7 - Oliver Wright, Harry Pitman, Francis Downer, Will Wrathall, Vaughn Heavens, Ed Rackley, Thomas Cox Team 8 - Mia Hawkes, Kira Fedotova, Gracie Sandercock, Imogen Clifford, Emily Colclough Team 10 - Zack Venter, Reef Wheyman, Lewis Collett, Bohdi Williams

Lastly good luck to Teams 1, 2, 3 and 9 who go out on their expeditions in the next couple of weeks and to all of you keep striving to get your awards completed! Well done!

exeter university trip

26 students from Year 10 had the opportunity to visit Exeter College this week, experiencing their Construction site, and Automotive facilities as part of their Discovery Days.

Both groups benefitted from seeing possible post-16 options and enjoyed being practical in the workshops.
Every student represented Torquay Academy exceptionally well and lots of the staff commented on how polite and respectful our students were.

Year 8 - Jack Hughes and Lucy French

Year 9 - Mollie Longthorpe and Jenson Gorin

Farah Davidson Team GB

Farah has successfully auditioned again to be part of Team Great Britain at this years IDO World Tap Championships in Prague. This year she has been put forward to compete a solo, a duet and 2 groups. She will be training 5 times a week all summer along side the team in Swindon. What a fantastic achievement Farah. Good luck for October!

street to stadium

There has been another great opportunity for our players through our partnership with Pro-direct Academy. Pro-direct Soccer and Adidas along with Friday Night Lights, put on a fantastic event #StreetToStadium visiting Salford City FC and then onto Manchester United via a nice run along the river. Former England and Manchester United player Wes Brown attended the event and was great with the boys. The evening concluded with a party in # Old Trafford to celebrate the day. An unbelievable experience which I’m sure the boys will look back on for years to come.

https://youtube.com/shorts/nFKN8_84muA?si=A0rQ5G_uPuqMZwLG

Awards Day 2025

After a record-breaking season, our football squads came together today to celebrate an incredible year!

Every team has shown outstanding commitment, teamwork, and resilience.

Today was about recognising the effort, growth, and commitment that makes our programme unique. We’re no ordinary school… Team T.A is different.

world school games

team ta netball awards

We celebrated an incredible netball season at Torquay Academy! Across all year groups, our teams have shown outstanding commitment, determination and skill, competing in both local and national competitions. An impressive 134 matches were played throughout the season!

Our awards recognised their commitment and growth, as well as acknowledging and celebrating individual awards for some of our players! Well done everyone!

Most Improved Players of the Season:

Year 7: Mia Kost