Willow’s Team GB Bronze, Live Music at Arena Torquay & Silver DofE

Willow Shines for Great Britain at International Gymnastics Competition

We are incredibly proud to celebrate the outstanding achievements of Willow, who recently represented Great Britain at her very first international gymnastics competition in Germany.

Competing as part of Team GB, Willow delivered a fantastic performance, helping the team secure a bronze medal and achieving some impressive individual results:

Team GB Bronze Medal
10th All Around
7th on Bars
7th on Beam
18th on Vault
8th on Floor

Even more impressively, Willow achieved the highest scores for Great Britain on both Beam and Bars, as well as recording a personal best on Beam!

What makes these achievements even more remarkable is Willow's incredible determination and resilience. The competition took place exactly six months after she broke her toe, an injury that required two surgeries and a lengthy rehabilitation. To return to gymnastics and compete at such a high level on the international stage is a truly inspirational achievement.

To round off an already fantastic year, Willow was also awarded Gymnast of the Year at her final Devon Squad session, recognising her exceptional dedication, hard work and commitment to the sport.

Willow is a wonderful example of what can be achieved through perseverance, ambition and determination. Everyone at Torquay Academy is immensely proud of her achievements, and we cannot wait to see what she accomplishes next!

Congratulations, Willow! What an incredible achievement!

principal's bronze certificates

This week, I awarded our first principals' bronze certificates of the year. Congratulations to Ruby Brooks, Heidi Giffard, Poppy Kendall, Charlie Durrant, Erin Greenhalgh & Evie Macfarlane, who are all in Year 7.

A Fantastic Night of Live Music at Arena Torquay

On Wednesday 4th November, Arena Torquay played host to five of our Sixth Form bands for a fantastic evening of live music, open to the public as part of the students' UAL Project 1. With 150 family members, friends and music fans in attendance, it was a busy night and a brilliant opportunity for our students to showcase their hard work. If these performances are anything to go by, the benchmark has been set incredibly high.

Opening the evening, resident Year 13 band Flare delivered a polished acoustic set, featuring music from Bruno Mars and Tina Turner. Flare have been busy gigging across the South West for nearly a year and are now performing almost every weekend. If you get the chance to catch these incredibly talented youngsters, please do!

Next up, acoustic duo Double Echo treated the audience to a selection of classics from Sam Fender, Wheatus and Noah Kahan. With soaring harmonies and fantastic on-stage chemistry, Kirah and Summer have developed into a formidable act. They're also regulars on the local gig circuit, so keep an eye out for their next performance!

Following the Year 13s, our two Year 12 bands took to the stage with a pair of fantastic, funk-filled performances, featuring tracks from Olivia Dean, Maroon 5 and more. Both groups stepped up the energy, bringing incredible stage presence and keeping the momentum going throughout the evening. These guys are new onto the course, but did not look at all out of place, with such assured performances, we feel so lucky to have all of this talent in our lower sixth.

Closing the night, our final Year 13 band – featuring three-quarters of last year's Devon Schools Battle of the Bands regional winners, Fluorescent State, in a new configuration – delivered a blistering set packed with riffs and punk-rock energy. With Sam Johns taking on bass and Oliver Jones stepping into the lead vocalist role, they certainly knew how to finish the evening in style!

What an incredible night, and a huge testament to the talent, commitment and hard work of our students.

A massive shout-out to all five bands who performed, our Music Technology students who took responsibility for the technical production throughout the evening, and our DJs Dan Coda (Eales) and JP for keeping the atmosphere going.

A big thank you also to everyone who came along to support the students and, of course, to Arena Torquay for hosting us.

We can't wait to do it all again at Easter!

Y7 Netball

Two of our Year 7 Netball Academy teams took part in the county CVL on Tuesday. Both teams scored lots of goals and represented Team TA to an extremely high standard. Well done all!

Year 7 Netball Academy:

Aaliyah, Aggie, Millie, Millie, Skyla, Olivia, Poppy, Ariana, Rosie, Meadow, Kiana, Jaime-Leigh, Ruby, Ruby, Anna, Mariella

DofE Silver Qualifying Expedition

On Friday 16th October twenty-eight of our year 11 students set off on their DofE Silver Qualifying Expedition. The expedition was over three days and two nights camping, and the students carried all their kit they needed for the event.

With the chance of showers, the students set off from school Friday morning excited at their challenge. After a briefing on their routes, the five teams set off in staggered starts from Shaugh Bridge. Their destination was Harford Campsite, north of Ivybridge, where they would be spending the night.

Four of the teams were taking a moorland route, following a section of the Dartmoor Way, via scenic Cadover Bridge, to leave the moor at East Rook Gate. Thankfully the weather brightened up, and navigation proved to be less difficult than in previous years.

The remaining team were taking a lower level route, through Shaugh Prior and using footpaths to get to Cornwood before striking out through lanes to the campsite.

All teams made camp before darkness. Each of them walking in excess of fifteen kilometres and all very successful in their navigation skills. After setting up tents each team set to work cooking their meals in the Trangia stoves. With some well earned energy replenished via various pasta and rice dishes, the tired teams were pleased to turn in early to sleep for the night.

Day 2 started with a beautiful sunrise over the moor and the students cooking their breakfasts. Today was to be their most challenging hike, with each teams planned routes to Brixton campsite covering in excess of twenty kilometres and all.

The teams were ready to leave camp by ten o’clock and once again analysed their routes before setting off. Each team has planned each days hike and their routes had to be about seven hours each day; as per the DofE expedition rules.

All the teams routes went through Ivybridge and safely took footpaths under or over the A38. After that the teams followed very different paths. One team headed east of Ivybridge, out to Lee Mill. Another took a route west of Ermington and the others headed more direct towards Yealmpton. Each team were taking in some stunning South Hams scenery on a nice sunny day. With heavy rucksacks and a whole day walking it was impressive that many of the students remarked on the lovely views when the staff encountered them.

All teams successfully made it to the campsite at Brixton. But it had been a challenging day! The team that had followed the route to the west of Ermington walked the longest route - approximately twenty-five kilometres - and navigated extremely well. However after nearly eight hours hiking were very tired and made camp at dusk. Each team had really pushed themselves and had excelled in navigation skills, and showed fantastic determination and resilience to complete their routes.

After a well-deserved dinner, the teams slept soundly following their Day 2 Herculean efforts!

Day 3 arrived and the students were excited and relieved that it was the final push. Their routes largely followed the Erne-Plym trail, some teams heading to the coast at Wembury, others further west towards Heybrook Bay. All the teams had a planned route of around fifteen kilometres, with the end point at Mount Batten breakwater.

With some feeling the effects of the previous day's hike, it was a difficult hike for the teams. The beautiful coastal scenery and bright sunshine raised morale somewhat , but the sore feet and heavy rucksacks possibly affected their appreciation of the stunning views!

Despite this, each team successfully made it to their destination. A fantastic achievement, having carried all their kit over three days and covering an overall distance of around fifty kilometres!

A huge thank you to the staff - Miss Baker, Miss Coull, Mr Whelan, Dr Jones, Mr Cawood, and Mr Adams - who ensured the expedition was safe and enjoyable for our students. And our warmest congratulations to the following students: Heidi Bowers, Imogen Clifford, Annie Briggs-Aldous, Alexa Lyons, Molly Hollomby, Lauren Harbutt, Emily Lock, Naomi Szyszka, Tanya Neill, Matthew Campan, Anastasiia Tukilush, Emily Cowan, Aleta Stojic, Reuben Harrison, Lewis Collett, Zak Haridi, Mia Hawkes, Will Wrathall, Anya Cosslett, Millie Russell, Mollie Longthorpe, Ed Rackley, James Beer, Ivan Masliakovas, Gustaw Adamczak, Jonathan Siuchninski, Riain Leal.

Sixth Form Music Secret Show

Our incredible sixth form music students finished the half term with an intimate 'secret' show for some of our lucky year 7's ahead of the first live gig of their course. Four bands performed a set of covers with contemporary music spanning Raye, Olivia Dean, Keo amongst others.

These talented students will be performing at Arena Torquay, Wednesday 4th November at 7pm for their first assessed performance of the year, entry is free and everyone is welcome - expect a varied night of DJ's, acoustic acts, soul and rock.

Steve Darling MP visit to TA’s DofE provision

On the Friday before the half term holiday we were pleased to welcome the Member of Parliament for Torbay, Steve Darling. Steve’s visit was focusing on how we support our students in undertaking their Duke of Edinburgh Awards.

We were able to showcase many extra-curricular activities that we offer here at TA, all of which count towards the sections of DofE awards. It was more of a privilege to welcome him as it was the only MP visit to a school offering DofE across the whole South West Region.

During Steve’s visit, who was accompanied by the regional DofE Operations Officer, Sophia King, he observed activities demonstrated by our students that count as Skills, Volunteering, Physical and Expedition activities for DofE. The visit took on the format of a mini tour, organised by our DofE Manager, Mr Adams, and capably led by two of our sixth formers, Lewis Watt and Grace Halsey. Both Lewis and Grace have been involved in DofE awards since Year 9, both having completed their Bronze and Silver awards and currently at different stages of their Gold awards.

Lewis and Grace proved to be exceptional ‘hosts’ talking eloquently about their DofE experiences and how the school has supported them throughout.

The first stand Steve was led to was a First Aid demonstration of CPR techniques. Julia Tatarynowicz and Noah Butler, both from our Sixth Form, explained how First Aid can count as a DofE Skill section activity and they discussed with the MP how all our CCF cadets learn First Aid and how it is firmly incorporated as a regular activity within our Personal Development days. Steve Darling was impressed by the CPR demonstration, and agreed wholeheartedly when both Julia and Noah said they felt everyone should learn some First Aid, as you never know when you might need to use those skills.

The next stand showcased how the students experience quality Expedition training and attend first rate DofE expeditions, led by TA staff. Year 12 students Neve Lithgow, Indy Evans and Harrison Harkin talked Steve through the requirements for DofE Bronze and Silver expeditions, and shared their expedition experiences. Lewis, having been through the DofE Gold expedition journey last academic year, gave Steve an account of his experiences on Dartmoor, in the Brecon Beacons, Snowdonia and the Lake District. The MP was visibly impressed with the DofE Expedition offer here at TA, and with how confidently and eloquently our students presented.

Grace and Lewis led Steve on to the next activity we were showcasing. This was an activity that counts towards the DofE Physical section - climbing. Steve was impressed by the fact our school boasts its own climbing wall. Another of our sixth formers, Hayden Halsey, talked with Steve about how he is a member of the school climbing club and how he has used this experience for his DofE Bronze and Silver Physical sections. Hayden talked about how climbing has helped him not only with his physical fitness but developed problem solving skills and increased his confidence overall.

The final stand that Steve observed was our Flight Simulators. Harrison Davies and Sam Johns demonstrated the simulators, that are platformed on X-Box consoles, with foot pedal rudder and joystick controls. Harrison, of Year 13, explained how the simulators were a mandatory part of our CCF RAF Cadets ‘ground school’ training prior to the cadets actually getting Air Experience Flights at RAF St Mawgan or MOD Boscombe Down. Sam (Year 12), talked about how the Flight Simulators and Flying can count as a DofE Skill. Both boys told the MP of their CCF cadet experiences and how they both hold cadet NCO ranks that can count towards the DofE Volunteering sections.

Overall, it was a delight to show our local MP around our school, showcasing our extra curricular offer, that rivals that of many private schools. And it was a privilege to see how professionally and confidently our Sixth Form students hosted and presented to their local MP about their own DofE experiences.

Sixth Form Music: Music Industry Q & A

On Wednesday 4th November, ahead of their evening performance, our Sixth Form Music students visited Arena Torquay for an industry discussion and Q&A session with Jaylaan and Adam from the Arena team.

The students were given a fascinating insight into the venue's history, construction and installation, before exploring some of the wider challenges of working within the live music industry. Topics included event marketing, promoting live music and, importantly, how emerging bands can best market themselves and build their profile.

The session provided some excellent industry advice, practical pointers and valuable insight into the realities of working in the music industry, helping students to develop their understanding beyond the classroom.

A huge thank you to Jaylaan, Adam and everyone at Arena Torquay for facilitating such an informative and engaging session and taking the time to share their experience with our students.

Fun Friday: Bingo, Sweet Guesswork and Karaoke!

There was plenty of fun and friendly competition across Torquay Academy this Fun Friday, with students enjoying a range of activities to round off another busy week.

Year 7 tested their luck with Bingo, eagerly waiting for their numbers to be called as they tried to complete their cards and claim victory.

Year 8 put their estimation skills to the test with Sweets in a Jar, taking their best guesses at how many sweets were hidden inside. It was a simple but entertaining challenge that encouraged plenty of careful thinking!

Meanwhile, Years 9 and 10 took centre stage for Karaoke, with students having the opportunity to grab the microphone, sing along to their favourite songs and enjoy some musical fun with their friends.

Fun Friday continues to be a fantastic way to celebrate our students' hard work and positive attitudes throughout the week. Whether testing their luck, making their best guesses or enjoying some music, these activities help bring our school community together and provide a lovely end to the week.

Year 7 Orienteering

This week, 7Q9 have been doing Orienteering in PE with Mrs Abraham. This is a combination of traditional orienteering using maps to find designated checkpoints and using the climbing wall. On the climbing wall we have been focussing on working together with a partner to help and support each other on the wall. This includes working on our communication skills to assist where to place our hands and feet, encouraging each other when challenges arise, and celebrating each others successes. It has been so much fun, and the students really pushed themselves out of their comfort zones, and the weather was kind to us! Well done 7Q9, a fantastic lesson!

Year 11s create delicious pavlovas

11C produced some incredible results today with their pavlovas and spun sugar decorations in preperation for their GCSE hospitality and catering exam.

Year 7 food technology

Some amazing cheese and bacon scones produced by 7t6 on Friday afternoon! Amazing group of students who cooked and cleaned very well! Thank you for your hard work, enjoy your scones!

Budding Y9 Architects in Construction!

This week, our Construction students have been developing their architectural drawing skills as part of their building design project.

Students have been learning how to produce accurate architectural floor plans, developing their understanding of scale and how to use specialist architectural scale rulers. They have also been practising how to draw walls, doors and windows, as well as using architectural templates to add fixtures and fittings such as sinks, toilets and other essential features.

These are important skills used by architects and designers in the construction industry to communicate their ideas and bring building designs to life.

It has been fantastic to see students developing their technical drawing skills, gaining confidence and beginning to turn their design ideas into professional-looking architectural plans.

Well done to all our budding architects!

Dias De Los Muertos

Our Lower E corridor has been transformed with a colourful Day of the Dead altar, created by Miss Flynn’s Art Club students and 7T8!

Students explored traditional Mexican art and symbolism, using their knowledge of colour theory to decorate skeletons and create sugar skulls with vibrant oil pastels and watercolour resist techniques. They also experimented with sgraffito to design and create their own decorative papel picado (bunting), adding pattern, colour and personality to the display.

A special shout-out to Theo Hogan who created an eye-catching gem art sugar skull to take pride of place as the centrepiece of our altar!

A fantastic collaborative effort celebrating creativity, culture and some brilliant artistic skills!