Remote Controlled Car Podium Finishes, Live Firing & Future Yearbook Stars

Early Starts & Podium Finishes: Our Remote Control Motorsport Team Crushes Their Debut

An alarm clock ringing at 4:30 AM is rarely a welcome sound, but this week, it was the start of an unforgettable adventure.

At precisely 4:55 AM, the Radio-Controlled (RC) Car Division of our school motorsport team set off for De Montfort University in Leicester. We were heading into our very first competitive event—a well-established racing series filled with seasoned, experienced teams.

Our official strategy going in? Keep expectations modest, soak up the electric atmosphere, and learn as much as we possibly could.

We had practised hard in the weeks leading up to the event, but we were flying blind. We didn't know the standard of the competition, nor did we fully understand the intense demands of the track. But once we arrived and finalised our race strategies, it was time to find out.

Qualifying: The Power of "Slow and Steady"

As soon as the qualifying rounds began, the team had a massive lightbulb moment.

The track was unforgiving. We quickly realized that outright speed took a backseat to precision. Every single crash meant a devastating loss of time and required a marshal to manually reset the car.

Pivoting instantly, our drivers adapted. They chose a disciplined, clean approach over risky acceleration. The strategy paid off beautifully:

Team Broome qualified in a spectacular 5th place.
Team Hocking was hot on their heels, qualifying in 6th place.

For a first-ever attempt against veteran teams, this was an absolute dream start.

Beyond the Track: A Taste of University Life

With the cars qualifying strongly, the midday break was used for battery replenishment—for both the cars and the students.

After enjoying a complimentary lunch, the team was treated to an eye-opening tour of the De Montfort University campus. For the majority of our students, this was their very first taste of a Higher Education establishment. Walking the campus grounds didn't just break up the tension of race day; it sparked a lot of excitement about what their own futures could look like.

The Grand Prix: Strategic Brilliance

Refueled and recharged, the focus shifted to the main event: a grueling 25-minute Grand Prix featuring a mandatory, high-pressure battery change pit stop.

As the green light flashed, both of our cars executed our game plan to perfection. While other teams pushed too hard and crashed out, Team Broome and Team Hocking steered clear of trouble. They prioritized consistent, clean laps at a respectable pace rather than chasing risky lap records.

When the checkered flag finally waved, the results exceeded our wildest expectations:

Team Hocking crossed the line in a fantastic 5th place!
Team Broome drove out of their skins to secure a 3rd place podium finish!

Looking Ahead

To walk away from our inaugural event with a 5th place and a podium finish is a testament to the students' hard work, adaptability, and flawless racing strategy.

Above all, a huge amount of fun was had, new friendships were forged, and the team's aspirations have skyrocketed. We didn't just learn from the experience around us—we proved that we belong on the track.

CCF Cadets Continue Training Whilst Others Experience Live Firing at RNB Chivenor

Wednesday's CCF training afternoon provided cadets with an excellent opportunity to develop both their military skills and leadership qualities.

Back at Torquay Academy, cadets concentrated on refining and perfecting their drill movements. Attention to detail, teamwork, and discipline were key themes throughout the afternoon as cadets practised their movements in preparation for future ceremonial events and parades. Alongside drill, cadets took part in leadership training exercises designed to develop confidence, communication, decision-making, and teamwork skills.

Meanwhile, 25 cadets travelled to Royal Navy Base Chivenor to participate in a Live Firing Marksmanship Training (LFMT) day. For many cadets, this was their first experience of live firing with the Cadet L98A2 Rifle on the 25-metre range.

Following comprehensive safety briefings and coaching from qualified instructors, cadets demonstrated excellent discipline and professionalism throughout the day. The opportunity to fire live rounds allowed cadets to put into practice the marksmanship principles and weapon handling skills they have been learning during their training.

The day was a great success, with cadets gaining valuable experience, building confidence, and further developing the skills and values that are central to the Combined Cadet Force. Staff were particularly impressed with the maturity, enthusiasm, and high standards displayed by all those who attended.

Well done to all cadets involved.

Making History: Year 10 Launch Quest for the Ultimate TA Yearbook!

While yearbook planning usually waits until the final frantic months of school, our current Year 10 students are already getting way ahead of the game. They have one clear, ambitious mission: to make their future yearbook the absolute best one TA has ever seen.

To kick things off, students were invited to formally apply for a coveted spot on the Yearbook Committee. The goal was to build a dedicated team capable of shaping a book that truly represents every single student in the year group.

We are thrilled to announce that Molly and Oscar have been appointed as the official Team Leaders! They will be overseeing the creative efforts of a fantastic crew of students who were selected to join the committee.

Going Global for Inspiration

To ensure their ideas were truly next-level, Molly and Oscar decided to look across the Atlantic. Yearbook culture is a massive tradition in America, so our team leaders jumped on an international video call with their equivalent counterpart at Wetumpka High School in Alabama!

This cross-continental brainstorming session was an absolute game-changer. Molly and Oscar picked up brilliant, tried-and-tested American yearbook strategies to blend with their own unique ideas.

Our Vision for the TA Yearbook

By starting the process an entire year early, the team is ensuring the final book will be:

Truly Inclusive: Capturing the unique spirit, jokes, and memories of every single student in the year group.
A Visual Masterpiece: Utilizing top-tier design ideas inspired by international traditions.
A Time Capsule of Joy: Creating a rich source of happiness that will rekindle fond memories for decades to come.

Watch This Space!

By the time this year group reaches the end of Year 11, they won't just have a book of photos—they will have a masterpiece of shared memories. Massive congratulations to Molly, Oscar, and the rest of the lucky committee members.

Miss Berry's Tutor Group

Year 9s are enjoying their last few weeks together as a tutor group before they move on to Year 10 and their new groups.

Mrs Berry could not be more proud of the 9P. They have spent the last 3 years together building strong routines. Each morning starts with a DO NOW to practice basic Maths skills. Mrs Berry has also taken part in 'brain training' when checking answers, with students timing her to see how quickly she can complete the questions! This is followed each day by an equipment check. 9P are so good at this that they starred in the training video for other tutor groups.

This year they have also been preparing for their Religious Studies GCSE which they will sit this time next year and have been focusing this term on crime and punishment. In all such learning activities, including RS, PSHE and Personal Development days, the members of 9P have really impressed with their ability to engage in mature and insightful discussions.

They have read a number of books together over the years and are now enjoying 'Gone' by Michael Grant; a dystopian novel in a world where all the adults have disappeared and some children have special powers. Some may consider this a perfect world but others are not so sure!

Additionally, this week Olly Bell has organised a World Cup sweepstake, where those with teams that make it to the final with win some sweets. Good job, Olly!

Each Friday, the successes of the students are celebrated and certificates awarded. Choosing the stars each week is no easy task with so many students that are superstars every single week of the year. 9P you are all absolute legends and Mrs Berry is going to miss you all very much!

Fun Friday Brings More Smiles Across the Academy

Another Friday brought another fantastic set of Fun Friday activities, giving students the chance to enjoy some friendly competition, win prizes, and end the week on a high.

Year 7 students took part in the ever-popular Higher or Lower challenge. With each new card revealed, excitement grew as students tried to predict whether the next number would be higher or lower. There were plenty of cheers, groans, and celebrations as the game unfolded.

Year 8 put their estimating skills to the test with Sweets in the Jar. Students carefully studied the jar, debated their guesses with friends, and hoped their estimate would be the closest. The competition was fierce, with some impressively accurate predictions.

Meanwhile, Year 9 also enjoyed a round of Higher or Lower, with students eagerly taking part and trying their luck as the numbers climbed and fell. The simple format created plenty of excitement and a great atmosphere throughout lunchtime.

Fun Friday continues to be a fantastic opportunity for students to connect with friends, enjoy some healthy competition, and celebrate the end of another successful week at Torquay Academy.

A big thank you to all staff involved in organising the activities, and congratulations to all of our winners!