Netball National Finalists, Community Breakfast & Cadet Excellence

u14 netball national finals

What a phenomenal achievement for the U14 TA netball squad to reach the Final Four of the SIS National Competition.

The prestigious finals event took place at Loughborough University, bringing together the top four school teams in the country. The squad knew that competing at this level would present their toughest challenge yet, but they embraced the opportunity with excitement and determination. All the hard work, intense training, planning and preparation leading up to the event ensured the team arrived focused and ready to compete.

TA faced Whitby High School in the National Semi-Final, with nerves understandably high on both sides. It was a fiercely contested match that demonstrated exactly why both teams had earned their place among the top four. The standard of play was exceptional, with both sides applying relentless pressure and battling for every ball in a thrilling end-to-end encounter.

TA settled well and managed to edge ahead, taking a three-goal lead into half time. However, their opponents refused to give up and gradually shifted the momentum, drawing the scores level with just minutes remaining. Showing incredible composure and resilience, TA dug deep defensively to secure crucial turnovers and disrupt the opposition’s rhythm. With calm decision-making through court and confident shooting under pressure, the team managed to regain control. In the closing moments TA took a one-goal lead and defended their final play with determination, securing a dramatic 16–15 victory and a place in the National Final. It was a moment of pure excitement and a thoroughly deserved achievement.

With a couple of hours before the final, the squad took time to reflect on their semi-final performance and reset mentally. Remaining focused, they discussed their game plan and prepared themselves for the final challenge of the day.

The team stepped onto court for the National Final full of positivity and determination. The opposition proved to be an exceptionally strong and well-drilled side. TA matched them goal for goal during the first half in another high-quality contest. However, the opposition capitalised on a few small errors and gradually began to edge ahead. Despite the immense effort, determination and teamwork shown by every TA player, the squad were unable to break down their opponents’ play in the final stages, and the match ended in a narrow defeat.

While there was naturally some disappointment at falling just short of the title, the squad were quick to recognise what an extraordinary accomplishment it is to finish second in the country. This is an outstanding achievement and one that reflects the dedication, commitment and talent of every player involved.

As coaches, supporters and as a school community, we are incredibly proud of this squad and everything they have achieved this season. We look forward to watching them continue their netball journey and are excited to see what the future holds for this talented group of players.

Opposition's Players' of the Matches: Madison Wood & Seren Chadwick

Players' Player of the Day: Matilda Thorner

Coach's Player of the Day: Isla Bryant

Squad: Zenna Venter, Elena Bolton, Eva Thompson, Seren Chadwick, Madison Wood (VC), Isla Bryant, Emilee Fenner, Matilda Thorner (C), Lily Langler

A note from the Captain, Matilda Thorner:

What a pleasure it has been to captain the U14 team through the national finals. We started strong, winning our first match, giving us a huge confidence boost. We went into the second match confident and prepared to win. We put everything we had into our final game and came out with overall second place. Amazing girls!!

A note from the Vice Captain, Madison Wood:

Stepping onto the court at the National Final 4 was a challenge, but we managed to push through. After months of practice, we finally found ourselves competing against the best in the country. It was a day of intense emotion and elite competition.

year 7 community breakfast

This week we held our first ever Year 7 Community Breakfast. The idea is simple: students sit together, share breakfast and talk. But the impact can be powerful.

Each tutor group nominated two Community Breakfast Leaders, who collected the breakfast and served their peers, helping create a community atmosphere around the tables. Each tutor group was joined by their tutor, Head of House and sixth form house ambassador.

Across the room, students who might not usually speak to each other shared food and conversation. While discussing this week's discussion topics: Would you rather travel to the past or the future? And Would you rather explore the deep ocean or outer space? They practised listening carefully, making eye contact and asking thoughtful follow-up questions.

We finished with appreciations, where students stood and publicly thanked someone in their year group or recognised something positive. The canteen area fell completely silent as everyone listened.

This week's breakfast recognised tutor groups who have shown excellent punctuality to school and lessons. The four groups invited had the lowest combined number of minutes late across the year group. The houses represented were Brunel, Pengelly, Fawcett and Kitson, all placing among the top for punctuality.

In total, 120 Year 7 students took part this week.

Moments like this matter. Sharing food, conversation and appreciation helps young people build confidence, strengthen friendships and develop a sense of belonging.

Miss Pappin and Miss Essam-Wood are already looking forward to breakfast next week!

CCF Biannual Inspection

Torquay Academy’s Combined Cadet Force recently welcomed Colonel Guest, Colonel Cadets Southwest, who attended as the School Reviewing Officer for our biannual inspection.

Upon arrival, Colonel Guest was formally greeted by the senior cadets before moving to the Principal’s conference room where a short briefing was delivered outlining the structure of the contingent, the current training programme, and the important role the CCF plays within the school.

Following the briefing, the inspecting party moved around a series of nine activity stands, each designed to showcase the breadth of training our cadets experience. Importantly, the evening was led by the cadets themselves, with Cadet NCOs taking the lead in delivering and explaining each activity.

The activities included drone operation, camouflage and concealment, leadership training, the climbing wall, drill, first aid, flight simulators and air rifle training. Each stand demonstrated not only the practical skills cadets develop but also their confidence, leadership, and ability to instruct others.

Throughout the visit, Colonel Guest took time to speak directly with cadets from across the contingent. Our cadets gave an excellent account of themselves, confidently explaining their training, the opportunities available through the cadet programme, and the impact it has had on their personal development during their time at Torquay Academy.

The aim of the inspection evening was not simply to put on a display, but to provide an authentic insight into what we do week in and week out within the cadet programme. By allowing cadets to lead the delivery of the activities, the reviewing officer was able to see first-hand the enthusiasm, skills, and leadership that the cadet experience develops.

We are extremely proud of how all cadets conducted themselves throughout the evening and the professionalism shown by our Cadet NCO team in leading the activities.

Finally, a sincere thank you goes to the dedicated cadet staff and volunteers whose continued support, preparation, and commitment make opportunities like this possible for our cadets.

Well done to everyone involved in making the inspection such a success.

Royal Naval Base Chivenor CAMP

45 Year 8 cadets set off for Royal Naval Base Chivenor to take part in a two-day tactical exercise.

After arrival, the cadets received their safety brief, issued kit, and their first task. They were required to construct two-person shelters in preparation for a night in the field. While the forecast suggested a clear night under the stars, the reality was wet and windy conditions. Despite the challenging weather, the cadets rose to the occasion, building shelters capable of withstanding the wind and rain.

Once settled, cadets were issued MOD ORP ration packs, giving them the opportunity to cook their own evening meal in the field.

With darkness approaching, a new set of orders was issued. Cadets were tasked to patrol from the harbour area to an observation point, gathering intelligence on a potential enemy force operating nearby.

The following day focused on fieldcraft training, including:

Camouflage and concealment
Why things are seen in the field
Stalking techniques
Hand signals and silent communication

All of these skills were later used in their final practical exercise, allowing cadets to apply their learning in a realistic tactical scenario.

Adult Volunteers Wanted

We are always looking for enthusiastic adult volunteers to join our Cadet Force team. Supporting the cadets is incredibly rewarding and helps develop the next generation of confident, capable young people.

If you would like to find out more about getting involved, please contact the School Staff Instructor (SSI), Capt Simon “Slim” Cawood: ccf@tqacademy.co.uk

Previous military experience is an advantage but not essential, just enthusiasm and a willingness to support and mentor our cadets.

world book day

We really enjoyed celebrating our love of reading on World Book Day this year. Many of Year 7 took part in the book cover treasure hunt and the library saw lots of new readers and borrowers which was fantastic. Thank you to tutors who ran the higher or lower book title game in P1 and also for promoting the importance of reading and future careers. A huge thank you to the English department, who decorated their doors in the style of a loved book and to those who dressed up to really create that sense of fun that we value so highly here at TA!

A trip of a lifetime

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Over the Easter break, ten students from our Year 10 Greenpower team will embark on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure to Alabama; a journey that transcends education, culture, employability, and fun. Over the course of this action-packed 12-day experience, participants will develop invaluable skills and knowledge that will stay with them for a lifetime.

With four weeks still to go, the team has already been busy building bridges with the American students they'll be joining stateside. Each student has been paired with two distinct groups: an elementary school class, where they will serve as classroom assistants for a day, and a local Greenpower team, joining forces to compete in the prestigious War Eagle Greenpower Grand Prix.

The group has already participated in around 40 Zoom calls over the last few weeks. This has been a fantastic opportunity to sharpen the "soft skills" that are so vital for future interviews and presentations. In the video below, you can see Emily reading a book to her class at Holtville Elementary School as part of their World Book Day celebrations.

DofE Volunteering - 'Life on the Edge' conservation project

Following on from their successful trip to Berry Head a couple of weeks ago, to undertake vegetation clearance to provide habitat for important insects and invertebrates, our DofE Bronze and Silver students commenced the school based Wild Flower Meadow Creation phase of the project here at TA. This part of the project again has the aim of creating important habitat for insects and invertebrates vital for maintaining vital ecosystems.

Prior to the practical work the students had to choose a site to create the meadow. They decided on a site close to the car park, hopefully to create a beautiful area that staff and visitors can enjoy when they arrive at TA. In previous weeks the students had built bug boxes under the guidance of Life on The Edge (LotE) and Taleblazers staff. These will be placed in the chosen site to provide habitat for insects and invertebrates. And the wildflowers our students are planting will be pollinated by these invertebrates and provide them food.

Last Thursday the students began preparing the site for sowing the wild flower seeds. LotE staff provided spades and trowels to take off the turf and prepare the soil, and shears to cut back any overhanging vegetation. Our students got stuck into the digging and clearing vegetation. They worked effectively together, with some students digging, some raking the soil, some cutting branches and some clearing soil in dumpy bags. Next week it's on to further soil preparation and planting the seeds.

Well done to the following students: Esme Poole, Lily-Jo Prior, Emelia Wood, Ava McArdle, Elena Bolton, George Garbett, Freddie Blagden, Dion Maharajan (Year 9 DofE Bronze students) Tanya Neil, Naomi Szyszka (Year 10 DofE Silver students). As well as supporting important environmental conservation in their local area, and developing new skills, this project will fulfill these students' Volunteering and Skills sections of their DofE awards.

Geography with Mr Risdon

Mr Risden's Year 10 and Year 11 GCSE Geographers have been hard at work in the classroom using whiteboards to check whole-class knowledge and understanding of Ordnance Survey (OS) maps. All students are becoming experts at reading grid references and analysing maps to describe the relief of land. The use of whiteboards gives immediate feedback to check where they need to go next with their teaching and learning. Thank you to both teaching groups, and keep up the great work - especially our Year 11s who are only 8 weeks out from their first Geography GCSE exam.

English with Miss Risk

9Q7 are very much enjoying Hamlet, the text for Cycle 3. Hamlet, Shakespeare’s most famous tragedy, tells a dark tale of murder, revenge, desire for power and a hero with a fatal flaw. Students are studying the play to act as an introduction to Macbeth, which is a GCSE set text.

The play tells the tale of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, who wants to avenge the death of his father at the hands of his wicked uncle Claudius. Unfortunately, Hamlet fails to take immediate action, which causes the death of a number of other key characters.

In addition to studying plot, themes and deciphering some of the finest soliloquies in English literature, students have learnt about: religious conflict in Elizabethan England, key concepts such as The Great Chain of Being and have developed their vocabulary with knowledge of new words such as dilemma and regicide.

Comments from the class: ‘I enjoyed the ghost episode; it’s pretty cool.’- Corey Davies, ‘I learnt that Hamlet’s hamartia is his indecisiveness.’ -Elissia Greenwood,’ It’s a good plot because Hamlet needs to get revenge for his father’s murder.’- Levi Jones, ‘Hamlet uses the definite article when he says: that is the question.‘ - Brogan Holmes Inch, ‘We learnt lots about the Renaissance and Reformation in Elizabethan England.’ - Lyra Sulley

creative writing club

Last week, the Creative Writing Club celebrated World Book Day with a trip to the Torquay Academy library. We talked about our favourite books, and our budding TA authors reflected on the stories that inspire their writing.

Our next 'Write Like A Champion' competition launched this week. Keeping 'on theme' with what students are studying in English, this competition asks students to write the opening of a play inspired by the themes of Shakespeare. The deadline is 1st April and the winner will receive a book-ish price.

Creative Writing Club meets every Wednesday break 2 and is still welcoming new members!

fun friday

Another fantastic Fun Friday brought plenty of energy, laughter and competition across the year groups.

Year 7 kicked things off with a Basketball Shootout, where students tested their shooting skills to see who could score the most baskets under pressure. The competition quickly became intense, with plenty of cheering from classmates as players stepped up to the challenge and tried to land those crucial shots.

Year 8 and Year 9 both took part in quizzes, putting their knowledge to the test across a range of topics. Teams worked together to answer the questions, with some impressive general knowledge on display and a few tricky rounds that really got everyone thinking.

Year 10 faced the classic Sweets in the Jar challenge. Students carefully studied the jar, debating estimates and trying to judge exactly how many sweets were inside. There were plenty of confident guesses, but only a few came close to the correct number.

Meanwhile, Year 11 went head-to-head in a lively tournament of Rock, Paper, Scissors. Quick reactions and a bit of luck were essential as students battled through the rounds, with the final match drawing plenty of attention from the crowd.

It was another brilliant end to the week, with students enjoying the chance to relax, compete and have fun together. We look forward to seeing what challenges await in the next Fun Friday.

learning legends

Highlighting Year 10 Art Student Talent

Year 10 students are currently concluding their textiles unit with Mrs Lynch as part of their Identity project. One of the students who has achieved a particularly high mark for her coursework is Tanya Neil.

Tanya has dedicated a great deal of extra time and effort to her work, allowing her to explore a wide variety of textile techniques and approaches. She has regularly stayed after school to experiment with specialist processes such as machine knitting, as well as other advanced fabric manipulation techniques.

Examples of Tanya’s work clearly demonstrate the depth of her investigation and how effectively she has responded to the project brief. Her commitment, creativity, and willingness to explore new techniques have enabled her to produce an impressive and thoughtful body of work.

Students of the Week

Year 7 - Elyce Turner & Alfie Thomas

Year 9 - Ollie Hallett and Rosie Bevan

Year 11 - Abigail Yau and Harry Paull

Sixth Form Netball Academy score an Record 103 goals in a phenomenal victory!

Wow – what an outstanding performance from the Sixth Form Netball Academy in their league fixture against Truro and Penwith College this week.

From the very first whistle, TA started with intensity and purpose, demonstrating exactly why they currently sit comfortably at the top of the table. Their sharp movement, confident connections and relentless energy saw them take control of the game early, building an impressive lead by the end of the first quarter.

However, the squad showed no signs of slowing down. Quarter after quarter they continued to dominate the court, converting centre passes with precision and applying immense defensive pressure that disrupted every attacking move from the opposition. TA defence forced numerous turnovers, which were swiftly transitioned through the court with speed and accuracy.

In the shooting circle, Tammy and Summer were unstoppable, calmly converting opportunity after opportunity with outstanding accuracy. The team continually challenged themselves throughout the match, setting new targets and maintaining their focus and intensity right until the final whistle.

Their exceptional teamwork, phenomenal pace of play and relentless determination resulted in an incredible 103 goals scored, while conceding just 14 goals.

This is truly a remarkable achievement. In many years of both coaching and playing netball, I have never witnessed a squad surpass the 100-goal mark in a competitive match. Once again, this team has pushed beyond expectations, making history and setting an inspiring standard for girls’ sport at TA.

Well done girls – we are beyond proud of you!

Opposition's Player: Tammy Westacott

Players' Player: Tammy Westacott & Summer Connolly

Coach's Player: Tammy Westacott

Squad: Summer Connolly, Eve Cameron, Maisy Green, Elspeth Herring, Millie Snead, Tammy Westacott (C), Ellie Stone

football tournament

What a successful tournament! We didn’t lose any matches throughout the day. Every player contributed to a high standard. Great team work and work ethic! Every player got winner medals.

prestigious diamond award

Year 7- Dolly Peart and Ruby Hand

Year 8 - Lilly-Ella Smith

governors' platinum certificates

Year 7 - Madison Trott, Mila O'Connell, Lucy-May Stevens, Bogdan Piasta, Charlie Pearson, Issac Churchill, Baran Sular, Lincoln Weston, Scarlet Seton, Alya al Ali, Sienna Thomas and Heni Ujj

Year 8 - Myla Thomas

governors' gold certificates

Year 7 - Sid Walters, Daniel Ibell, Alfie King, Ruby Ward, Benji Kittow, Meelie Harvey, Aimee Byrne, Immy Weeks, Amelia Syms and Corey Watt

Year 8 - Charlie Skinner, Karen Shaju and Karim Taha

Year 9 - Christopher Csapo, Jessica Stoyle, Catherine Ramesh Mani, Emily Bowden, Alexa McCarthy, Summer Reed and Jesse Isemede

governors' silver certificates

Year 7 - Cody Aguilana, Angelina Bassett, Logan Mansell, Beau Luker-Hulme, Remy Beaumont Gray, Max Watkins, Mason Bond, Callan Woodward, Arthur Williams, Max Newman, Ludo Mudge, Elijah Benson, Elias Abbott, Echo Williams and Roni Bates

Year 8 - Georgina Morton, Kobe Laker, Poppy Pope, Tyler Fudge, Rocco D'Alessandro, Braxton Biggs, Jacob Hicks and Emilie Cutmore

Year 9 - Ava McArdle, Max Kapusta, Jessica Ferguson, Jax Biagott, Leo Shaw, Florence Botten and Lucy French

governors' bronze certificates

Year 7 - Elyce Turner, Jaiden Wragg, Aaleeah Craig, Isabella Hughes, Marcus Feasey, Archie Faulkes, Evie Allington, Florence Potter, Harley Sims, Luke Drew-Stevenson, Luca Chadwick, Josh Pitman, Taylor Norgaard-Welsh, Fran Mildren, Amelia Lyons, James Broom, Svetlin Yordanov, Amelia Drew, Awa Camara, Charles Hepburn, Lacey Dennett, Ruby Sambrook, Maddison Pearse, Freddie Farrell, Isaac Bond, Sivaganga Renjith, Donatella Manyimo, Indie Kenyon, Jaxon Bedford Laity, Ella Austin and Kimberley Madge

Year 8 - Megan Bushell-Sneap, Freddy Bonner, Dee Davies, Cole Washington, Finley Thompson, Sophia Houghton, Joe Matthews, George Tonks, Millie Beamish, Poppy Cosh, Dylan McDonald, Autumn Dakin, Gergo Rammer and Nevaeh Piri-Sadigh

Year 9 - Jenson Tandy, Oscar Deegan, Keylan Hodgson, James Cosh and Charlie Berry

Principal’s gold certificates

Year 7 - Martha Wilcox, Alfie Bortoli, Isaac Bell, Joseph Spicer. Romeo Collins-Perry, Iris Blurton, Alfie Thomas, Naomi Hering, Mia Carter, Oscar Crofts, Oakley Wise and Oscar Bowyer

Year 8 - Caelan O'Gorman, Libby Pell, Caleb Drein, Brooke Dennett, Charlie Courtier, Mason Beardsley, Lexi Johnson, Skyla-Rose Whitfield, Zac Retter, Kaiden Ilhan, Ruben Tidball, Toby Roadnight, Riley Piercy, Neave Heavens, Jacob Purdie, Jacob Caldwell, Kai Cornish, Maddie Mack and Willow-Mae Calland

Year 9 - Jessica Munnangi, Lily Hubbard, Elizabeth Francis, Seraphina Rozier, Rudy Abdulla, Calum Carpenter, Harry Evans, Rosco Biagott, Allen Burns-Muir, Keeley-Mae Moran, Elissia Greenwood and Darcy Dainton

Year 10 - Ollie Martin

Principal’s silver certificates

Year 7 - James Cooper-Darby, Karolina Marsalkaite, Diana Pestana, David Ujj, Jack Harris, Henry Corderoy, Oliver Pell, Leila Wagstaffe, Leo Limmer, Ben Stone and Faith Jelley

Year 8 - Myah Bishop, Jasmine Roberts, Millie Porter, Isobel Dowell, Ethan Eales, Cian McHugh, Arya Kelly, Poppy Hewings, Willow Waugh, Josh Cainey, Libby Rycroft, Alex Skorzewski and Skye Beesley

Year 9 - William New, Benjamin Cowie, Cole Coussell, Freya Brown, Xanthe Tyson, Ted Dudley, Esme Poole, Jacob Wakefield, Alfie Williams, Emelia Wood, Archie Phillips, Ellie Palmer, Summer Dockrey, Ruby Turner, Theo Slater, Daisy-Mae Rees and Toby Preston

Year 10 - Olivia Pope, Bella Hobbin-Mills, Alfie Spicer and George Evans

Year 11 - Analais Biggs and Amy Rogers

Principal’s Bronze certificates

Year 7 - Bryan Marshall and Evelyn Mariam Roney

Year 8 - Darcie Mae Finch, Lilly Porter and Max Bovey

Year 9 - Niah Slowley, Tate Reynolds, Freddie Wallis, Poppy Haslett, Jack Parton, Sophia Blake, Laila Mills, Hadassah Inturi, May McDonough, Lilly-Rose Haughton, Oaklie Chancellor, Mia Piewiszko and Freddie Bowerbank