Torquay Academy

house sport

This week, students in Years 7-9 competed in Sport House Competitions, to earn points for their house. All of the students wore their PE kit to school and participated brilliantly in either Tag Rugby, Netball, Dodgeball or Benchball.

As always, competition was fierce, but our students conducted themselves with hard work, integrity and pride throughout and had fun!

Well done to all who took part, and the brilliant PE team for organising and running another successful event.

Guides Reaching New Heights

Before Christmas, Miss Lewis was kind enough to let the Guides on the trampolines! The girls had an amazing time, being taught everything from safety on the trampolines to some quite tricky routines. The girls all had a great time and showed off some amazing skills.

Building Bonds: The Success of Big Brothers and Big Sisters

I am incredibly proud of how our Sixth Form mentors have truly taken their mentees under their wings this term. Our Big Brothers and Big Sisters program has gone from strength to strength this term, fostering connections that go far beyond the classroom.

We’ve had a packed schedule of activities designed to spark joy and connection. This term alone, our pairs have participated in: Creative sessions like slime making, baking, cooking, and colouring; active play through various sports and energetic activities and quality time during board game sessions and dedicated "chat" slots.

The impact of these bonds is undeniable. We are seeing a real shift in how our lower school students enjoy and engage with school life. Having a trusted older student to look up to has helped them gain significant confidence and a greater sense of belonging.

The benefits flow both ways, too. Our Sixth Formers are not just giving back; they are significantly improving their own career skills. By leading these sessions, they are developing the leadership, empathy, and communication skills that will set them apart in future applications and interviews.

It’s been a fantastic term, and we can't wait to see these relationships continue to flourish!

Year 8 Harrison

House Student of the Week, George, celebrating in true Harrison Hornet style whilst  visiting other Harrison year groups to award the next student their award. 

Secret Santa also came to Harrison to give the students an early Christmas surprise to open.

Science with mr lennon

Students in Year 9 were able to label themselves to where their hormone secreting glands are, which control Homeostasis. 

Students in Year 10 used lime water to show a positive test for Carbon Dioxide when mixing metal carbonates with acids. The carbon dioxide gas was captured in the lime water which made it go from colourless to cloudy. 

Students in Year 9 had the opportunity to complete a heart dissection on a pig’s heart to identify the Atria, Ventricles, valves and major blood vessels feeding and leaving the heart. They were able to easily identify the size difference between the right hand side of the heart, which is much smaller, and the left hand side of the heart. 

GCSE Business

Students in Year 10 studying GCSE Business were tasked with ‘Adding Value’ to a basic product like a teddy bear by giving it a USP (Unique Selling Point) and justifying its price by performing some secondary market research.

more success for lydia

Lydia has passed Acting Ofqual Level Two Sheakspeare exam with distinction and taken part at Epta National Piano competition, where she won in the solo and duet section and qualified for the semi final in Bristol. Well done, Lydia!

Sixth Form Health and Social Care Visit to South Devon University Centre

Year 12 and 13 Health and Social Care students recently took part in an engaging taster session at the University Centre at South Devon College, where they explored a range of progression routes into Nursing and other health-related careers.

Students were highly impressed by the outstanding facilities, including the £10 million simulated hospital ward featuring interactive patients. They had the opportunity to practise clinical skills such as taking pulse rates and temperatures, using a stethoscope, and comparing their findings with normal clinical values.

The visit also included time in the immersive suite, where students considered a variety of realistic scenarios through role-play activities. The Centre offers an excellent alternative pathway into a health degree, enabling students to study locally while benefiting from nearby placements and the opportunity to remain at home.

Thank you to the team at South Devon University Centre for providing such an informative and inspiring experience.

 

learning legend

Year 7 - Mylo Jury

Year 9 - Ruby Turner

fun friday

Fun Friday was back this week and brought a brilliant atmosphere across the school, with each year group enjoying their own activity at lunchtime.

Year 7 took on the always popular Sweets in the Jar, with plenty of careful guessing, quick maths and competitive spirit as students tried to get as close as possible to the correct number.

Years 8 and 9 brought the energy with Karaoke, creating a lively lunchtime full of confidence, laughter and some fantastic performances as students stepped up to the mic and cheered each other on.

Years 10 and 11 finished the week with a Quiz, putting their knowledge to the test and working in teams to battle it out for bragging rights.

Year 10 Art students explore a Textile/Fashion Uni

Another great Fun Friday that helped students connect, relax and end the week on a positive note.

Mrs Lynch’s Year 10 Art students are currently working on their Textiles Unit as part of their Identity Project.  Students are developing an exciting range of traditional textile skills, including pattern cutting, pinning and tacking, machine stitching, and garment construction. Students are given creative freedom to research and select their own artists and designers to inspire the creation of their Art Corsets and Art Waistcoats. Alongside this, students are enthusiastically exploring additional textile techniques such as fabric painting, stamping, slashing, appliqué, and embroidery to further enhance and personalise their designs. 

Each student will proudly present their completed garment later in the year as part of their end-of-unit Art exhibition, and we very much look forward to celebrating the originality, creativity, and imagination showcased in their final costumes.  

Year 7 Art Lesson inspired by natural artist Raku Inoue

As part of their ‘Bugs and Beasties’ unit, Year 7 Art students have been exploring the work of mixed-media artist Raku Inoue to inspire their own creative outcomes.

 Raku Inoue is a Montreal-based multidisciplinary artist, best known for his Natura Insects series, in which he creates intricate sculptures of beetles, butterflies, and other insects using raw botanical materials. The students were invited to explore the art garden to collect a variety of leaves and foliage, which they then used to construct their own Raku-inspired natural art creations. This Do Now activity with class 7T5 saw students fully engaged, enthusiastic, and excited to work creatively with natural materials. Mrs Lynch was delighted with the students’ hard work, imagination, and positive energy throughout the task.  

food technology

This week in lessons, students across the school have demonstrated an excellent attitude to learning, showing real hard work, integrity, and pride in everything they have done. Year 11 have approached their GCSE assessments and coursework with maturity and focus, while younger students have shown enthusiasm and care in practical activities. Year 7 pupils worked diligently to develop safe and effective knife skills while producing their fruit art, Year 8 experienced success when making their mac ‘n’ cheese, Year 9 took pride in producing high-quality homity pies, and Year 10 engaged thoughtfully with their learning about minerals and their properties. It has been a pleasure to see such positive behaviour, commitment, and high standards across all year groups.

dice bernado's course

Students of the Week

Year 7 - Daniel Ibell & Izzy Beer

Year 9 - Seren Panther-Glinn and Toryn Bond

Year 11 - Emilia Hunt and Kaiden Maclaren

u13 netball state schools tournament

Our U13 A squad played an incredibly high level of netball throughout the State Schools Tournament on Friday, competing against some very tough opposition. The girls showed outstanding determination in every match, connecting well on court and demonstrating excellent teamwork, with every player making a huge impact on the squad.

A fantastic win over local rivals was a real highlight of the tournament and showcased the team’s resilience and composure under pressure. The squad finished in an impressive 4th place overall, narrowly missing out on 3rd place by just one point. A brilliant effort from all involved and a performance to be proud of.   

Squad: Abigail Harkin, Eva Thompson ©, Zenna Venter, Ela Uven, Millie Skelly, Mimi Skelly, Myah Bishop, Lucy Stevenson, Ayda Snell    

Oppositions Player of the Day:  Zenna Venter 

Players Player of the Day:  Mimi Skelly / Myah Bishop

Coaches Player of the Day:  Ela Uven

u14 a team state school schools tournament

Both TA’s U14 netball teams delivered outstanding performances at the South Devon Schools Netball Tournament, achieving some excellent results throughout the day.

The A team took to the court with confidence and determination, winning all of their pool matches to progress into the Cup Tournament. They continued to showcase strong defensive pressure across the court, combined with excellent connections in attack. This consistent level of performance saw them win all but one of their Cup matches, resulting in an impressive second-place finish overall.  

Squad: Zenna Venter, Seren Chadwick, Eva Thompson, Lily Langler, Madison Wood ©, Elena Bolton, Matilda Thorner  

Players' Player of the Day: Eva Thompson   

Oppositions' Player of the Day: Madison Wood, Eva Thompson   

Coach's Player of the Day: Seren Chadwick

 

u14 b team state schools tournament

The B team matched this determination and resilience throughout the tournament. Despite facing some challenging opposition in the pool stages, they worked hard as a united squad to progress into the Plate Tournament. Their relentless effort to offer ball-side options and maintain possession highlighted just how much they have all improved. Their commitment and teamwork paid off, as they remained unbeaten in the Plate Tournament and were deservedly crowned Plate winners.  

Squad: Heidi Milner, Tia Woodward, Layla Lock, Grace Gatting, Lilly Shaw ©, Ellie-Mae Burton, Mimi Skelly, Abigail Harkin

Players 'Player of the Day: Mimi Skelly   

Opposition's Player of the Day: Ellie-Mae Burton   

Coach's Player of the Day: Ellie-Mae Burton

A fantastic achievement by both teams, who represented their schools with pride and demonstrated excellent skill, teamwork, and sportsmanship throughout.

sixth form netball

This top-of-the-table clash proved to be a true end-to-end thriller. The opposition edged into a two-goal lead going into the second quarter, but TA refused to let them run away with the game. Excellent defensive pressure through the court, combined with composed and accurate connections, saw TA pull the score back to level.

Both teams made every opportunity count, with outstanding shooting accuracy on display. It was a goal-for-goal contest throughout, keeping everyone on the edge of their seats. The intensity remained high, with TA heading into the final quarter a couple of goals down.

Determined not to let the match slip away, TA dug deep despite tiredness beginning to show. They stepped up a gear, regaining momentum at a crucial time. With minutes to go, TA’s relentless hard work and incredible teamwork were rewarded as they surged into a four-goal lead. In the closing moments, TA showed great composure, playing a smart tactical game by maintaining possession, shutting down any opportunity for the opposition to break down their play, and calmly converting possession into goals.

The final whistle confirmed a fantastic 55–51 victory for TA. An inspiring performance and outstanding netball from all involved.

Squad: Elspeth Herring, Millie Sneap, Maisy Green, Rosie Clarke, Tammy Westacott ©, Ellie Stone, Summer Connolly, Eve Cameron

Opposition's Player: Tammy Westacott

Players' Player: Tammy Westacott

Coach's Players: Ellie Stone & Summer Connolly

 

governor's platinum certificates

Year 7 - Bonnie Beedle-Grigg

Governor’s Gold certificates

Year 7 - Bonnie Beedle-Grigg and Dominic Mohacsi

Year 8 - Myles Anyon

Governor’s Silver certificates

Year 7 - Dolly Peart, Erin Cooper, Mila O'Connell, Evie Voisey, Ayva Howell and Ruby Hand

Year 8 - Sophia Hill, Myles Anon and Lilly-Ella Smith

Governor’s Bronze certificates

Year 7 - Lewis Tandy, Maisy Sellick, Freddie Osborne, Oakley Johnson, Issac Churchill, Heni Ujj, Annie Reece, Benji Kittow, Aimee Byrne, George Bailey, Sid Walters, Madison Trott, Izzy Beer, Aisha Dunkley-Kennedy, Nathan Hooper, Frankie Tait, Lucy-May Stevens, Damon Reen, Bogdan Piasta, Alya al Ali, Lincoln Weston, Baran Sular, Sienna Thomas, Scarlet Seton, Rupert Jones, Kayleigh Norgaard-Welsh, Meelie Harvey and Isla Copping

Year 8 - Isla Parsons, Erin Gayton and Charlie Skinner

 Year 9 - George Garbett, Oceana Furse and Charlotte Townsend

Principal’s Gold certificates

Year 7 - Echo Williams, Scarlett Paton, Aisha Dunkley-Kennedy, Grace Sampson, Henri Jefferies, Ruby Ward, Alya al Ali, Sienna Tucker, Corey Watt, Holly Garbett, Max Watkins, Hugo Harding-Beattie, Max Dickerson, Shia Davidson, Freddie Bullions, Phoebe Smith, Elijah Benson, Lucas Worrall, Soraya Underhill, Amelia Syms, Jamie Smyth, Malakye Harvey, Logan Mansell, Macey Horsted, Remy Beaumont Gray, Angelina Bassett, Rosie Taylor, Lilly Conley, Frankie Wilson, Kimberley Madge, Amelia Lyons, Katie Hornbrook and James Broom

Year 8 - Myla Thomas, Karim Taha, Charlie Williams-Powell, Amaris Quennell, Kamile Degutyte, Ajay Squires, Rocco D'Alessandro, Georgina Morton, Poppy Pope, Lucy Matthews, Tyler Fudge and Fi Bellamy-Hall

Year 9 - Ben Walters, Jessica Stoyle, Logan Payne, Catherine Ramesh Mani, Luke Moran, Alexa McCarthy, Seth McCann, Daisy Dorman, Christopher Csapo, Lily-Jo Prior, Jax Biagott, Alba McKechan, Max Kapusta, Florence Botten and Kobi Burness-Moakes

Principal’s Silver certificates

Year 7 - Elyce Turner, Oliver Simpson, April Corbett, Crystal Anning-Bragg, Phoebe Prior, Lacey Dennett, Aaleeah Craig, Riley Holmes, Ollie Webster, Marcus Feasey, Archie Faulkes, Evie Allington, Sienna Stanbury, Luke Drew-Stevenson, Luca Chadwick, Layla Selley-Dillon, Fran Mildren, Toby Giles, Alfie Clark, Lenon Villiers, Ayda Snell, Leo Green West, Archer Burton, Leo Allington, Jordan Allington, Alfie King, Phoebe Herbert, Charles Hepburn, Orla Cutajar, Amelia Cony, Ruby Sambrook, Isabella Hughes, Ethan Graham, Jax O'Connor, Gregori Masliakovas and Jaxon Bedford Laity

Year 8 - Archie Kershaw, Chloe Bastow, Oscar Josey, Ethan Halliday, Jude Brodie, Autumn Dakin, Oliver Luscombe, Joe Matthews, Emilia Hedgecock, Olivia Fisher, Fynlay Dever, Megan Bushell-Sneap, Freddy Bonner, Braxton Biggs, Millie Beamish, Poppy Cosh, Emilie Cutmore, Toby Young, Gergo Rammer, Nevaeh Piri-Sadigh, Zack Jeneway, Oscar Hall, Nora Gordon, Myles Bonnici, Cole Washington, Ela Uven and Sophia Houghton

Year 9 - Morley Villiers, Cordi Williams-Powell, Nanma John, Phoebe Grindling, Oscar Deegan, Toryn Bond, Riley Johnson, Morgan Fisher, Jack Crabb, Seren Chadwick, Rosie Bevan, James Cosh, Wiktoria Aleksander, Ania Rozanska, Jelani Ondo-Chamielec, Gabi Cobain, Mila Cairney, Harlow Bown and Oakley Mudge

Principal’s Bronze certificates

Year 7 - Esme White, Libby Nolan, Evie Bache, Finn McCaul, Heidi Downey, Caleb Abbott, Alfie King, Isla Jones, Amber Dillon, Bobbie Shannon, Ronni McElkenny, Brock Last, Hope Jelley, Pixie Houlahan, Oscar Crofts, Alfie Thomas, Jasmine Oakley, Asia Knight, Naomi Hering, Freddie Fewkes, Leo Staunton, David Ujj, Ava Medway, Ella Bindon, Leila Wagstaffe, Leo Limmer, Oliver Evans, Freddie Drein, Ethan Pearse, Cassia Harman, Hugo Cowan and Charles Blocksage-Tomicek

Year 8 -  Ava Harrison, Bailey Clements, Madison Stewart, Milly Skelly, Jaycie Kennedy-Taylor, Jacob Caldwell, Mason Beardsley, Corah Luscombe, Freddie Thatcher, Evie Jewell, Elliot Holmes-Inch, Ruben Tidball, Scarlett Slater, Jasmine Roberts, Toby Roadnight, Liv Reed, Eryn Stafford-Summers, Riley Piercy, Caelan O'Gorman, Alfie Carpenter-Sorton, Luka Hingley, Maja Kokoszka, Lillyanna Edmonds, Caleb Drein, Ruby Treadaway, Gabriel Talbot-Powner, Bailey Jones, Freddie Brabon, Rufus Kerslake, Grace Donnelly, Amelia Woodland, Luna Mearns, Louie Gribbin, Calvin Downer, Abigail Rayment, Darcy Gibbings and Mabel Clatworthy

Year 9 - Tia Woodward, Elizabeth Francis, James Costello, Hydie Munday, Gabriela Piasta, Kara Breach, Seraphina Rozier, Esmie Riggs, Keeley-Mae Moran, Andy Iftode, Bella Hall, Darcy Dainton, George Giles, Dylan Drinkwater, Madeline Woodger, Lucas Vesely, Corey Davies, Ayden Quarshie, Chloe Taylor, Serenity Ward, Isaac Mccabe, Lily Langler, Samuel Kuc, Elias Jeffery, Farah Davidson, Luke Sandeman, Emily Redmond and Eric Montague

Year 10 - Johnny Sandbrook, Katie Peryer, Poppy Bettridge, Ollie Martin and Georgee Westhead

Year 11 - Kiel Mortimer, Analais Biggs and Adam Copping

House stars of the week

Year 7

Brunel -  Meelie Harvey

Christie -  Rosie Taylor

Darwin -  Marcus Feasey

Fawcett -  Ben Stone

Harrison -  William Taylor

Kitson -  Leo Green

Nearne -  Neekie Wilson

Pengelly -  Hope Briant

Year 8

Brunel -  Abigail Rayment

Christie -  Archie Hudson

Darwin -  Lucy Matthews

Fawcett -  Lexi Nicholson

Harrison -  Sam McDonald

Kitson -  Darcy Partridge

Nearne -  Braxton Biggs

Pengelly -  Scarlett Slater

Year 9

Brunel -  Zachary Kittow

Christie -  Layla Lock

Darwin -  Jax Biagott

Fawcett -  Riley Gomes

Harrison -  Mason Maxwell

Kitson -  Alba McKechan

Nearne -   Lilly Shaw

Pengelly -  Morley Villiers

Homework Stars of the Week

Year 7

Brunel -  Josh Pitman

Christie - Ruby Hand

Darwin -  Holly Garbett

Fawcett -  Ronnie McElkenny

Harrison -  Joshua Randall

Kitson -  Annabella Mounstevens

Nearne -  Jack Harris

Pengelly -  Lenon Villiers

Year 8

Brunel -  Poppy Tankielun

Christie -  Maddie Mack

Darwin -  Amaris Quennell

Fawcett -  Heath Slater-Saunt

Harrison -  Dee Davies

Kitson -  Oscar Anderson

Nearne -  Freddy Bonner

Pengelly - Pandora Ferguson

Year 9

Brunel -  Millie-Rae Langley

Christie - Farah Davidson

Darwin -  Harlow Bown

Fawcett -  Mason Dur

Harrison -  Leonard Toribio

Kitson -  Ava McArdle

Nearne -  Riley Page

Pengelly -  Lyra Sully

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