D of E expedition, CCF and the final battle of the brains
DofE Silver Expedition
On the first weekend and Monday of half term, eleven year 11 students and three year 12 students braved the elements for their DofE Silver qualifying expedition.
The students, in three teams, planned their routes from given start and end points, and two camp sites that they had to reach by the end of Day 1 and 2. Their routes had to be completed within a 7 hour time frame each day and during this time they had to complete their team aims. One team decided their aim would to develop team games, another took photos of nature which they will present at a later date, and the third team decided their aim would be to develop their own hand signal system during their expeditions. In addition to their route planning and deciding on their aim the teams had to decide on their menus for the food they would cook for themselves, and ensure they had the correct and sufficient kit packed in their rucksacks for the three days.
The first day of the expedition started from the beautiful Shaugh Bridge and their destination was a campsite near to the tiny village of Harford, north of Ivybridge on the edge of the Moor. One of the teams gave themselves a tougher navigational challenge by planning their route to walk in the foothills on the edge of the moor. A challenge they overcame admirably. The other teams’ routes were complicated in that they had to find overgrown footpath entrances, and this resulted in one team getting lost near Cornwood. However, what was commendable was when they encountered Mr Adams they told him straight away that they had gone wrong and how they were going to get back on track.
The second day started early as the threat of rain coming in later meant if they delayed they would be packing up wet tents. The team that took the moorland route the previous day were understandably very tired and took a while to get going but all teams were away by 10am. Their routes on this day were to take them from Harford, through Ivybridge and on to a campsite at Brixton near Plymouth, taking in the Erme and Yealm river valleys.
Again the teams’ routes took them along footpaths and bridleways clearly marked on their maps but less easy to find in real life! Added to this the rain came in and stayed with them all morning and over lunchtime. Despite the weather conditions, the teams were generally in good spirits. The team that set off first clearly had no navigation or other issues as they made such good progress on their route. The other teams unfortunately did not fare so well. A couple of members of one team became ill and had to be taken home and the other team had to picked up following a couple of navigational errors that meant they were going to be walking in darkness.
So 14 became 11 for Day 3. After a hot breakfast the remaining expeditioners set off in their teams. Their various routes took them to a planned destination at Mountbatten near Plymouth. One team’s route took in most of the coastline in this area, viewing the beauty of Wembury, Heybrook Bay and Bovisand whilst others experienced the lovely countryside inland near Staddiscombe. The teams were tired but the weather had improved and so had their navigational skills so at 4.00pm on the Monday, all teams arrived jubilantly at their destination – made even more jubilant as they were greeted with chocolate brownies and cookies provided by Mr Brett. And well deserved too!
Congratulations to the following students: Abi Jones, Milla Schwarz, Sam Foley, Gareth Mufford, Nathan Bayliss, Harvey Bates, Sebastian Grute, Emma Harrison, Archie Hodgson-Hunt, Elizabeth Cameron, Emanuel Korolyk- Markiewicz
The Battle of the Brains
Over the past month, Year 7 students in each house have been competing in our first academic inter-house competition- The Battle of the Brains. This has involved teams of four answering general knowledge questions. Students were selected by their tutors and a draw took place in assembly to see which houses would play each other. Initially heats took place during lunchtimes with many supporters present to cheer their teams on. Teams were asked a series of questions in turn and there was only one need for a tie break when Harrison narrowly defeated Nearne.
The semi-finals took place after school and you may have seen my previous write up relating that Christie played Nearne and Harrison played Pengelly.
The grand final between Christie and Pengelly took place on Thursday 21st October in The Platform. Many supporters had made banners to support their teams and the heads of both houses, Mr Jones and Mr Chadwick were in attendance. There was a special introductory power-point, gold and silver medals for the winners and runners up and most importantly our new House Cup to be decked in house colours and awarded to the winning team.
We decided on a slightly different format to increase the tension and used buzzers so that students could answer as soon as they believed they were accurate. Mr Bindon was the official independent adjudicator (being head of Kitson House) I believe all will agree, it was a closely matched final; Christie was initially out in front but ultimately Pengelly were the victors. Both the team and Mr Chadwick were jubilant as you can see from the pictures.
Pengelly winners: Millie Wigston, Isabelle Voicey, Lucas Quaintance, Malachi Morris.
Christie team: Harry Paull, Miko Piasecki , Lauren Tanton Lucas Chappell
Thank you to every student who competed in this event and all who turned up to support. Watch this space for news of our next house event which will be coming very soon.
CCF Autumn Camp
23 Cadets from Torquay Academy CCF RAF took part in an Autumn Military Camp 27 and 28th October 2021.
They took part in a wide range of activities including escape and evasion, camouflage and concealment, radio communication, team building, map reading, first aid to name a few.
From the moment we parked up at Escot, Exeter, the cadets boots did not have time to stop. They were met by the staff of the UX2 Team. First job was to establish a camp which was to put together tents ready for the sleep out overnight. This was the first time out under canvas for some of the cadets who all embraced the challenge.
The cadets were split into two groups, Basic Combat First Aid was a wet experience for Cadet Dinev and N Baylis in the first group. The other group took on the role of radio operators who built a 20 ft radio mast.
The remainder of the day had both groups hiding in the woods, radio communication and map reading. After a great lesson in camouflage and concealment, Cadet Hele hid in a bunch of leaves with nobody being able to find her.
A quick stop of dinner led us into the escape and evasion. One group led by LCpl Foley (the hunter force) LCpl Dance (the hunted). As the light fell it was time for some night navigation. A brilliant effort by all cadets who managed to navigate in the dark around the wooded estate.
Breakfast on day two was a quick affair and swiftly followed by some battle physical training. A shock for some, but enjoyed by everyone.
The rest of the second day the cadets were split into 4 teams who were then tasked with command tasks around the training area. Gathering information from each stand, they were then interrogated at the end with questions about each task.
A massive well done to everyone who took part and to the UX2 Staff for putting together a great couple of days for the Cadets.
New recruits
It was great to see our Year 9s getting their new uniforms and boots this week. They looked really smart.
TA High Performance Academy Oxbridge Stream
This week we had our first ever meeting of the TA High Performance Academy Oxbridge Stream. The aim is to work with our most able students to help develop their academic interests and research skills as well as to prepare them for a successful application to Oxford and Cambridge Universities when they reach the sixth form.
On Thursday, over 20 of our Year 8 students met to attend a variety of seminars on technology in the arts, including a geography seminar with Miss Nash on how technology is used to monitor volcanoes, a history seminar with Miss Piggot on the technological advancement of weapons in warfare, a philosophy seminar on the ethical problems raised by genetic modification, and a media seminar with Mrs Mortimore on exploring the influence of the media on our actions.
The students were thoroughly engaged and have not set off on their own research projects based around the seminars they attended. They will be meeting again next month to present their research to each other in our first ever HPA academic conference. Good luck to them all!
New wall art
We are very lucky to have such an inspiring space in which to learn and work. We have added new wall art in the Enterprise, MFL and Literacy departments. I think they look great!
Accelerated Reader Support Sessions
This week we ran our first Accelerated Reader support session at break time. This was very well attended and the students found it very helpful. We will continue to run these sessions throughout the following week: inviting students who have not yet quizzed on Accelerated Reader and supporting them with their reading.
Accelerated Reader book quiz
Congratulations to the following year 8 students who have tracked four weeks of reading and have completed at least one Accelerated Reader book quiz and have been presented with their bronze Star Reading certificate. Leon Bell and Anthony Hewitt 8P, Kyla Ridgewell 8H, Noah Tyson and Naomi Redmond 8B.
Congratulations to the following year 7 students who have tracked four weeks of reading and have completed at least one Accelerated Reader book quiz and have been presented with their bronze Star Reading certificate. Farrah Ambrose 7B, Kiel Mortimore 7C, Scarlett Lacey 7C, Matilda Stevens 7D, Harrison Harkin 7F, Sunny Long 7H, Abigail Yau 7N, Rylan Chambers 7N, and Alex Nagy 7P.
Ballet achievement
Olivia travelled to Cornwall to compete in the Torbay and Southwest of England Dance festival in Bugle. Olivia was awarded 1st place in her section Age 14 Ballet, which has now earned her a place to compete at the All England Dance Festival competition which will be held in Cheltenham next year. Congratulations Olivia!
Tap success
Sienna Painter competed at the Torbay and South West of England Dance festival which was held at the Palace Theatre in Paignton, she tapped her way to receiving a 1st place with her new Tap solo. Congratulations Sienna!
Rebecca is selected for the prestigious Troupe
Last November Rebecca Glasson in Year 9 attended an on-line taster session for West End Kids. From this she was offered a place on their weekly training programme starting in January 2021 – focusing on singing, dancing and performing. She completed the first term on-line and for the summer term went to London every other weekend. During the summer she was invited for a recall audition to join the West End Kids Troupe. She was one of four auditionees who were offered a three week trial with the Troupe – their elite performers group. Following a very tough process she was one of two who were offered a place in the prestigious Troupe. There are only 20 performers in the Troupe. This now means that she goes to London every Saturday for a full days training in preparation for performances throughout the year. So far she has performed at the Grand Hotel in Brighton for the Children’s Charity Trust. Future performances include West End Live, Regent’s Street Motor Show, the Butterfly Ball and Winter Funland at the NEC. It is extremely hard work but Rebecca is loving being a member of the Troupe.
Congratulations Rebecca!
Word millionaire
Our first Word Millionaire is Malachi Morris 7P who has clocked up an amazing 1,140,103 words! When I asked Malachi how it feels to be presented with his Word Millionaire award he told me it was “Awesome!”. I asked Malachi what his favourite book is, but he couldn’t name just one he said his favourite series is The Immortal Nicholas Flamel by Michael Scott. I asked him why he enjoys these books and Malachi said: “They are full of magic and adventure.” Malachi recommends The House of Secrets by Chris Columbus and Ned Vizzini and says he reads every day. I asked Malachi what advice he would give to students who find it hard to finish books and he gave the following advice: “Just start with something a bit shorter, but keep going and you will be able to move onto longer books.” I think this is fantastic advice and that Malachi is a brilliant ambassador for reading.
Straight back into clubs and fixtures after half term, with lots of students getting involved in the various activities. All parents please note that there will be no basketball, cricket, cheerleading, table tennis or badminton clubs now until the week commencing 22nd November due to use of the sports hall for Year 11 Exams.
Mr Jones will write to you shortly with the new timetable of supercurricular sports on offer for all students in Cycle 2!
Year 8 B Team Football
Having waited well over a year for their first game it was great to see the boys out on the football pitch representing the school. Although the score did not go our way against a strong Glenmoor side (Bournemouth) the boys acquitted themselves very well and never gave up. Well done boys!
Year 8 Boys Football
Our Year 8 boys went out of the National Cup this week against Ivybridge. Despite leading 4 – 3 in the second half they eventually lost 6 – 4. They battled exceptionally well but lost out in a very close second half. Goal scorers were Seth Margetts (2), Charlie Green and Liam Woodward.
Year 10 Rugby
Training has continued on a Tuesday come rain or shine with a solid turnout each week. The boys are developing well and are itching to take the field in some competitive fixtures. We have games coming up over the next couple of weeks so if you have been unable to make training due to other commitments please can you let Mr. Richardson know your availability.
Cricket Academy
The Cricket Academy has developed well over cycle 1, with regulars turning up each week to hone their batting and bowling skills. The Academy is for school level/club level players to work on their specific skill sets. If you are interested please speak to Mr Richardson about joining. There will be a more recreational club for beginners/intermediates as we move into the summer months and the cricket season opens up.
Year 7/8 Rugby
Year 7/8 Netball
Recreational Football
Students of the week
Year 7 – Millie Swift and Connor Dean
Year 8 – Lyra Bowstead and Joe Taylor
Year 9 – Dylan Nock and Enrika Vasiliauskaite
Year 10 – Danny Frankum and Penny Richards
Year 11 – Ewan Zaple Contreras and Sophie Wright
House Stars of the week
Year 7
Christie – Lola Benney
Darwin – Hayden Halsey
Fawcett – Rayan Shamim
Harrison – Eden Nelson-Minns
Kitson – Millie Swift
Nearne – Abi Yau
Pengelly – Amy Rogers
Year 8
Brunel – Naomi Redmond
Christie – Alfie Mahoney-Billis
Darwin – Summer Thompson
Fawcett – Madison Findlay-Peers
Harrison – Leah Hope
Kitson – Jamimah Jones
Nearne – Dolce Zulhayir
Pengelly – Scott Knight
Year 9
Brunel – Ella McLachlan
Christie – Riley Batten
Darwin – Thomas Harrison
Fawcett – Mya Sharpe
Kitson – Kaitlin Wright
Nearne – Nikola Drygiel
Pengelly – Ollie Sillis
Homework Stars of the week
Year 7
Christie – Scarlett Huxtable
Darwin – Coby-Kian McCulloch
Fawcett – Lila Budavolgyi
Harrison – Roxy Johnson
Kitson – Chloe Burton
Nearne – Layla Broadway
Pengelly – Julia Tatarynowicz
Year 8
Brunel – Kirah Clee
Christie – George Scrimgeour
Darwin – Marley Drew
Fawcett – Emily Banks
Harrison – Alex Coates
Kitson – Emily Miloy
Nearne – Millie Edwards
Pengelly – Lyra Bowstead
Year 9
Brunel – Abby Green
Christie – Opal Evans Rogers
Darwin – Oliver Boyce
Fawcett – Maja Davies
Kitson – Samuel Eaton
Nearne – Maddy Fairhurst
Sparx Leaderboards
Tassomai Leaderboards
Accelerated Reader Leaderboards
