Fantastic Start for Our New Hyrox Club
Over the summer, we installed a new Hyrox gym in the Platform, giving our students an exciting new space to develop their fitness. Hyrox combines running with a series of exercise stations, challenging participants to build strength, stamina and endurance.
Our new Hyrox Club made a fantastic start this week, with students from Years 8, 9 and 10 throwing themselves into the first session with energy and enthusiasm.
The students embodied our values of hard work, integrity and pride as they challenged themselves and learned new skills. Mr Beattie, Miss Wooldridge and Mr King were extremely proud of the effort and determination on display.
Students who would like to get involved are welcome to join the club every Wednesday from 3.15pm to 4.15pm.
Beau Earns Prestigious Royal Ballet Opportunity
Beau Angel Talbot enjoyed another exceptional dance achievement during the summer holiday after being selected from thousands of candidates to attend a week of training with The Royal Ballet in Richmond Park.
Beau’s success is a wonderful reflection of her commitment to dance and the high standard she has reached. We are extremely proud of her and look forward to seeing what she achieves next.
DofE Silver Students Begin Expedition Training
Twenty-five Year 11 students began their Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Silver expedition training last Saturday, making the most of the pleasant September weather on a 12-kilometre circular route near South Brent.
The walk followed local lanes before moving onto open moorland above Wrangaton Golf Club and continuing towards Spurrells Cross. The session tested students’ fitness, introduced them to walking as expedition teams on moorland terrain and developed the navigation skills they will need for their forthcoming expeditions.
The group included students with experience of Ten Tors and DofE Bronze expeditions, alongside others taking part in an expedition for the first time. Whatever their previous experience, everyone approached the challenge positively and showed excellent stamina and resilience throughout the route.
Students learned how to take and walk on a bearing, an important skill when crossing featureless terrain or navigating in poor visibility. They also developed their map-to-ground skills, learning to identify the features shown along their route, and shared navigation responsibilities successfully within their teams.
This was an excellent preparation for the practice expedition at the end of September and the qualifying expedition in mid-October. Well done to all the students involved, and thank you to Dr Jones, Miss Stoyle, Miss Baker, Miss Coull and Mr Adams for supporting the training.
Sixth Form Netball Academy Shows Determination and Teamwork
Torquay Academy’s newly formed Sixth Form Netball Academy took to the court on Tuesday for a challenging fixture against a strong and experienced Plymouth College side.
The team produced some excellent netball throughout the match, showing determination, resilience and teamwork from start to finish. Although the result did not go our way, both the umpires and the opposition praised the players for their outstanding sportsmanship and resilience.
The squad was Rebecca Quarshie, Frankie Skelly, Matilda Stevens, Ellie Farthing, Ashleigh Evans, Connie Kinghorn, Millie Swift, Chloe German (captain), Kelsey Drew and Maisie Sandercock (vice-captain).
Ashleigh Evans was named Coaches’ Player of the Day, Chloe German received the Opposition’s Player of the Day award and Ellie Farthing was selected as Players’ Player of the Day. This was a fantastic performance from the new academy squad, with plenty of positives to build on as the season progresses.
Welcoming Parents into School
We were delighted to welcome hundreds of parents into school again this week for our Year 9 and Year 10 parent events in the Platform, alongside our Year 7 Meet the Tutor event.
Our Year 7 parents had the opportunity to meet their child's form tutor and Head of House, helping to build those important connections as students settle into secondary school. There were also opportunities for talks and discussions about homework, reports and other aspects of school life.
Thank you to all the parents who joined us throughout the week and to the staff who supported these events. It is always a pleasure to welcome families into school and work together to support our young people.
A Busy Week of Training and Preparation for Torquay Academy CCF
Torquay Academy CCF has enjoyed another busy week as preparations continue for an exciting new intake. Registration is now open for potential Year 8 cadets, and work is well underway across the Army, RAF and newly established Royal Navy sections to welcome them into the training programme.
RAF Section
RAF cadets developed a range of aviation and communication skills through drone training, flight simulators and signals. These practical sessions gave cadets the opportunity to learn more about aviation and technology while building confidence and teamwork.
Army Section
The Army section continued its focus on safe handling and practical training. Cadets worked with paintball markers and other training systems to develop their understanding of safe practice, teamwork, movement and fieldcraft. All activities were conducted under appropriate supervision, with safety and responsible handling at the heart of the session.
Royal Navy Section
Our new Royal Navy section is also beginning to take shape. Senior cadets have been working towards becoming cadet instructors, learning how to share their knowledge and skills with younger cadets.
Training included knots and rope work alongside other Royal Navy-related skills. This is helping our senior cadets become confident leaders who can support the delivery of training as the section grows.
Could You Join the CCF Team?
As the CCF continues to grow, we would be pleased to hear from enthusiastic adults interested in becoming Cadet Force Adult Volunteers. Previous military experience is not essential. What matters most is a willingness to support young people, share skills and help cadets develop confidence, teamwork, leadership and valuable life skills.
Experience in the military, outdoor activities, aviation, water sports, first aid, engineering or teaching could all contribute to the cadet experience. Volunteers can also gain qualifications and develop their own skills while working alongside a committed team of staff and volunteers.
Anyone interested in finding out more about joining the Torquay Academy CCF adult team can contact the SSI at ccf@tqacademy.co.uk.
There is plenty to look forward to as our new Year 8 cadets begin their CCF journey and our existing cadets continue to develop across the Army, RAF and Royal Navy sections. We look forward to welcoming the new intake and seeing the CCF continue to grow.
Fun Friday: Games, Bingo and Sweet Challenges
There was plenty of fun and friendly competition across the school for this week’s Fun Friday, with every year group taking on a different challenge.
Year 7 tested their judgement with Higher or Lower, while Year 8 enjoyed a game of Bingo, hoping to be the first to complete their card and claim victory.
For Years 9 and 11, it was time for Sweets in a Jar, with students trying to estimate the number of sweets hidden inside. Year 10 enjoyed Carnival Games, bringing a little fairground-style competition to their Friday afternoon.
Fun Friday continues to be a great way to reward students for their hard work and excellent conduct throughout the week, bringing year groups together and ending the week on a positive note.
Brunel Bear Brings Cheers to House Celebrations
I had the pleasure this morning of handing out house certificates to our Year 7, 8 and 9 Brunel tutor groups. It is always wonderful to be welcomed with so much clapping and cheering, even if I suspect most of it is for Brunel Bear!
The bear treated everyone to a few dances, while students tried to guess who was hiding inside the suit. After helping to hand out the awards, a rather sweaty Mr Grinsill finally emerged, revealing the mystery dancer's identity.
Congratulations to all our certificate winners, and thank you to Mr Grinsill for making the celebrations such fun. It was a lovely way to recognise our students' achievements and share in Brunel's house spirit.
CATALYST Club Explores the Science of Colour
Students at CATALYST Club explored the science behind the incredible colours seen in fireworks this week, alongside a memorable demonstration showing the amount of energy stored in a Jelly Baby.
Club members used different metal salts to change the colour of a flame, creating a variety of effects, including a two-tone flame. Because each metal produces its own characteristic colour, students were able to predict the effects they would create and see how scientific knowledge is used to produce colourful displays.
CATALYST Club takes place from 3.15pm to 4.15pm every Tuesday in Week A. All students are welcome to come along and discover more through practical science.
Year 11 Rise to the Weekly Essay Challenge
Year 11 students have returned with an impressive and enthusiastic attitude towards their academic studies. They understand the importance of the year ahead and are determined to achieve the best possible results.
This week saw the start of weekly English essays. Students prepare an essay response in class, revise the relevant knowledge at home and then complete the essay in exam conditions during the following lesson.
The task is deliberately challenging and will help students strengthen their focus, resilience and independence. It also provides valuable revision and practice in responding to the types of questions they may encounter in their examinations.
Miss Risk was particularly impressed by the detailed responses produced by her Year 11 class as they compared the presentation of power in Robert Browning’s My Last Duchess and Percy Bysshe Shelley’s Ozymandias. This was an excellent start to an important year.
Year 12 Explore Experimental Drawing Systems
Year 12 Art students began exploring experimental drawing systems designed to challenge their usual ways of working and encourage a more playful and spontaneous approach to mark-making.
Responding to a still life, students experimented with continuous-line drawing, paired drawing and rubber drawing. These activities encouraged them to think less about creating a perfect image and more about line, movement, observation, collaboration and chance.
The lesson provided an exciting introduction to the idea that drawing can be much more than simply recording what we see. Students now have a range of new approaches that they can develop within their own creative practice.
A Fantastic Start in Spanish
Our A Level Spanish students have made a fantastic start to the academic year as they begin exploring Laura Esquivel’s novel Como Agua Para Chocolate. To immerse themselves in the themes of the book, students enjoyed sampling chocolate in a variety of forms during their launch lesson.
Meanwhile, Year 11 Spanish students have been working extremely hard with Miss Hammett each morning to refine their reading, listening, writing and speaking skills. They have also been consolidating key grammatical tenses so that they feel confident and well prepared as they progress through their GCSE course. Mucho éxito a todos!
Students of the Week
We are delighted to celebrate this week’s Students of the Week, who have been recognised for their hard work, positive attitude and contribution to school life.
Year 9
Congratulations to Bella Stevenson and Braxton Biggs.
Year 10
Congratulations to Maisy Hart, James Cosh, Kaitlin Towell and Morgan Fisher.
Year 11
Congratulations to Oscar McLaughlin and Honor Dawson. Well done to all of our Students of the Week.
House Stars of the Week
Year 7
Brunel – Ruby Armitage
Christie – Aaliyah Wilkes
Darwin – Jade Emerson
Fawcett – Ariana Rusu
Harrison – Tilly Hallett
Kitson – Renae Newbould
Nearne – Olivia Rutkowska
Pengelly – Harrison Price
Year 8
Brunel – Isla Copping
Christie – Ruby Hand
Darwin – Isabella Hughes
Fawcett – Ruby Ward
Harrison – Mia Carter
Kitson – Ellie Peters
Nearne – Ayda Snell
Pengelly – Immy Weeks
Year 9
Brunel – Gracie Ritson
Christie – Chloe Eales
Darwin – Ethan Chapman
Fawcett – Isla-mae Gale
Harrison – Jaycie Kennedy
Kitson – Madison Stewart
Nearne – Karen S
Pengelly – Emilia Hedgecock
Homework House Stars of the Week
Year 7
Brunel – Katie Preston
Christie – Gabriel Birch
Darwin – Ava Wild
Fawcett – Charlie Farthing
Nearne – Jake Eastley
Pengelly – Lola Spacagna
Year 8
Brunel – Meelie Harvey
Christie – James Rackley
Darwin – Tommy Stevens
Fawcett – Maddison Pearce
Kitson – Bogdan Piasta
Nearne – Henry Corderoy
Pengelly – Archie West
Year 9
Brunel – Jack O'Connor
Christie – Freddie Thatcher
Darwin – Laura Mercer
Fawcett – Ava Wiggins
Harrison – Milly Skelly
Kitson – Hayley Steenkamp
Nearne – Braxton Biggs
Pengelly – Jessica Green
Sparx Homework Leaderboard
We are delighted to celebrate this week’s Sparx Homework leaderboard, recognising the students who have earned the highest XP totals so far this academic year.
The results reflect an excellent commitment to completing homework and strengthening learning beyond the classroom. Congratulations to every student featured in the top ten, and well done to everyone continuing to build their XP through consistent hard work.
Year 7
Year 8
Year 9
Year 10
Year 11
Tassomai Leaderboards
Year 7
Year 8
Year 9
Year 10
Year 11
