European champions in dance and table tennis
5th in the world!
Farah was crowned European Champion over the summer, and this week has represented Team GB at the Tap World Championships in Germany. She performed brilliantly and she left having come 5th in the World. What an amazing achievement! Many congratulations, Farah.
European Youth Series Champion
After a gruelling five days of play, Kacper Piwowar, in Year 9, added to his team gold at the Europe Youth Series event in Dimitrovgrad, Serbia over the weekend, with two further medals, an U13 Boys’ Singles gold and a silver in the U13 Mixed Doubles.
In the U13 Boys’ Singles Kacper who was the top seed, beat David Toro (ROU) 3:0 in the quarter-finals, then faced Peadar Sheridan of Ireland who proved to be Kacper’s toughest opponent on his route to gold. The Irish boy took Kacper the distance in the semi-final, with Kacper eventually winning 3:2. The final was a more straight-forward affair with Kacper overcoming Malik Severinsen of Denmark in straight games.
Kacper collected his silver in the U13 Mixed Doubles with partner Lizett Fazekas of Hungary. After beating Serbians David Capanda and Teodora Sudzum 3:1 in the semi-final, the pairing lost in straight games to Malik Severinsen (DEN) and Szonja Szogi (HUN).
DofE Bronze Expedition: Determined TA Year 10s!
Last weekend nine Year 10 students undertook their DofE Bronze expedition. Due to other commitments, including for most of the students the World School Netball Championships, they were unable to attend in the summer. So with another chance to complete the expedition section of their DofE Bronze Award this group really grasped the opportunity and rose to the challenge.
Having attended a couple of after school route planning and expedition briefing sessions with Mr Adams, the students met at school for an 8.30 start on Saturday morning. On arrival at the start point at Bantham Beach Car Park the students were issued with expedition kit including tents, gas stoves, compasses, whistles, survival bags, and of course their own maps and route cards that they had meticulously planned.
After a briefing and discussion on what the students wanted to get from their DofE Expedition experience, the first team set off at 10.45 and the second team at 11.00. The teams had to be on expedition for at least 6 hours each day as per DofE rules. Each student was carrying their own rucksack packed with clothes, food and kit for the weekend. The routes each team had planned took in the beautiful landscape and views along the South Devon Coast Path mainly, but to challenge their navigation skills Mr Adams had insisted that each team travels inland from the coast at least once on each day of the expedition. To ensure the students safety each team carried a tracker and they would encounter familiar faces along the way – Miss Jelbert at South Milton Sands and Miss Essam-Wood at Hope Cove.
Each team made fantastic progress on the first day with both Miss Jelbert and Miss Essam-Wood saying that the teams were in very good spirits. And the weather remained dry but not too hot – ideal walking weather! Showing excellent navigation skills and teamwork both teams followed their routes perfectly and reached camp at Higher Rew Farm Campsite near Salcombe. On arrival the students set up tents and started cooking on their Trangia stoves with Mrs Schwarz on hand to ensure safety and proper campcraft skills. After a hot meal and hot chocolates, the weather did take a turn for the worse and the rain came down, testing the students tent setting up skills as they took cover.
As the evening went on the wind picked up and the heavens really opened! Hoping their tents remained watertight, the students tried to sleep. The following morning showed that varying levels of sleep had been achieved! This resulted in a slower than usual start to the day. Normally at least one team is ready to leave for the second day’s hiking by 8.30. On this expedition the students didn’t get away until 10.30! Mrs Schwarz, Mr Brett and Mr Adams assumed that the teams would not get further than East Prawle. How wrong they were!
At their pre-departure briefing Mr Adams told them that with this late start it was doubtful the team would make it to their planned end-point at Start Point. He suggested an alternative and easier expedition end point at East Prawle. Outrage! Each student stated their firm and determined intention to walk to Start Point! So, with a degree of scepticism from staff, it was agreed that if the team made it to Gara Rock, for their water stop with Mr Adams before 1.00pm they could make strides for Start Point.
Despite going off route at one point and with one member of the team nursing an injured ankle the team determinedly made it to Start Point successfully. They walked at an incredibly fast pace, despite carrying heavy packs, an injured teammate and windy conditions. An extraordinary level of determination and resilience, coupled with excellent navigation and teamwork skills contributed to their success, and both Mr Adams and Mr Brett were very impressed with the team’s positive attitude. A big thank you to all the staff whose support made this experience for the students possible. And warmest congratulations to the following year 10 students: Millie Sneap, Brooke Tully, Keeley Little, Ema Kestell, Jemimah Jones, Orlando Maric-Cowley, Dean Conway, Toby Lee and Anthony Hewitt. Another step closer to your Bronze Awards!
Perhaps DofE Silver for their next challenge?!
PSHE Day
Monday saw the first of this years PSHE day.
Alterego theatre productions performed ‘Crashing’ to our year 7s, 8s, and 10s. This show looks at how a boy got involved with being groomed by an adult.
The year 7 students also had sessions on how to tell if something is value for money, cyberbullying, mental health and how to deal with change. They finished the day with a look at what comprises a healthy relationship.
Year 8 students had sessions on being safe on line and how to manage their devices. They also looked at what was important for them within a relationship, the concept of consent and gender. They also had a session on the differing attitudes to alcohol.
The sessions for year 9 included behave in a romantic relationship, preventing STIs and the issues surrounding having a baby. Students also looked at the impact of cannabis and the importance of sleep. In addition to looking ways to stay healthy online students looked at how easy it is to get scammed or phished online.
Year 10 students looked at how their lifestyles might impact on their success at school. They also looked at the impact being in a gang can have on their lives, how substance use has risks, and how to best portray themselves on social media. Finally, students had a session on rights and responsibilities in employment, to start preparing them for work experience later in the year.
The year 11s had a day devot4ed to their future with sessions on careers, apprentices, CV writing, going to university and issues connected to independent living. During the course of the day each student had a one to one interview with a local employer to prepare them for the real thing. I would like to thank the employers for their time and some have already offered students that they interviewed a place for work experience.
Likewise, the sixth form had sessions to prepare them for the future with a wide range of sessions, from basic car maintenance to budgeting and finance, cooking and team work.
Cadets
At Torquay Academy, weekends are not just a time for relaxation; they’re an opportunity for cadets to shine, learn, and achieve remarkable results. This past weekend was no exception, filled with a series of activities that showcased the dedication and commitment of our young cadets.
Saturday & Sunday started early, with cadets heading to West Bucklands School for some serious marksmanship training at the shooting ranges. The results? Nothing short of unbelievable. Our Army cadets demonstrated exceptional skills, achieving small grouping sizes that left everyone in awe. It’s a testament to their hard work and the top-notch training they receive.
Monday brought back some of our cadets who had been out on a mission – a mission of learning and self-discovery. They took part in Duke of Edinburgh training, honing their skills and preparing for exciting adventures to come. It’s all about building resilience, leadership, and a sense of accomplishment.
A well-equipped cadet is a confident cadet. On Tuesday, we ensured that our cadets had all the gear they needed by organizing a cadet kit issue. Proper gear is essential for safety and success in any cadet activity, and we take pride in making sure our cadets are well-prepared.
Wednesday brought a taste of the skies to Torquay Academy. The RAF cadets continued their Part 1 training, delving into the world of aviation, while also sharpening their drill skills. Flight simulators added a thrilling touch, allowing them to experience the thrill of flying without leaving the ground.
While the RAF soared, our Army cadets were grounded but equally focused. They continued their training in field craft, honing their abilities to judge distances and learning the intricate makeup of a section. Roles and responsibilities were clearly defined, preparing them for real-world situations where teamwork and leadership are paramount.
At Torquay Academy, our cadets don’t just attend school; they embrace a lifestyle of discipline, camaraderie, and continuous learning. The past week showcased the dedication and achievement of our cadets, from remarkable shooting results to mastering field craft and aviation training. These experiences not only build skills but also character, setting our cadets on a path to success both in and out of uniform. We look forward to more adventures, challenges, and achievements in the weeks to come as our cadets continue to excel in their respective roles.
Year 11 French
Mrs Berry’s Year 11 French class have been revising talking about holidays and eating out. This has included practising their writing skills and also for the speaking exam. They are looking forward to practising with the French Language Assistant who joins us next week. All have had a great start back and are working really hard. We’re so proud of you all!
Gymnastics Success
Alana Houlihan from Year 7 Christie House competed in the U12 Penryn Classic Gymnastic Competition at Copper Level on the weekend. Alana represented Team TA to an impressively high standard after coming 1st on the vault, 2nd on beam and 3rd on floor and bars. Well done, Alana!
Tumbling Success
Many congratulations to Eve Cameron on her achievement last weekend at the inter-regional challenge cup final representing the South West. She came 14th in the country in the inter Regional Under 15 tumbling competition at the Birmingham arena.
House News
Christie is our featured house of the week. The four representatives: Jamie Hancox, Isla May, Elena Bolton and Harry Austin who were selected to promote the house were firm in their convictions that Christie is the best of the best!
‘Christie is the best because it is a sporty house; we always achieve highly because Mr Jones is the head of house. Christie has always been known for the teamwork it inspires in the students; team work is obviously really vital for sports.’ Harry
‘One of the best things about Christie is that we all really help each other out. We encourage each other and are all willing to make a great effort with our work.’ Elena
Isla has written an article on why Christie is the best house in the school and was able to relay me with praise for the house and its representatives. ’Agatha Christie inspired people to meet their goals and reach their potential. This is what we all strive for in Christie.’
Jamie stated, ’Historically and currently Christie is the best house. There is some rivalry with Pengelly but we usually come out on top.’
All four students were vociferous in their praise of Miss Lewis, Christie’s form tutor: ‘Miss Lewis is the embodiment of Christie and she really lives up to the motto. She is really supportive and very kind-hearted.’
And the students’ message to next year’s intake. ‘Just join Christie; it’s the best.’
Year 7 Kitson Helpers
Mr Bindon found a couple of helpers this week as handed out his House Star of the week certificates. Logan and George were the perfect supporters.
Year 12 Business Studies
Mr Adam’s Year 12 Business Studies students have been researching the Functional Areas of businesses and organisations. The students had some exposition on Operations/Production, Marketing, Finance and Accounts, Customer Service, HR, Admin, Sakes, Procurement, Distribution, and Research and Development functional areas. In the picture, they are researching the main priorities of these areas using Tesco and Rowcroft as case studies.
Grade 4 Drums for Harrison
Congratulations to Harrison Harkin in Year 9 who has passed Grade 4 on the drums with Merit. For the examination, Harrison had to perform 3 contrasting pieces as well as complete an improvisation and sight reading task. Harrison has already started preparing for Grade 5. With his work ethic and dedication to music we know it won’t be long before he is back in the blog with a Grade 5 certificate – keep up the great work Harrison!
Grade 7 in Acting for Katie
Katie Packer in Y13 has achieved her Grade 7 with distinction in Acting. Katie, who started acting lessons in year 8, has worked diligently through each grade to reach this point. The Examiner described Katie as, ‘a mature and intelligent performer who is able to engage fully with texts in a perceptive way. Katie uses modulation with variety and flair bringing dimension to her work.’ Well done, Katie, just one more grade to go!
PAA Auditions
It’s been a busy week in Creative Arts with over 100 students auditioning for a highly sought-after place in our Performing Arts Academy. We are delighted to introduce our PAA Class of 2023-24! Congratulations to the following students who have all been successful in gaining a place: Poppy Anderson, Daisy Mae Rees, Charlotte Gil, Jorgie Barnet, Harry Austi, Alba McKechan, Rosie Bevan, Viktoria Simunkova, Ayrton Sharp, Lilly Shaw, Emily Redmond, Mia Wilkins, Gracie Gatting, Elena-Mae Bolton, Summer Ree, Phoebe Acton, Florence Botton, Ava-Grace McArdie, Isabelle Leech, Sophia Blake, Niah Slowely, Sophie Howard, Lily Hubbard, Serenity Ward, Casie-Leigh Howell, Aaliyah Akpo, Kierra O’Neil, Ruby Turner, Katie Packer, Erin Giffard, Gabrielle Buys, Kole Gjikolaj, Ava Storey, Lily Thomas, Janzen Flores, Anya Page Dove, Cerys Lowe, Grace Halsey, Aimee Evans, Lola Benny, Sophia Box, Sophia Burnham, Rose Bradley, Ellie Jayne Scott, Amelia Rose, Hattie Gamble, Chloe May Jones, Robyn Higgins, Allanna Butler, Louise Porter, Emily Cowan, Scarlett Connolly, Anya Coslett, Kiara Uff, Summer Faulks, Emma Matthews, Miley Soby, Millie Wigston, Nisha Coslett, Eve Cameron, Daisy Board, Lizzie Cameron, Henry Macmanus, Mason Dur, Phoebe Acton, Farah Davidson, Poppy Haslett, Alana Houlihan, Myah Sellick, Bonnie-Lee Talbot and Chloe-Mae Taylor.
Music Academy Auditions
The music department has been in full swing this week with our most talented musicians auditioning for a place in the prestigious Music Academy. Music Academy is an elite music club, where some of our most talented musicians have the opportunity to collaborate, perform and workshop alongside each other. Throughout the year the Music Academy will have exclusive performance opportunities and events. Students are required to play music that they may not be familiar with, alongside people that they don’t necessarily know, in a wide variety of styles and learn pieces to the highest standard with a quick turnaround. It is an exciting environment geared at stretching every aspect of them as a musician. At TA we are fortunate to have many incredible musicians and to be invited to audition is a huge honour. The following students have all been invited to audition for a place: Ben German, Bartoz Mitula, Arren Button, Robin Pightling, Kye Wren, Tom Thorner, Billy Wilcox, Charlie Porter, Austin Howell, Daniel Eales, Lucia Aguardo-Georgian, Oliver Jones, Callum Edwards, Zach Evans, Lorenzo De Paoli, Oliver Phillips, Oliver Lucas, Ava Sams, Summer Faulkes, Poppy Rogers, Rose Hoyte, Aimee Evans, Ava Storey, Erin Allen and Charlie Grimley.
Hospitality and Catering
Year 7 Pancake Triumph
Wow! The year 7 Food and Catering classes have excelled in their production of Healthy Breakfast pancakes. They created some wonderful classic American pancakes using our healthy apple pancake recipe. The execution and presentation have been exceptional and they were very proud of their accomplishments.
Year 7 Art
Mrs Lithgow is pleased to see Year 7 applying their new knowledge of shading and tone to their observational drawing task.
Sixth Form Netball Academy
The Sixth Form Netball Academy took to the court for their first netball tournament against Brixham College and Teign School last week. The squad put in a positive performance, beating Brixham College 11-3 and Teign School 9-1. Congratulations to Ellie Denby who was voted overall Players’ Player and Mia Denby and Evie Sutton who were both voted Oppositions’ Player.
Our Sixth Form Netball Academy have made a brilliant start in the AOC Netball League and Miss Lewis and Mrs Westacott are so proud of the girls. For each game, an academy player will provide a write up of the netball fixture to give you an in-depth overview of the event.
Evie Sutton – Centre
The Sixth Form Netball Academy competed in their first AOC Netball match on Wednesday. Our academy players competed against South Devon College and gained an impressive 21-15 win. Well done to the whole squad and their performance. Congratulations to our Players’ Player of the match, Elisha Perrow, our Oppositions’ Player of the Match, Lily Unsworth and our Coaches’ Player of the Match, Lily-Anne Winterton.
Congratulations to Farrah
Many congratulations to Farah in Year 9 who has been selected into the England National Football Pathway. An incredible achievement and one in which Team TA are very proud of. Well done Farah!
U14 Football National Cup
On Tuesday the Year 9 team put on a phenomenal display to defeat Ivybridge 3-2 in the National Elite Cup.
TA started really brightly but went 1 down against the run of play. However, the team responded brilliantly, with 2 fantastic finishes from captain Ben Jolly putting us 2-1 up at half time.
We hit the ground running in the second half, with Jolly smashing in his hat-trick and controlled much of the game without allowing Ivybridge to get into their rhythm. In the dying few moments, Ivybridge were awarded and dispatched a penalty, leading to a nervy last few minutes, but TA saw the game out and deservedly finished as winners.
This was an outstanding all round team performance and demonstrated just what this team can achieve this season.
U13 Boys B Team Football vs Ivybridge
A tough game for our b team but also a great chance to see where we stand as a group. This was a game for players to progress into the A team and show they were ready. Ivybridge are always a strong side and on the day were too good for us and we suffered a heavy defeat, lots to learn and lots to take away from the game moving forward.
1st Team Football vs Millfield
In our first ESFA super league game we travelled to Millfield excited to get going. Our games against them are always great and this was no different. This season we are a very young squad so there will be lots to develop but the boys showed what potential they have against a very strong Millfield team. After going in at half time 2-0 down we came out in the second half and started well with Josh Thompson scoring to make it 2-1, we looked more confident and then were awarded a penalty which unfortunately was saved, this seemed to take the wind out of the teams sails and we then got caught twice dwelling on the ball and were punished by Millfield to finish the game 4-1. This is a set back for the boys but their attitude to put things right will definitely help at training and we will see them get stronger I’m sure throughout the season.
U13 Girls Football vs St Peters
Unfortunately, our opponents didn’t turn up on the day so our girls will go into the next round. After the initial disappointment, the girls still put on a happy face for the team photo with added blue face paint
U13 Netball vs TGGS
On Thursday, a team from the U13 Netball Academy played a tournament at TGGS. They did so well and won two of their matches against TGGS B and Kevvics. They really settled into the games and found their groove. This is the first time the girls had ever played together, and the team work and commitment they showed was fantastic. Special mention goes to Matilda Thorner for receiving players’ player and coaches’ player, well done Matilda!
U14 Netball vs Paignton Academy
Year 7 & 8 Netball Academy Trials
Miss Feltham was delighted to have over 50 Year 7 girls turn up this week for netball. She was very impressed with the quality of play and dedication from the girls.
Students of the Week
Year 7 – Elena Bolton and Harry Austin
Year 9 – Freya Coatesworth and Ayden Goldsbrough
Year 10 – Kyla Ridgewell and Summer Thompson
Year 11 – Matt Oborn and Libbie Green
House Students of the Week
Year 7
Brunel – Toby Preston
Christie – Isla May
Darwin – Lily-Jo Prior
Fawcett – Belle Silvester
Harrison – Lilly Ellis
Kitson – Harry Rowlands
Nearne – Olivier Szyszka
Pengelly – Ben Walters
Year 8
Brunel – Teddy Watson
Christie – Noah Margetts
Darwin – Ava Luker-Hulme
Fawcett – Dylan Tripp
Kitson – Lily Robins
Pengelly – Poppy Sanderson
Year 9
Brunel – Ben Jolly
Christie – Freya Coatesworth
Darwin – Sonny Bond
Fawcett – Felicity Adams
Kitson – Susie Lester
Nearne – Maja de Carvalho
Pengelly – Leonardo Marcheggiani
Homework Students of the Week
Year 7
Christie – Rosie Bevan
Darwin – Riley Johnson
Fawcett – Olivia Hooper
Harrison – Sophia Blake
Kitson – Sofia Adamson
Nearne – Isla Bryant
Pengelly – Lucas Vesely
Year 8
Brunel – Alexa Lyons
Christie – Cody Burton
Darwin – Sunny Weedon
Fawcett – Anya Cosslett
Harrison – Maria Nihtyanova
Kitson – Jessie Mountstevens
Pengelly – Paris Reid
Year 9
Brunel – Laurentiu Mihai
Christie – Lauren Tanton
Darwin – Summer Holmes
Fawcett – Lewis Phillips
Kitson – Evie-May Howell
Nearne – Blessings Nguono
Pengelly – Carla Lawrence
Sparx Leaderboards
Tassomai Leaderboards
