Golf national finals, Brecon Beacons and kayaking
Year 11 Final Assembly
Year 11 had their final assembly before their examinations begin next week. They received the good luck cards their parents and carers wrote for them on results evening.
Sixth Form Musicians Rock St Marychurch
Molloys in St. Marychurch pulsed with raw energy last Wednesday night as four rising bands from our music department took the stage. The event, an assessment and showcase of the incredible musical talent brewing amongst the next generation, did not disappoint.
The night kicked off with a funky groove as the first band launched into “Valerie.” Their infectious energy had the crowd swaying from the get-go, setting the tone for a diverse and electrifying evening. Next up, “Figure It Out” brought the rock. The band’s tight sound and powerful vocals had the audience headbanging and singing along. They delivered a set packed with originals alongside some classic rock reimaginings of songs that left the crowd wanting more. The energy continued with Britpop classics like “What You Know.” and the band finished their set with the chart topping “I Bet That You Look Good on the Dancefloor”. Finally came the metal, complete with pounding drums, distorted guitars, and soaring vocals. Their high-octane performance was a thrilling conclusion to the night, leaving the crowd buzzing.
Overall, the night was a testament to the incredible talent being nurtured in the music department. Molloys, with its legendary atmosphere, provided the perfect platform for these young musicians to shine. If you missed this one, keep your eye out for the next event – you won’t regret it!
TA go Paddling!
In September we were just about to go paddling…. now.. we’ve been paddling!
About 50 students have had the chance so far and we’re now in peak season so more students are going each week. We begin by issuing the students their kit (the best kit in the business btw – cag, helmet, buoyancy aid, change robe) then we load up and head to Totnes. Dr Jones leads an initial game to teach the basics of kayak control and then we’re away upstream to the bridge or, if the tide allows, up to the hydro station. After this lovely bimble we might play a game of kayakball, some students accidentally capsize, some students “accidentally” capsize, the staff (Mr Bez, Dr Jones and Dr O’Hanlon) shovel them back into their boats and then it’s time to get off the water.
Students are usually (a bit) cold, sometimes (a lot) wet, usually (a bit) tired but (nearly) always buzzing after a great activity!!!
Year 11 Gold Effort Lunch
Well done to the following students for making it into Gold for their effort grade for Cycle 3. Here they are having lunch with Mr Pugh before their exams start!
Oliver Huxtable, Melvin Page, Sophie Packer, Thamindu Wijenayake, Marcus De Lucis, Emma Roadnight, Serena Iordache, Lauren Catt, Nisha Coslett, Mia Langley Doyle, Amalia Mihai, Tayler Reynolds, Jessica Lawford, Beatrice Corline, Isabelle Davis, Coral Stewart, Aspen Keenan, Dylan Nock, Daisy Bond, Samuel Stimpson and Elspeth Herring
Greenpower update
The school’s own motorsport team have enjoyed their first race of the season at Goodwood Circuit, home of the famous revival, festival of speed and many other prestigious events. This was the very first event for our year 9s who were keen to get going after a long winter of preparation.
The more experienced year 10 enjoyed a highly successful day, taking second place in a field of 71 cars. The rest of the top ten was dominated by private school, many with F1 backing, so for us to be finishing on the podium is a fantastic achievement!
The less experienced year 9 team, driving Bindon had a trickier day, suffering from niggly reliability issues in race 1 and then were caught up in a major incident for race 2 which led to car damage.
Their perseverance and resilience was excellent though, which led to them having a great day, finishing up in 32nd place.
These results mean that Pugh, being driven by the year 10s, has already qualified for the international finals in October, this is the earliest that either of our cars has ever achieved this accolade. Well done to all involved!
Torquay Academy Cadets’ Adventure on
At Torquay Academy, our cadets don’t just learn in the classroom – they thrive in the great outdoors.
From kayaking to climbing, drill to fieldcraft, air rifle shooting to paintballing, map reading to team building, our cadet program offers a diverse array of thrilling experiences that develop skills, forge friendships, and instill confidence.
Kayaking and Climbing
Venturing onto the water this week was a first for some. Torquay Academy cadets navigate the waves, mastering the art of kayaking. With each paddle stroke, they learn balance, coordination, and teamwork. Meanwhile, on the climbing wall they conquer new heights through climbing, pushing their limits and discovering the strength within.
Drill and Fieldcraft
Precision and discipline are the hallmarks of our cadet program. Through drill exercises, cadets hone their focus, coordination, and attention to detail. In fieldcraft sessions, they immerse themselves in nature, learning essential survival skills, camouflage techniques, and navigation strategies to thrive in any environment.
Air Rifle Shooting and Paintballing
With a steady hand and keen eye, cadets took aim at targets in air rifle shooting sessions, perfecting their marksmanship skills under expert guidance. Then, they dive into adrenaline-fueled paintball battles, strategizing with teammates, honing their tactical prowess, and unleashing their competitive spirit.
Map Reading and Team Building
Navigating the terrain is key to success, and our cadets become masters of the map. Through map reading exercises, they learn to decipher symbols, plot routes, and navigate with confidence, whether in dense forests or open fields. Moreover, team building activities foster camaraderie, communication, and trust, strengthening bonds that last a lifetime.
At Torquay Academy, our cadets embrace every challenge with determination and resilience. Through outdoor adventures, they not only acquire essential life skills but also cultivate a sense of adventure, leadership, and community. Join us as we embark on an unforgettable journey of exploration, growth, and achievement.
We have Chicks!
More DofE Success at Torquay Academy
Eight more students were awarded their DofE Award certificates this week. Six students successfully completed their Bronze awards and two students successfully completed their Silver awards.
It is a fantastic achievement by the students and recognises their efforts in learning or developing Skills, giving up their time to do a Volunteering activity, and their time in undertaking a sport or similar Physical activity. And of course undertaking the gruelling Expedition – at Silver hiking and camping over 3 days-2 nights, and at Bronze 2 days- 1 night .
Once again the activities the students participated in were extremely diverse. In the Physical section students were undertaking activities such as gym fitness; netball; cricket; football; and dance. In the Skills section students were developing skills in learning musical instruments; football refereeing; drill and marching in cadets; navigation; cooking; and acting. And in the Volunteering section students coached younger students in netball, football, dance and gymnastics; worked on conservation projects in a community garden; and supported younger cadets at police cadets. Some amazing activities undertaken by TA students that really help, support and inspire their local community with positive action.
Congratulations to the following students: Leon Mugliston, Toby Lee, Jemimah Jones, Ivy Hodgson-Hunt, Emma Matthews, Sara Martins – Bronze Award
Daisy Gibbings, James Lovell – Silver Award
Most of the students have already enrolled for, or expressed an interest in completing the next level award which is commendable, and shows ambition and a level of maturity in the fact they are seriously considering their future prospects in university, college applications and future employment. Well done!
Effort Boards
DofE Gold teams take on the Brecon Beacons!
The next test for our DofE Gold group in their expedition training was a challenging two day adventure in the Brecon Beacons. With an early meet at school on Saturday morning the three hour drive to the Beacons was the most relaxing part of the weekend!
Despite the foreboding weather forecast of strong winds, rain and possible snow with sub zero temperatures the students were in very good spirits. On arrival at Torpantau Station, warm layers and waterproofs were donned as a necessity! Saturday’s hike of 12km aimed to acclimatise the students with steeper ground, similar to what they will encounter in Snowdonia and the Lake District. The three teams set off in five minute intervals, accompanied by Miss Stoyle, Mr Beswetherick, Mr Butler and Mr Adams.
The steep ground training proved to be immediate! Within a kilometre of their start point the teams were climbing up the Beacons Way, alongside Blaen y Glyn forest. The scenery was stunning, with a beautiful waterfall and woodland along the walk with impressive mountains all around. Despite the burn of the climb the students did manage to appreciate their surroundings!
As the teams reached the top of the ridge the weather turned. Cold, driving rain with strong gusts, fortunately blowing from the ridge, meant the going was tough. Due to the low-lying cloud the visibility was poor, yet the steep drop on the eastern side of the ridge was clear to see.
As the teams progressed along the ridge the fog rolled in. Although they were following the ridge, a very linear route, navigation became more difficult. On leaving the ridge at a path junction each of the teams became disoriented in the fog. However this proved to be a positive navigation skills test in that each team re-located themselves successfully.
With their detour the teams ended up hiking 15km instead of the planned 12km. They still made good time getting into camp at Pentwyn Farm and there were smiles on their faces, after a challenging day, as they climbed the final slope into the campsite and saw Mr Brett waiting for them. Tents were set up quickly, and after a briefing on the following day’s route from Mr Butler the students ate a hot meal and turned in for a good night’s sleep.
Sunday brought much better weather than expected. Whilst temperatures were still cold there was no snow as had been forecast. The teams were ready to leave, after fuelling up with a hot breakfast, by 8 o’clock. The hike, approximately 20km, would take in the highest peaks in the Beacons, including Pen y Fan. The hike started with a gruelling 4km constant climb to the top of Fan y Big. This could have brought spirits plummeting but the sun came out and morale was high. With the sun shining the views were stunning! Spectacular ridges, steep, almost sheer drops, and high peaks, impressed the students and they could really see how Brecon was a step up in challenge from what they had experienced on Dartmoor.
The ‘steep ground acclimatisation training’ continued with the descent of Fan y Big and the ascent of Cribyn. These were quickly followed by a further steep descent and steep ascent of Pen y Fan, the highest beacon at 886m. The steep climbs were taking their toll on the students and it was hard going. But they showed fantastic resilience and determination and kept going. A well earned lunch break was taken at the summit of Pen y Fan, and the maps showed that they were on the last leg of their hike – and it was mostly downhill!
After briefly taking in the spectacular views from the summit of Corn Du, the teams walked with renewed energy and vitality- they knew the end was in sight! Taking in another spectacular ridge walk along Graigg Fan Du, the students were using their map to ground skills in order to ensure they took the final descent towards the Upper Neuadd Reservoir filter house. The descent seemed to go on forever, and was tough on the knees, but they finally made it and walked through the Taf Fechan Forest to the welcome sight of the minibuses in the car park. Another excellent effort, with valuable navigation skills practiced and most importantly an experience that will really help when they take on the practice and qualifying expeditions in Snowdonia and the Lake District.
Well done to the following students – Phoebe Lown, Oriana McCaul, Ava Sams, Amelia Washbrook, Katie Williams, Hannah Carr, Lauren Carr, Bogdan Pamfile, Charlie Fox, Vensan Crushcov, Jamie Nunn, Kole Gjikolaj, William Reed, Lucas Washbrook, Bobbie Royal, William Harrison, Harrison Horrell.
Science with Mr Lennon
Please see below some examples of Year 7 ‘Superteach’ investigation to explore displacement reactions. Students were tasked with mixing metals of varying reactivity and compounds with the same metals to see if a displacement reaction took place. They were also tasked with identifying any patterns and observing evidence of any reactions that took place.
Maths with Mrs Aplin
9T5 have been working really hard this week in our Super Teaching Week. Having selected topics from our assessments that needed some more work, we have used mini whiteboards to look more closely at solving 2 step algebraic equations using a function machine.
Telling the story of an algebraic letter, lets us see the inverse operations to perform.
Chemistry with Mrs Pidwell
In Chemistry we have been carrying out various experiments this cycle. Year 9 have been carrying out different reactions and measuring the temperature change to find out if it is exothermic or endothermic. Year 10 have been investigating different types of water; sea water, salt water and tap water. They carried out experiments to test the pH and the mass of dissolved salts in the water. Year 12 have been using chemical tests to identify halogenoalkanes using acidified silver nitrate. Year 13 have been investigating what is in Aspartame. Aspartame is an artificial sweetener added to many foods and drinks to reduce sugar content. Aspartame is a dipeptide and can be hydrolysed by refluxing with hydrochloric acid. The students carried out the reflux and then used thin layer chromatography, using Ninhydrin to see the products of the reaction.
LAMDA Acting Distinctions
Kole Gjikolaj and Louise Porter, two talented performers, have achieved remarkable success in their recent LAMDA (London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art) acting exams.
Kole, a dedicated young actor, has earned a distinction in Grade 7 LAMDA examinations. Louise, demonstrating her passion for the stage, has also achieved a distinction in Grade 3 LAMDA.
LAMDA examinations are highly respected qualifications in the performing arts industry. To achieve their distinctions, Kole and Louise underwent rigorous training and preparation. The exams assess a range of skills, including: prepared performance pieces, sight reading and improvisation.
Kole and Louise’s distinctions are a testament to their hard work, dedication, and natural talent for acting. Their accomplishments will undoubtedly serve them well as they pursue their journeys in the performing arts.
Students of the Week
Year 7 – Luke Sandeman and Emelia Wood
Year 9 – Kaiden Mclaren and Halayna Hussain
Devon Schools Golf Championship
Torquay Academy has showcased its sporting prowess on the green, clinching victory at the Devon Golf Championships held at the prestigious Bigbury Golf Course. The winning trio, comprising Harry Smith, Ben German, and William Denega, demonstrated exceptional skill and determination, securing their passage to the coveted National Finals at Woodhall Spa Golf Club on Wednesday 10th July.
While golf may be an individual sport, the strength of the Torquay Academy team lies in their collective synergy. Each member, from Harry’s precision drives to Ben’s strategic approach and William’s steady putting, contributed to the team’s success, complementing each other’s strengths and elevating their performance to new heights.
Congratulations also, to our other 3 team members, Toby Lee, Harry Lee and George Kasparis who, although didn’t qualify, all finished their rounds with very respectable plus 30 stapleford scores.
Year 10 Football
The Year 10 powered their way into the South Devon Finals with a win over Teign School.
Dance Success
We would like to congratulate Year 11 student Rebecca Glasson for successfully auditioning for four Performing Arts colleges; Bird, Arts Ed, Laines and Dang. During her audition for Bird College, Rebecca was offered a place on the day, which is very rare. During her ArtsEd audition, Rebecca was awarded the principal’s award of excellence, the only student to receive this award during the audition process. This recognition is very well deserved and demonstrates Rebecca’s hard work and discipline to her Dance and we are so proud of her. After having the pick of the bunch, Rebecca has decided to attend ArtsEd in September to study alongside furthering her Dance.
We wish Rebecca well, and know she will shine at her new Dance college in September!
Devon Gymnastics Success
A huge congratulations to Eve Cameron (O15) and Elizabeth Cameron (O15) who have each come second in the Inter-Regional South-West team tumbling qualifiers which means they now represent the South West for their age group in Birmingham for nationals in July. We look forward to hearing about how they get on!
Prestigious Diamond Award
Year 7 – Tiffany Eastley
Year 9 – George O’Hanlon
Governor’s Platinum Certificates
Year 7 – Jack Parton and Heidi Milner
Year 9 – George O’Hanlon
Governor’s Gold Certificates
Year 7 – Oliver Szyszka, Ayrton Sharp, Charlotte Townsend, Harry Austin, Frazer Lewis, Bailey Taylor, Darcy Dainton, Giovanni Vaio, Bobby O’Reagan, Marli-Ray Cutajar, Rosie Bevan, George Garbett, Edith Mackenzie, Frances Roberts, Jackson Lane, Kobi Burness-Moakes, Arlo Brady, Jack Crabb, Isla Bryant, Mila Cairney and Izzie Mildren
Year 9 – George O’Hanlon
Governor’s Silver Certificates
Year 7 – Gracie Fancourt, Harley Smith, Isaac Mccabe, Oaklie Chancellor, Seren Chadwick, Leonard Toribio, Immy Shaw, Sophie Howard, Lilly Shaw, Seren Stephenson, Leo Nicholson, Jax Biagott, Chloe Taylor, Matilda Thorner, Haydon Coatesworth, Treesa Telson, Gracie Fancourt, Harley Smith, Cee-Jay Carrington, Daisy-Mae Rees, Dion Maharjan, Lottie Knight, Harlow Bown, Lucy French, Bobby Joint, Jack Robinson, Sophia Blake, Serenity Ward and Khalid Al-Ajrami
Year 8 – Archie Somerset and Naomi Szyszka
Year 9 – Indy Evans, Bailey Heaward, Oliver Welsh, Laurentiu Mihai, Harry Newman, Harrison Harkin and Grace Halsey
Governor’s Bronze Certificates
Year 7 – Riley Johnson, Aaliyah Akpo, Wiktoria Aleksander, Olivier Kawula, Poppy Evely, Cayden Castle, Oakley Mudge, Freya Brown, Max Kapusta, Elissia Greenwood, Seraphina Rozier, Lilly-Rose Garbett,, Emily Redmond, Ted Dudley, Oceana Furse, Allen Burns-Muir, Brayden Lane, Toryn Bond, Tate Reynolds, Flo Evans, Ruby Turner, Logan Payne and Billie-Jo Dolling
Year 8 – Sophie Dean, Lucie Bowers, Logan Watt and Talia Street
Year 9 – Ashleigh Evans, Farrah Ambrose-Paradise, Summer Lawford, Felicity Adams, Adam Sadlik, Toby Waring, Amelia Rose, Grace Gibbings, Kiki Marker and Liam Anthony
Principal’s Gold Certificates
Year 7 – Bella Hall, Phoebe Grindling, Grace Gatting, Alexa McCarthy, Sofia Adamson, George Giles, Cooper Syms, Luna Truong and James Cosh
Year 8 – Teddy Watson, Benjamin Nicholson, Alexa Lyons, Matthew Campan, Emily Cowan, Euan Miller, Oscar McLaughlin, Saskia Cooper, Stella de Rose, Tanya Neil, Lily Thomas, James Beer, Molly Hollomby, Johnnu Sandbrook, Oliver Ayres, Kordian Wisnik, Bella Hobbin-Mills and Emily Bowden
Year 9 – Larna Waller, Lewis Phillips, Freya Mealin, Rebecca Quarshie, Miley Soby, Oscar Mills, Emma Giles, Nya Bettridge, Lexi Jessup, Barnaby George, Leonardo Marcheggiani, Imogen Symonds, Hamish Herring, Lili Budavolgyi, Oscar Leonard, Nevin Vithayathil, Mikolaj Piasecki, Harrison Richards, Ayden Goldsbrough, Abigail Yau, Lauren Tanton, Ethan Anyon, Kaiden Mclaren, Ben Jeffs, Naphtali Phinehas, Daisy Board, Lee Stevens, Olly Whittred, Kiel Mortimer, Benjamin Houghton, Alba Fogarty, Aleksandra Treder, Freya Coatesworth, Demi Minty, Sunny Long, Lucas Chappell, Francesca Skelly, Harry Paull and Callum Pile
Principal’s Silver Certificates
Year 7 – Ayden Quarshie, Tyler Davis, Oliver Withers, Gabriella Piasta and Joshua Lucas
Year 8 – Will Wrathall, Neeve Thomson, Lauren Harbutt, Finley Corderoy, Alfie Speed, Chloe-Mae Jones, Trent Blackmore, Jamie Tully, Robyn Higgins, Brandon Callow, Vinnie Frankum, Mollie Longthorpe, Sienna Holton, Mia Hawkes, Ethan Veasey, Samuel Saunders, Izzy Goldsbrough, Stanley Austin, Freddie Fenner, Harry Lee, Emily Kenny, Saket Raj, Logan Clatworthy, Dolly Gagg and Toby Howell
Year 9 – Jack Slater, Maddie Kenyon, Joshua Ward, Aliviya Lawrence, Blessings Nguono, Amy Rogers, Luke Horrocks, Daniel Elkins, Alana Livermore, Amelia Wisniewska, Sam Bowden, Jake Knight, Ellie Mildren, Sera Elsa Jomon, Chelsea Milton, Charlotte Little, Anthony Potter, Millie-Ann Wigston, Scarlett Huxtable, Halle Wotton, Mailie Beavis, Lola Benney, Declan Smith, Olivia Fordrey, Sophia Burnham, Amelia Lawton, Serena James, Millie-Anne Adamson, Millie Routledge, Brody Cooper, Rayhan Shamim and Matthew Bailey
Year 10 – Rayan Nafim, Sara Santos Martins, Dean Conway, Bastian Johns-Jouadio, George Scrimgeour, Emma Matthews and Austin White
Principal’s Bronze Certificates
Year 7 – Leighton Ellis-Cook, Freya Dale, Jasmin Collins and Isla Herbert
Year 8 – Elijah Addai, Jasmine Edwards, Finley Dawson, Jonathan Siuchninski, Sydney Summers, Jaylen Hunter, Olivia Stewart, Jzmin Collins, Archie Norcott and Blake Young
Year 9 – Izzy Voisey, James Bond, Phoenix Quetelle, Connie McMahon, Lily Hawkins, Hayden Halsey, Kai Chalmers-Wood, Emilia Hunt, Bella Blatchford, Joselyn Full, Riley Calland, Chloe Brown, Leon O’Connor, Mason Mitchell, Summer Holmes, Edward Evers, Oscar Tallon, Susie Lester, Daisey Johns, Marlee White, Sonny Bond, Faye Cassidy, Daisy Hellier, Phoenix Furse, Tegan Ross, Leo Maasz and Eden Nelson-Minns
Year 10 – Harry Taylor, Cerys Lowe, Noah Tyson and Chloe Hollis
Year 11 – Maja Davies and Charlie Selby
House Students of the Week
Year 7
Brunel – Luke Sandeman
Christie – Alex Iftode
Darwin – Bobby Joint
Fawcett – Archie Phillips
Harrison – Jackson Lane
Kitson – Tyler Davis
Nearne – Lily Shaw
Pengelly – Myah Sellick
Year 8
Brunel – Allanna Butler
Christie – Ollie Payne-Stanbury
Darwin – Lauren Harbutt
Fawcett – Gustaw Adamczak
Harrison – Emily Colclough
Kitson – Olivia Williams
Nearne – Bodhi Williams
Pengelly – Sienna Wilschere
Year 9
Brunel – Isabella Bentley
Christie – Kallie Stewart
Darwin – Leon O’Connor
Fawcett – Harrison Harkin
Harrison – Jack Slater
Kitson – Adam Copping
Nearne – Dylan Parker
Pengelly – Phoebe Smith
Homework Students of the Week
Year 7
Brunel – Toby Preston
Christie – Ruby Turner
Darwin – Jessica Ferguson
Fawcett – Anna Rozanska
Harrison – Matilda Thorner
Kitson – Jessica Stoyle
Nearne – Cayden Castle
Pengelly – Esme Poole
Year 8
Brunel – Will Wrathall
Christie – Noah Margetts
Darwin – Alesha Black-Matthews
Fawcett – Michael Wynd
Harrison – Ruby Fitzgerald
Kitson – Annie Aldous
Nearne – Poppy Fieldhouse
Pengelly – Samuel Sanders
Year 9
Brunel – Lena Galazkiewicz
Christie – Harrison Richards
Darwin – Hayden Halsey
Fawcett – Lewis Phillips
Harrison – Olly Whittred
Kitson – Tom Ross
Nearne – Cody Cave
Pengelly – Carla Lawrence
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