Live Music lunch, options evening, exam prep and cricket

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Live Music Lunch 

On Friday years 9 and 10 were invited to witness our first Live Music Lunch of the new year with music from ‘Draculin’, a band featuring musicians from the school.

As has become customary, our pupils were welcomed to The Platform with a DJ set, this week from ‘Denial’ – Dan Maw from year 13. Dan set the tone for the rest of the event with an upbeat performance of House and DnB. This live Music Lunch was the first to make use of our amazing new Pioneer Rx3 DJ system – which will provide the school’s talented DJ’s the opportunity to perform on a professional system with the same workflow as that in the worlds best clubs and Dan certainly gave it a great debut workout.

Today’s headline act Draculin took to the stage and launched into 3 songs of heavy rock and metal. Black Sabbath’s Paranoid was followed by a Draculin original Sweet Dreams. The band closed their set with Rush’s Animate. These guys stage presence belied their young age with guitarist Oliver Cocker confidently picking out complex lead guitar riffs, drummer Bartosz beat the skins with an incredible drum solo and frontman Will Candy and bassist Emilee Payne stood back to back getting the Platform completely rocking. It is certainly a performance that will live long in the memory.

We’re so proud of these talented students and can’t wait to see what they do next.

Draculin:

Will Candy

Emilee Payne

Oliver Cocker

Bartosz Mitula

DJ – Denial

Dan Maw

Year 8 Options Evening

We welcomed Year 8 students, parents and carers into school this week for their options evening.  They were given a talk in The Platform about the process and options as well as the opportunity to speak to all of the subject staff to find out more about each of the wide range of GCSEs we offer.

Sixth Form Performing Arts

Our 6th form Performing Arts students this term have had the opportunity to spend an evening at the theatre watching Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures production of Edward Scissorhands. This term, they have been studying the work of many theatre practitioners, including the work of Sir Matthew Bourne, who gave a post-show talk and Q& A sessions, which offered great insight to the mind of this creative.  For a few of the students, this was their first time at the theatre, complete with interval ice creams.

Science with Miss Martin

Miss Martin’s year 8 science classes have been looking at chemical change. They have looked at neutralization reactions and the making of salts. They have also done a series of experiments to identify exothermic and endothermic reactions.

English with Mrs Mortimore

Mrs Mortimore’s year 11 class have been working hard on their weekly essays this week. Students are expected to prepare to respond to a different literature exam question every week, and have 45 minutes to write up their answers in class. They then receive feedback on how they have got on the following lesson. This is our expectation of all year 11s, and each year they rise to the challenge brilliantly. One student was so pleased with his essay this week he took it home to show his Mum because he was so proud of the progress he had made – I won’t embarrass him by naming names!

House News

Our Year 7 Student Voice committee is heavily involved in organising a spring fayre to raise money for our eight house charities. Representatives from each tutor group have discussed their own ideas for house stalls, fed back to their house group and collated any further suggestions.

There are some grand plans to have eight stalls featuring cakes, sweets and a range of sweet treats as well as books, toiletries and soft toys. Some suggestions are even grander, with ideas such as popcorn machines, face-painting, and mini-golf putting.

Each group wants to ensure that they raise as much money for a specially selected local charity which run as follows:

Brunel – The Children’s Society
Christie – Rowcroft Hospice
Darwin – Animals in Distress
Fawcett – The Premature Baby Unit
Harrison – The Royal British Legion
Kitson – Torbay Coast and Countryside
Nearne – The Red Cross
Pengelly – Torquay Stroke Support

We will feature more details about the event towards the end of this term.

Cadet News

The Torquay Academy cadets once again experienced a thrilling and enriching cadet training evening, as both the Royal Air Force (RAF) and Army cadets delved into various activities to improve their skills. The anticipation for the upcoming (RAST) competition filled the air, and the commitment of the senior RAF cadets to mentor their less experienced peers was truly commendable.

The evening commenced with both the RAF and Army cadets engaging in essential First Aid training. The cadets learned critical life-saving skills such as CPR, primary survey techniques, and participated in a scenario that tested their ability to apply first aid in realistic situations. The emphasis on these skills not only prepares the cadets for unforeseen circumstances but also reinforces the importance of teamwork and quick thinking in emergency situations.

As the Army cadets delved into the muddier elements of fieldcraft training, learning essential skills for survival and manoeuvring in outdoor environments, the adrenaline continued to flow with an exhilarating paintballing session. The combination of strategic thinking and physical agility provided a unique and exciting experience for the cadets, building on teamwork and camaraderie in the process.

Aiming for the bullseye, the cadets participated in air rifle shooting practice, refining their marksmanship skills. The meticulous training instills discipline, focus, and responsibility while enhancing the cadets’ ability to handle firearms safely. This activity not only contributes to their personal development but also lays the foundation for potential future achievements in marksmanship.

The cadet evening concluded on a high note with a celebration of accomplishments. Several cadets were honoured for their dedication and achievements, receiving the prestigious Bronze and Silver Duke of Edinburgh (D of E) badges. These badges symbolize not only the cadets’ commitment to personal development but also their resilience and determination to overcome challenges.

Throughout the training evening, the influence of senior RAF cadets guiding their less experienced peers was evident. Taking on the role of the instructor enables the cadets to develop teaching skills but also creates a sense of community and shared purpose among the cadets.

The Torquay Academy cadets showcased their multifaceted skills during an engaging training evening that blended the best of RAF and Army training experiences. From life-saving First Aid drills to the thrill of paintballing and the precision of air rifle shooting, each activity contributed to the holistic development of the cadets. As they celebrated individual achievements and received the coveted D of E badges, the sense of pride and unity within the cadet community soared. The Torquay Academy continues to foster an environment where skills, mentorship, and celebrations intertwine to shape the future leaders of tomorrow.

This week in Mr Thatcher’s Classroom

Mr Thatcher’s year 11s have been working hard in preparation for their upcoming PPEs and this summer’s GCSEs.

This week they have been looking at Pythagoras, solving problems in 2D, 3D and on coordinate grids. Later in the week, they moved on to look at calculations with circles using everyone’s favourite irrational number, Pi!

Next week, they will be moving on to look at circle theorems.

During the week, they have also had to complete their Sparx Maths homework online and also had their written PPE preparation homework checked on Thursday.

Health & Social Care with Mrs Lancaster

It’s been busy and health and social care the last few weeks getting the year 11s and the sixth form groups all prepped and ready for their exams. Lots of briefings, lots of revision and lots of competent students as they’ve worked so hard in the lead-up to these exams.

Students of the Week

Year 7 – Jenson Tandy and Seren Stephenson

Year 9 – Ashleigh Evans and Josh Parkinson

Year 10 – Dylan Breslan

Year 11 – Alfie Walker-Fenner and Isabelle Davis

Year 8 Inter school Indoor Cricket Championship

This week the year 8 cricket team travelled to Paignton hub to compete in the Indoor cricket championship. The boys arguably were drawn in a tough group alongside TBGS, Kingsbridge, Newton Abbot College and Paignton. After winning their first two games the boys came up against a very good TBGS side. However, after getting their Devon batsmen out for only 3 runs an upset looked on the cards. The pick of the day was Lee Stevens bowling the Devon opener out with his first ball! Some accurate, sensible batting from their lower order saw them home with a good score. We struggled to reply and unfortunately came off second best. The boys went into their final game positive but a little jaded after playing three games back to back, whilst others had a rest game. The team unfortunately struggled with the bat in the final game and lost a game they probably should have won. Having said that, it was a great day of cricket and an excellent opportunity for the boys to learn more about the sometimes overly complicated game. Well done to all involved. Team was: Sonny Cayford, Thomas Cox, Jamie Tully, Euan Miller, Oscar Spurle, Archie Harman, Lee Stevens, Noah Margetts.

Year 10 Football vs Ivybridge

Outstanding performance sees year 10 in to the Devon Quarter Final

On Wednesday, the year 10 football team took on St Peters in the Devon Cup. The team produced an outstanding performance to run out 5-2 winners. The performance was so good because the boys showed real character, discipline, work rate and most importantly, togetherness.

On what can only be described as a difficult pitch to play on the team produced some real classy football at times and came back from a goal down early to run out comfortable winners. The goals came from Charlie Green x2, Toby Lee, Albie Baker and Josh Sandeman.

The team will now be at home in the quarter-final to either Isca or West Exe in the quarter-finals.

U12 B Team National Cup Round 3 vs Taunton

U12 Girls National Cup Round 4 vs Mounts Bay Academy

U13 Boys Devon Cup Round 3 vs Exmouth

U14 Girls National Cup Round 5 vs Truro School

Principal’s Gold Certificates

Year 7 – Jack Parton and Tiffany Eastley

Principal’s Silver Certificates

Year 7 – Charlotte Townsend, Keeley-Mae Moran, Catherine Ramesh Mani, Giovanni Vaio, Lily-Rose Haughton, Sophie Howard, Izzie Mildren, Luke Sandeman, Annalise Little, Marli-Ray Cutajar, Ayrton Sharp, Jamie Hancox, Elena Bolton, Alfie Williams, Seren Stephenson, Katie Stevens, Isla Coish, Zack Hazeldine, Lily Ellis, Poppi Jones, Hayden Coatesworth, Ellie-Mae Burton, Lily Langler, Oaklie Chancellor, Poppy Haslett, Olivier Szyszka, Jorgie-Jayne Barnett, Charlie O’Connor, Lori Close, Chase Morgan, Sonny Wildy, Immy Shaw, Louie Skinner, Frances Roberts, Madison Wood, Rosco Biagott, Lacey-May Loffel, Matilda Thorner, Harley Smith, Laylay Lock, Heidi Milner, Poppy Evely, Alana Houlihan, Seren Chadwick, George Garbett, Serenity Ward, Charlie Murray, Gracjan Rutkowski, Jessica Stoyle, Phoebe Acton, Sophia Blake, Emilee Fenner, Alex iftode, Esmie Riggs, Summer Reed, Arlo Brady, Leonard Toribio and James Costello

Year 8 – Naomi Szyszka and Tristan Ellis

Principal’s Bronze Certificates

Year 7 – Gabbi Cobain, Lucy French, Seraphina Rozier, Charlie O’Connor, Charlie Murray, Lottie Knight, James Cosh, Daisy Dorman, Wiktor Koza, Ted Dudley, Harry Evans, May McDonough, Dion Maharjan, Olivia Martin, Oakley Mudge, Eric Montague, Harry Rowlands, Toby Preston, Treesa Telson, Mia Wilkins, Daisy-Maw Rees, Maddie Smith, Harlow Bown, Ruby Turner, Poppy Anderson, George Pitts, Viktoria Simunkova, Alexa McCarthy, Elizabeth Francis, Edward Watt, Alba McKechan, Elise Musgrove, Riley Johnson, Flo Evans, Benjamin Cowie, Harrison Harkin, Alexis Kovacs, Esme Poole, George Pitts, George Moran, Poppy Anderson, Sofia Adamson, Jessica Ferguson, Toryn Bond, Corey Davies, Xanthe Tyson, Frederick Blagdon, Lilly Shaw, Jack Hughes, Anna Rozanska, Cordi Williams-Powell, Seren Panther-Glinn, JJ Mitchell, William Schmiedinghofer, Dylan Drinkwater, Luke Moran, Keylan Hodgson, Oceana Furse, Reef Whayman, Billy Marshall, Luna Truong, Emily Bowden, Bella Hall, Freya-Mae Mcelkenny and Brogan Holmes-Inch

Year 8 – Heidi Bowers, Paul Blades, Cody Burton, Sophie Dean, Anya Cosslett, Tegan Harrison, Warren Biggs, Talia Street, Oscar McLaughlin, Michael Wynd, Daisy Humphreys, Sean Canham, Phoenix Reeman, Scarlett Connolly, Jayden Hardman, Mason Findlay-Peers, Gustaw Adamczak, Hattie Gamble, Emilia Warner and Halle Walker

Year 9 – Oliver Cocker, Felicity Adams, George O’Hanlon, Connie Kinghorn, Rebecca Quarshie, Lottie Roberts, Oscar Leonard, Miley Soby, Adam Sadlik, Nevin Vithayathil, Freya Mealin, Halayna Hussain and Lili Budavolgyi,

House Students of the Week

Year 7

Christie – Theo Slater

Darwin – Jesse Ismede

Fawcett – Beth McMahon

Harrison – Alfie Williams

Kitson – Phoebe Grindling

Nearne – Oliver Forsdyke

Pengelly – Myah Sellick

Year 8

Brunel – Alfie Speed

Christie – Sophie Dean

Darwin – Evie Ford

Fawcett – Michael Wynd

Kitson – Mollie Peters

Pengelly – Freddie Fenner

Year 9

Brunel – Ashleigh Evans

Christie – Zak Turner

Fawcett – Rayham Shamim

Kitson – Nikkita Hookway

Nearne – Mason Bryant

Pengelly – Orley Copeland

Homework Students of the Week

Year 7

Christie – Jamie Hancox

Darwin – Chloe Taylor

Fawcett – George Kasparis

Harrison – Phoebe Acton

Kitson – Oscar Deegan

Nearne – Olivier Kawula

Pengelly – Levi Jones

Year 8

Christie – Paul Blades

Darwin – Aaron Hering

Fawcett – Dylan Tripp

Kitson – Tyler Evans

Pengelly – Alexander Moss

Year 9

Brunel – Toby Waring

Christie – Maile Beavis

Fawcett – Leela Cartwright

Kitson – Sophie Box

Nearne – Mason Mitchell

Pengelly – Jake Knight

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