National Finals, Devon Champions & Fun Friday Live Music Lunch
Horse Riding National Finals – 10th in the country
Dolce Zulhayir, in Year 10, and her horse Raffie headed up to Buckingham to represent Torquay Academy in The National Schools Equestrian Association Championships. On arriving, Dolce managed to watch some of the competitions getting underway and she quickly realised that she most definitely needed to be a speed demon to be competitive at the National Championship. Jump-off times were coming in at around 19 seconds. Her only option for any placings would be by being accurate, fearless and extremely fast! She set off at an incredible pace, but Dolce rolled a couple of poles in the first competition.
She came back stronger than ever in the next class, where she managed to jump a double clear in an amazing time of 23 seconds – blink and you’d miss it! She managed to secure a finish in the top 10. It is a wonderful achievement not have qualified for the national finals, but to have finished in 10th position out of nearly 90 Competitors in that class is incredible.
Dolce followed up the finals with an event at Chard Equestrian, where she finished 2nd in both classes.
Well done, Dolce, on your incredible performances.
Fun Friday – Live Music Lunch
Fun Friday had a new activity this week as the Music Department’s inaugural concert in a fortnightly Live Music Lunch series, launched with a bang as Year 7 and 8 were treated to a DJ performance and a selection of Soul from our Senior Music Academy.
The energy from KS3 inside The Platform was off the charts, only to be matched by the energy of our incredibly talented performers. Track’s from the Motown back catalogue (Get Ready and My Girl) opened the set which was closed by a raucous rendition of Valerie.
A huge shout out to Dave Waddington from year 13 who warmed up on the decks, with a set of classic and modern dance music, and our team Dylan Weatherburn-Bird, Robin Pightling and Dan Maw who set the stage and produced crystal clear sound and epic lighting for our performers. What a way to enter the weekend!
Senior Music Academy:
Academy Principals: Rosie Hoyte – Vocals and Robin Pightling – Guitar.
Vocals: Aimee Evans, Lucia Aguado-Georgian and Ava Storey
Piano: Oli Phillips and Oli Lucas
Bass: Callum Edwards and Zac Evans
Guitar: Lorenzo De Paoli and Ben Eales
Drums: Arren Button, Ben German and Tom Thorner
Cadets
Torquay Academy CCF Cadets welcomed the Year 8 cadets to a thrilling evening of cadet training, marked by discipline, cadet ethos, rank structure and a healthy dose of what to expect as a cadet. An initial brief by the Contingent Commander setting the cadet scene.
As the cadets embarked on their cadet induction, both the Army Cadet and the RAF Cadets were in full swing, engaging in a range of activities, Field Craft Tactics, Paintballing, Part 1 RAF training, Drill, leadership to name a few.
The Army Cadet staff continued their mission of instilling discipline and resilience. The cadets delved into the world of field craft tactics, learning essential skills, camouflage techniques, and the art of moving stealthily through rugged terrain. These hands-on exercises not only challenged their physical endurance but also honed their problem-solving abilities.
But the highlight of their week was the paintball rifle session. This thrilling activity allowed the cadets to apply their newfound skills in a dynamic and fast-paced environment. It was a test of teamwork and courage as they engaged in a simulated combat scenario.
The RAF cadets continue Leadership and Part 1 Training. While discipline and precision remained at the core of their training, the focus shifted to Passing a Drill assessment and working towards leadership development. Cadets were given the opportunity to take charge, learn to make critical decisions, and inspire their peers. In addition to leadership, the RAF cadets continued their Part 1 training. This is a foundational step that equips them with the essential knowledge and skills required to be successful in future RAF Cadets.
The cadet training experience at Torquay Academy goes beyond just physical activities. It instils values of respect, teamwork, and resilience that will serve them well in any future endeavour.
The cadet training evening at Torquay Academy was a true testament to the commitment and dedication of staff and both the Army and RAF Cadets. It provided Year 8 cadets with a taste of adventure, a chance to develop leadership skills, and a sense of belonging to a tight-knit community.
Lots of planning is going on in the background to ensure our cadets get the best they can from the CCF experience. Rehearsals for the remembrance parade at school are underway and we look forward to bringing the Contingent together as one.
Jui Jitsu
Over half term, Esmie Riggs, in 7C, competed in the Somerset & Devon Ju Jitsu Competition. Esmie lost her first fight, however bounced back to win her second, placing second in the tournament overall. It is great to see so many of our girls taking part and competing in such a wide variety of sports. Well done, Esmie!
Learn Like A Champion
Each week our students are given a focus to help support them to Learn Like a Champion. With assessment week just one week away, this week our girls and boys had a reminder on different revision techniques from Mrs Mortimore.
Gold D of E Residential at Dartmoor Zoo
Over half term, Will (year 12) completed his Gold D of E residential at Dartmoor Zoo. Spending a week away on a residential activity with unfamiliar people is a core part of the Gold Award.
Will learned about zoo conservation, enrichment, animal behaviour, education, handling and restraint, took part in zoo keeper rounds, designed a new lemur enclosure and even camped out overnight to see what the animals get up to when everyone goes home.
In addition, Will stayed with the rest of the ranger group in a local cottage and had to help cook evening meals for the rest of the team. The highlights of the week were helping to feed the resident Bengal tiger and meeting the inspirational Benjamin Mee whose movie ‘We bought a Zoo’ was based on. What an amazing opportunity!
From moody to mad
Year 13 English Literature students are studying Romantic poetry with Dr Davies.
Students following the A Level English Literature course are midway through the unit on Romantic poetry. After studying poems by ‘first generation’ Romantic writers, Wordsworth and Blake, this week we moved on to George Byron, a ‘second generation’ Romantic poet. Although both groups of poets shared a love of liberty and hatred of oppression, there is a distinct change of tone between ‘moody’ Wordsworth and the ‘mad, bad’ Byron.
Students began to make the transition from Wordsworth to Byron by comparing the titles of two of their poems.
Wordsworth: Lines Composed a Few Miles Above Tintern Abbey, On Revisiting the Banks of the Wye on a Tour (1798)
We noted the reflective, intellectual activity conveyed by the word ‘Composed’ and the sense of lofty, spiritual transcendance expressed by Wordsworth’s position ‘above’ the Abbey.
Byron: Lines Inscribed Upon a Cup Formed from a Skull (1808)
Here students were quick to identify the task of ‘inscribing’ as an aggressive and physical act. The title’s reference to a cup formed out of a skull focuses on the harsh reality of death – but also turns the skull into a useful object that is linked to the hedonistic pleasure of alcohol.
Finally, we learned that the repetition of ‘Lines’ in the title of both poems was no coincidence: Byron aimed to parody the grandiose style of Wordsworth’s title. All Year 13s were happy to be moving on from Wordsworthian themes of nature and spiritual connection to follow Byron’s advice to ‘seize the day’ and live life to the full with the time on earth that we have.
House News
Darwin is our featured house this week. Students George Garbett, Gabi Cockbaim, Chloe Taylor and Jax Biagott were very anxious to tell Miss Risk why Darwin is the best house in the school. George stated, ‘Mrs Lynch is very supportive, she gives us lots of encouragement and she wants everybody to complete their work so that we are all part of something positive. Gabi added, ’One of the reasons we often win at house-points is because Mrs Lynch shows us the graph every day. This encourages us to gain more points and currently we are in the lead.’ Chloe agreed with the positives of being in Darwin house, ‘People in Darwin are funny and kind. Some people are mischievous but nobody is mean and nobody gets left out.’ Jax concurred, ‘I got student of the week in the first week for being kind. I agree with what everyone else has said. Everyone is like a family and everyone always does their homework.’ ‘Doctor Hocking who is head of Darwin is always cheerful and happy. He comes in every week to present the certificates; each time, he has a different song playing to represent Darwin’s victory.’
Year 9 Engineering
Both year 9 Engineering groups are working hard in preparation for their first end of cycle assessment in this subject. During the first cycle they have enjoyed practical time where they have been safely manoeuvring and raising vehicles and how to remove and refit brake components. In the classroom they have covered many issues around health and safety in the workplace. They have all worked incredibly hard and enjoyed learning in the unique environment that we are lucky enough to be able to provide.
Music
Year 7, 8 and 9’s have been working exceptionally hard in music this term.
Year 7 have spent lesson time focussing on developing positive working relationships with their classmates, alongside improving their confidence in music. They have had a lot of fun taking part in musical activities which have improved their knowledge in musical aspects such as rhythm and timing, and have been using their voices in a range of different ways. The year 7’s have recently taken part in class singing lessons which will prepare them for their assessment. For this assessment, the year 7 classes will be recording short performances that will showcase their amazing efforts this cycle.
We have also welcomed our new year 9s onto the music course – these students went through a rigorous process to be selected to study music as one of their options at GCSE. So far, the year 9s have developed solo performances which were of an exceptionally high standard. The class were well prepared and were hugely supportive of each other when sharing these. The year 9’s are currently working on a number of ensemble pieces that we hope you will be lucky enough to enjoy yourselves in the Christmas concert.
Art with Mrs Lithgow
Year 7 have been busily working on bugs and Day of the Dead pages this term. We have created an altar to celebrate the Mexican Day of the Dead festival on November 1st and 2nd. 7T9 made some patterned scraffetio bunting and many students rose to our stretch and challenge task of carving a skull from a potato or apple over half term to add to the display. A big thank you to some of our art club students who helped create and carefully arrange the altar in time for the festival.
Art Star of the fortnight
Our Art Star of the Fortnight is Coral Rogers (Yr12). Coral produced an intricate glass piece to add to the Day of the Dead display in Lower E this week. She has also worked hard supporting a new student to settle into our A Level group on top of continuing her skills workshops, including this piece of photography.
Students of the Week
Year 7 – Casie Howell and Marcus Findlay-Peers
Year 8 – Lexi Cave and Will Wrathall
Year 9 – George Watt and Lily Hawkings
Year 10 – Jack Hicks and Willow Kendall
Year 9 progress in the National Cup
On a wet Tuesday afternoon, the Year 9s put in another fantastic performance to make it 3 wins from 3 in the National cup competition. This time, is was Newton Abbot College who were dispatched, 5-1.
TA started in typical style, and on the front foot. Goals from Thomas Ross (2) with a couple of fantastic strikes and Ben Jolly (2) gave us a 4-0 lead going into half time. An own goal followed by a late NAC consolation, followed in the second half where we controlled possession and managed the game really well. Another great result for the team!
Devon Schools Table Tennis – Devon Champions 2023!!!
On Wednesday our three table tennis teams; U13 girls, U13 boys and U16 boys competed against other schools at the Devon Schools Table Tennis Team Championship in Plymouth.
It was a fantastic day of table tennis for our students.
Our U13 Boys team; Sonny, Gustaw, Oliver and Lee become Devon Schools Table Tennis Team Champions 2023. They won three matches comfortably in the group stage (8:0, 7:1, 8:0) and as group winners they went straight to the final against Plympton.
They all played extremely well, the team spirit was excellent. After the first round of four singles we were 3:1 up, the boys stayed focused throughout the second round of singles and did great by finishing the final 6:2 – well done boys! The team qualified to the Zone Finals in February.
U13 Girls team Emily, Rosie, Lily, Daisy and Esmie, all from year 7 had their first experience of taking part in a table tennis competition. They played their best and finished 3rd in Devon, which is a great result for such a young team. The girls played six matches of singles plus a game of doubles. It was amazing to see how quickly they have learnt table tennis rules and applied it to the real matches on Wednesday. Well done girls.
U16 Boys team; Tom, Ben, Harrison, Norbert and Josh played very well. In the group stage, our boys won the first match 7:1, then they drew the second match, 4:4 unfortunately they didn’t go through to compete for 1-3 position as they lost it only by one set 8:9, very unlucky. The team was disappointed, but they handled it very well and fought back for other positions. They finished a very respectable 5th place in Devon. Well done and carry on working hard.
All students who wish to play table tennis for fun or join our Team TA table tennis teams are welcome to table tennis after school club every Monday at 3:15pm in the main sports hall (PE kit required).
Piwowar reaches semi-finals in Italy
Kacper Piwowar reached the semi-finals at the WTT Youth Contender Lignano in Italy. Kacper won all three of his group matches without dropping a game in the under-13s and then faced compatriot Adam Alibhai in the round of 16, running out winner by a 3-1 (6-11, 11-6, 11-3, 11-4) margin. Piwowarthen beat Italy’s Lorenzo Comini in the quarter-finals, before going out in four games to top seed Chen Kai-Cheng in the last four. His opponent, from Chinese Taipei, went on to win the gold.
Sixth Form Netball Academy v Weston College
The Sixth Form Netball Academy played against Weston College in the AOC England Colleges League on Wednesday. The team’s communication skills and teamwork ensured that we finished the game with a win of 50-17. Our resilience and effort both on and off the court stood out to the coaches and the hard work during training and their commitment to improving their skills is clearly paying off.
(write-up by Skye Warner)
House Students of the Week
Year 7
Brunel – Charlie Murray
Christie – Esmie Riggs
Darwin – Jesse Isemede
Fawcett – Poppy Evely
Harrison – Zack Hazeldine
Kitson – Logan Payne
Nearne – Jack Hughes
Pengelly – Maisy Hart
Year 8
Brunel – Oliver Ayres
Christie – Sonny Cayford
Darwin – Lilly Thomas
Fawcett – Saskia Cooper
Harrison – Dolly Gagg
Kitson – Naomi Szyszka
Pengelly – Lewis Collett
Year 9
Christie – Kiel Mortimer
Darwin – Danny Jasmins Aveiro
Fawcett – Rebecca Quarshie
Harrison – Kelis Poolton
Kitson – Ollie Cooper
Nearne – Layla Broadway
Pengelly – Carla Lawrence
Homework Students of the Week
Year 7
Brunel – Olivia Martin
Christie – Issac McCabe
Darwin – Faith Hartley
Fawcett – Ayden Quarshie
Kitson – Phoebe Grindling
Nearne – Lilly Shaw
Pengelly – Elizabeth Francis
Year 8
Christie – Jasmine Edwards
Darwin – Immy Pace
Fawcett – Mason Findlay-Peers
Harrison – Sonny Hutchings
Kitson – Elliot Baines
Pengelly – Ella Weeks
Year 9
Brunel – Amelia Rose
Christie – Sophie Burnham
Darwin – Taniesha hippolyte
Fawcett – Alba Fogarty
Harrison – Naphtali Phinehas
Kitson – Millie Swift
Nearne – Eva Spicer
Pengelly – Charlotte Little
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