Netball National semi finals, Brit Pop and Year 11 E-hair
U16 Netball Academy into the Semi Finals
On Thursday, the U16 Netball Academy beat St. Edmunds School to qualify for the semi-finals of the National Sisters in Sport Shield Competition. They travelled up to Guildford the night before to get ready for the early start. You can read a full write up in the Team TA section below.
Britpop Takes Over The Platform!
Forget Gallagher squabbles and Mod revival, Friday lunchtime belonged to the future of Britpop at The Platform. A packed crowd roared for our local heroes….. year 9 musicians armed with infectious energy and classic tunes. DJ D Waddy set the scene with thumping dance anthems, getting feet tapping and anticipation buzzing. Then, our talented youngsters took the stage, launching into a storming rendition of Supergrass’ “Alright”. Heads bobbed, voices joined in, and the room thrummed with raw, unbridled passion.
The setlist was a Britpop dream, weaving between the swagger of The La’s “There She Goes” and the anthemic Blur hit “Song 2”. Each song was delivered with incredible energy and presence, showcasing the bands’ tight sound and impressive musicianship. Solos soared, drums pounded, and epic vocals dominated the stage, leaving the audience in no doubt of their talent.
More than just musical skill, there was a palpable sense of joy emanating from the theatre. These aren’t seasoned veterans churning out the hits; they are young musicians sharing their passion, to listen to them you would never know.
By the closing bars of “Song 2”, the room was electric. Thunderous applause echoed, leaving behind a buzzing energy that lingered long after the final note faded. It was a lunchtime to remember, proving that the spirit of Britpop is alive and well, and in very capable young hands. Watch this space – these kids are going places!
Huge congratulations to the following musicians:
Joe Boyce, Will Candy, Oliver Cocker, Edward Evers, Franke Olivia-Mae, Grace Gibbings, Libbie Grindling, Harrison Harkin, Daisy Hellier, Emilia Hunt, Samuel Johns, Connie McMahon, Harry Paull, Emilee Payne, Ella Randall, Rufus Scrase, Poppy Sims-Walton, Ava Storey, Bella Williams and Halle Wotton.
Sunrise at TA
Heading off to the moors last weekend, staff were greeted with a beautiful sunrise.
DofE Silver Expedition Presentation
As part of their DofE Silver Expedition section students need to have an aim for their expedition and complete a presentation on it.
Year 11 students Daisy Gibbings, Megan Sellick, Nina Hocking and Faith Benney gave their presentation this week. Their aim was unique and original – to take photos of their expedition experience and print the photos on T-shirts. The T-shirts looked fantastic and are a wonderful lasting memento of their experience. Their efforts in getting these made and their presentation on their expedition experience was testament to their hard work, effort, commitment and dedication to their DofE award. Well done!
Effort Boards
The new effort boards went up this week. Students are always keen to find out their latest score.
Year 11 E-Hair
On Thursday, 18 Year 11 students had a taster session with E-Hair, where they found out about different routes into the profession and had a practical session. During the practical element they were having a go at French and Dutch Plaits on mannequins. The students all really enjoyed the session and got stuck in, showing off their excellent skill sets. We hope the session will have inspired many of the students to think about their chosen path to help them get into the industry.
Science Club
This week in Science Club the students started to research their chosen project as part of their work towards achieving a CREST Bronze award. The projects range from energy counting in cereals to the psychology involved in soft drink colours, to rockets and aerodynamics. The students, with the help of Mr Hanley, Mrs Lawford and Mr Spittle, were able to problem solve and plan some really thought provoking and fascinating investigations!
To top it all off, the students used the polymer PVA, alongside some common household ingredients, to make some awesome slime! Both students and staff had a great time!
KS3 Art
Last week saw all year KS3, Year 9 and Year 10 art students completing their art assessments. Here you can see some of the amazing detailed pencil drawings completed by Mrs Lynch’s Year 9 GCSE Art class. The students were challenged to draw an accurate still life study of various dried flowers in a vase. The work produced was amazing, each student seemed to tackle the drawings in different ways, from lightly sketching the whole composition, to zooming in on details and then working out from there, to drawing a light grid and using an app on the iPhone to help plot out the arrangement! As you can see, some very accomplished drawings were completed. Well done Year 9 art students.
Construction with Mrs Dempsey
This week Year 9 construction students have been understanding the basic rules of isometric drawing and practicing there skills by creating their names. They then developed their drawing by adding thick and thin lines which enhances their drawings further.
Year 8 Design and Technology
Year 8 Design and Technology students over the past few weeks have been understanding different types of structures and forces. They have been applying this knowledge to create ‘Tall Towers’ which has to support a golf ball, just using straws, pipe clears and paper clips.
Art Update
Year 8 have worked incredibly hard on their responses to the War and Conflict projects; selecting their choice of media and for some designing their own composition. It was pleasing to see that so many were able to combine media such as mud, charcoal and collage confidently to create striking images.
Year 7 and 8 art club students are currently working on their entries for the Royal Academy Young Artists’ Summer Show; they are working with clay, watercolour, acrylic and collage on pieces they have designed, photographed or selected themselves to hopefully gain a place in the exhibition in London.
Sparx Reader Award
House Update
This week saw the final of the third annual Countdown competition, with Kitson finally emerging as the winning house. Emily Bowden, Toryn Bond, Jessica Stoyle and Harry Rowlands had already won two heats to reach the final against Nearne. The students had to create words using given letters, solve number problems and finally decipher the infamous conundrum to find a hidden word. Although Nearne were originally at an advantage, the Kitson team were able to overtake with a skilful numbers’ round and clinched the deal by solving the conundrum. All finalists received prizes and the winning group 7K had sweets to share for the whole form. The House Cup is now residing in Miss Smith’s tutor room and is sporting ribbons in Kitson green.
Miss Risk – Head of Houses.
House Assemblies
Kitson house assembly was this week and awards were given for Star of the Week and Homework Student of the Week along with the Year 7 countdown champions. Well done!
Y10 Work Experience Prep
Y10 students have been busy in period one this week starting to think about their work experience week in July. Lots of students have started to research companies to contact and some students have even made calls and sent emails to potential employers for their week’s work experience. Many thanks to the Y10 team for their support in period one.
Year 12 Geography
The Year 12 A Level Geography students managed to avoid the downpours of Plymouth for our data collection in the city centre and Royal William Yard on Friday. Very soon these students will begin the process of their NEA and will need to consider the different types of data collection they will need.
Cadets Update
What a whirlwind week it’s been for our dedicated cadets at Torquay Academy! We kicked off with a splash last weekend as our Cadet Ten Tors teams ventured into the misty moors of Dartmoor for Ten Tors Training. Despite the low cloud base posing navigation challenges, our cadets showed unwavering determination, braving the elements with grit and spirit. Rain or shine, they cracked on through the day.
Sunday saw our RAF cadets soar to new heights at the Rast Competition, showcasing their skills and camaraderie in a day of fierce contests. Their passion and professionalism were truly commendable, setting a shining example for all.
At 5.00am Sunday morning 13 of our CCF (RAF) Air cadets travelled up to Blandford Camp to take part in the annual RAST competition. Torquay Academy RAF section were one of 15 teams to enter from across the region. With many of the teams coming from private schools and only selecting cadets from Years 11, 12 and 13, the pressure was on our team that consisted of a mix of cadets from different year groups from Year 8 to Year 13.
The team of twelve, with one reserve, had been undertaking some intensive training over the last few weeks in preparation for the event. The events within the competition included a multi-casualty First Aid scenario, a command task to be completed using correct RAF briefing techniques, air rifle marksmanship, aircraft recognition, RAF general knowledge, and the dreaded drill and marching assessment including uniform inspection under the watchful and super-critical eye of an RAF Warrant Officer. For the First Aid, the aircraft recognition and the marksmanship competitions sub-teams of four of our cadets were entered having practiced over the last few parade evenings.
Ably led by team captain, Cadet Sergeant Heidi Wright, the team acquitted themselves admirably. Their first event was the First Aid scenario. This involved the team of four first aiders encountering a burning car, simulated by a smoke machine that had collided with a mountain biker. With the bike rider unconscious and not breathing, the car driver concussed, the passenger with a laceration in their leg and a bystander in a panicked state, the team had to find these details out, triage the casualties and administer the appropriate first aid.
The next event was the drill and uniform inspection. After a steep learning curve in last year’s competition, the team felt more confident this time round. Despite a number of the team being very new to cadets the team did amazingly well. Some very complex drill manoeuvres, such as an about turn on the marh, were executed by the team proficiently. The Warrant Officer and his team were far more impressed with this year’s effort.
The next two events were the RAF general knowledge and the aircraft recognition tests. Having gemmed up their knowledge in the training sessions over the last few weeks the RAF general knowledge team led by Cadet Corporal Alex Green, and the aircraft recognition team, led by Cadet Sergeant Vensan Crushcov, both events went well. This despite an unexpected format change in the aircraft recognition test.
With Cadet Corporal Dimitar Dinev leading the command task exercise the cadets knew that they were doing much better than last year. They were determined to finish better than the fourteenth place we attained last year. The command task involved containing a biohazardous material, whilst using communication skills to direct team members to relocate the material to a safe location. The team were really competent in the task and finished sixth overall in this event.
After a long and intensive day the results came in at the closing ceremony with the Regional Commandant and the Officer Commanding for the South West RAF Air Cadets , Squadron Leader Bridgeman, awarding the various trophies. With the team finishing eleventh overall there were no trophies alas, but it was a successful day with marked progress made and an amazing experience for the cadets.
Well done to the following cadets for an immense effort on a day where everyone showed huge determination and resilience:
Cadet Sergeant Heidi Wright, Cadet Sergeant Vensan Crushcov, Cadet Corporals Alex Green, Dimitar Dinev, Corbyn Gardner, Lance Corporals Bella Blatchford, Grace Halsey, James Evers, and Cadets Finn Moncrieff, Jack Hicks, Sam Johns, Anna Pearn, Kordian Wisnik, Dylan Parker,
Midweek madness ensued as our RAF section delved into the adrenaline-pumping world of paintballing and dodgeball. What started as friendly competition quickly escalated into a thrilling battle of wits and agility, with laughter echoing through the air and bonds strengthening with every dodge.
Meanwhile, the army section honed their life-saving skills, culminating in a rigorous first aid assessment. With each bandage expertly applied and scenario tackled, our cadets proved their readiness to become a member of the Army Company and RAF Section.
But the excitement didn’t end there! The hall buzzed with the hum of drones as cadets took flight in the exhilarating realm of drone flying. Precision, focus, and teamwork were the name of the game as they navigated the hall space.
Elsewhere the cadets carried out other activities to include drill, tactics, command tasks, and radio communication training. With every command uttered and signal sent, our cadets honed their leadership abilities and tactics, preparing themselves for the challenges that lie ahead.
As we reflect on this whirlwind week of adventure and achievement, we look forward to a short break and return to cadets.
Students of the Week
Year 7 – Freja-Mae Mcelkenny and Tate Reynolds
Year 8 – Michael Wynd and Evie Ford
Year 9 – Laurentiu Mihai and Sera Elsa Jamon
Year 10 – Emma Matthews and Modercai Dzingai
Year 11 – Elise Pile and Sam Hext
U16 Netball Academy into the national Semi Finals
The U16 Netball Academy took to the court today with a determination to win against St. Edmunds School. Although the first quarter resulted in a frustrating draw (8/8), the girls managed to push ahead to gain a 19 goal difference win.
Play was strong throughout court with the girls connecting well together, leading to an immense amount of interceptions and disruption towards the other teams play.
Defensively, the girls were tight and worked intensively to gain lots of rebounds and interceptions going down the court. The girls heightened the pressure on the other team while taking the centre pass, resulting in turn overs and forced mistakes. Although minor errors were made throughout the course of the game, the girls made an impressive comeback through shooting accuracy and movement within the shooting circle, and the attack persistently coming forward and switching from attack to defence.
Over all, it was a fantastic game and bring on the semi-finals!
44/25 Win
CPOM- Millie
OPOM- Tammy
PPOM- Ella/Isabelle
U16 Netball Academy: Tammy Westacott (C), Summer Connolly, Maisy Green, Ella McLachlan, Ivy-Hodgson Hunt, Eve Cameron, Ema Kestell, Brooke Tully, Isabelle Moxham and Millie Sneap
Write up by Tammy Westacott & Summer Connolly
South West Schools InterCounties Cross Country Championships
Following qualifying at Stover and then the Devon Championships in Exeter Leon Snell (year 8) and Annalise Little (year 7) ran in the South West Schools InterCounties Cross Country Championships at RNAS Merrifield on Saturday. The top 10 Devon runners for each age group were chosen to run against the other 6 southwest counties (Cornwall, Somerset, Avon, Wiltshire, Gloucestershire and Dorset).
Both ran a great race Annalise finishing 7th in the year 7 girls race and Leon 37th in a gruelling year 8 and 9 race (placing 8th in Devon and second in the year 8 runners). The Devon Year 8 and 9 boys team finished in first place overall.
Sixth Form Netball Academy Match Vs South Devon College
On Wednesday our sixth form netball academy played against South Devon College in the AOC league match.
They came out on court with grit and determination, with the whole team defending effectively to win interception after interception. Their efforts were rewarded with some good connective play and great goals from Ellie Denby and Lily Unsworth. The whole squad played an outstanding game, taking what they have learnt at training to the match, and earned themselves a convincing 34-18 win, and securing a top three spot in the league!
Oppositions Player: Lily Unsworth
Players Player: Tammy Westacott
Coaches Player: Amy Wilson
Governor’s Bronze Certificates
Year 7 – Jack Parton and Heidi Milner
Principal’s Gold Certificates
Year 7 – Isaac Mccabe, Frazer Lewis, Katie Stevens, Charlotte Townsend, Marli-Ray Cutajar, Ayrton Sharp, Olivier Szyszka, Izzie Mildren, Lily Langler, Annalise Little, Keeley-Mae Moran, Charlie O’Connor, Luke Sandeman, Edith Mackenzie, Frances Roberts, Rosco Biagott, Lilly-Rose Haughton, Alfie Williams, Alana Houlihan, Layla Lock, Vaughan Heavens, Isla Bryant, Gracjan Rutkowski, Lily Ellis and Sophie Howard
Year 8 – Dylan Tripp, Tristan Ellis, Aiden Hooper and Vaughn Heavens
Principal’s Silver Certificates
Year 7 – Jenson Tandy, Ben Walters, Flo Evans, Olivia Martin, Maddie Smith, Harry Evans, Dion Maharjan, Eric Montague, Ted Dudley, May McDonough, Emily Redmond, Bobby Joint, Lucy French, Lily-Jo Prior, Chloe Taylor, Leo Nicholson, Rudy Abdulla, Toryn Bond, Alfie Mackin, Poppy Anderson, Oakley Mudge, Benjamin Cowie, Oktawian Siennicki, Lilly Shaw, Riley Page, Freya Brown, Daisy Dorman, Levi Jones, Wiktor Koza, Toby Preston, Esme Poole, Jack Hughes, William Schmiedinghofer, Elizabeth Francis, Alexis Kovacs and George Pitts
Year 8 – Sophia Peryer, Tegan Harrison, Paul Blades, Sophie Dean and Paul Blades
Year 9 – Harrison Harkin, Oliver Cocker and Felicity Adams
Principal’s Bronze Certificates
Year 7 – Thomas Zaple, Hydie Munday, George Giles, Codi O’Shea, Bonnie Talbot, Maisy Hart, Faith Hartley, Marcus Findlay-Peers, Billie-Jo Dolling, Kevin Mathews, Oscar Deegan, Beth McMahon, Isla Herbert and Chantelle Robinson
Year 8 – Saskia Cooper, Lilly-Rose Garbett, Leon Snell, Logan Watt, Lacey Redhead, Aleta Stokic, Thomas Cox, Isabella-Rose Pomerville, Teddy Watson, Alexa Lyons, Benjamin Nicholson, Kiara Ujj, Lewis Collett, Morley Villiers, Reuben Harrison, Daisy Board, Zakariyah Haridi, Johnny Sandbrook, Emily Watts-Simpson, Poppy Bettridge, Hayden Quadling, Emily Lock, Tanya Neil, Harry Pudney, Luke Smith-Harding, Riley Meadows, Crea Crofts, Louie Leighton, Sophie Timms, Oliver Ayres, Emily Cowan, Melissa Page, Euan Miller, Aiden Hooper, Poppy Sanderson, Lewis Allington, Ruby Chamberlain, Cohen Andrews, Aiden Hooper
Year 9 – Aleksandra Treder, Alba Fogarty, Nyla Wakefield, Grace Halsey, Grace Gibbings, Summer Lawford, Indy Evans, Amelia Rose, Benjamin Houghton, Lewis Phillips, Laurentiu Mihai, Oliver Welsh and Harry Newman
House Students of the Week
Year 7
Christie – Elias Jeffery
Darwin – Allen Burns-Muir
Fawcett – Ellie Palmer
Harrison – Annalise Little
Kitson – Jessica Stoyle
Nearne – Madison Wood
Year 8
Darwin – Logan Watt
Fawcett – Aleta Stojic
Harrison – Molly Longthorpe
Kitson – Jaylen Hunter
Year 9
Brunel – Grace Gibbings
Darwin – Joe Boyce
Fawcett – Felicity Adams
Kitson – Ethan Lynch
Nearne – Edwards Evers
Homework Students of the Week
Year 7
Christie – Sophie Howard
Darwin – Jesse Isemede
Fawcett – Archie Phillips
Harrison – Alfie Williams
Kitson – Leo Shaw
Nearne – Freddie Wallis
Year 8
Darwin – Riley Gilmour
Fawcett – Dylan Matthews
Harrison –
Kitson – Vaughn Heavens
Year 9
Brunel – Farrah Ambrose
Darwin – Hamish Herring
Fawcett – Harrison Harkin
Kitson – Adam Copping
Nearne – Bella Williams
