Outstanding Artwork, Foreign Visit & Former Students Return

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Year 10 Art Students Impress

Pictured: (Left) Louis, working on his stag sculpture and (right) Saskia with her art portfolio.

My congratulations go to Louis Ruegg and Saskia Bridgman for their outstanding effort and achievement in BTEC Art and Design. Both students were given the opportunity to take the level 2 Extended Certificate in Art and Design a year early because of the commitment and determination they have shown. Much of their work had to be completed in after school clubs to ensure their assignments were completed in time.

Louis achieved the top Distinction and Saskia gained a Merit.

I have no doubt that we will see and hear more from these two extremely gifted and talented students in the future. Louis is currently working on a life size sculpture of a stag to be sited within the school environs, so his legacy is already assured!

Ducklings Update…

Pictured: Our ducklings hatching and with students during their lessons

Three out of our six ducklings hatched over the weekend and have been quite a hit with staff and students in school this week.

Students have had the pleasure of helping to look after them during their science lessons this week and have been fascinated by how quickly they have grown!

In the next couple of weeks, we should see our little ducklings develop, growing their adult feathers and getting ready to join Fairfields Farm.

Former Student Returns to Complete Dissertation Project

Pictured: Former student James Somers (left) working with our students in their Science lessons

Former student, James Somers, began a 6 week work experience placement in our Science department this week.

James is currently studying to complete a Chemistry degree at Plymouth University and is using the work experience to help him complete his dissertation project titled Experimental Design, which is based on delivering practical lessons to students.

James was kind enough to tell us about his story:

“I left Torquay Community College in 2006 with 8 GCSE’s A*-C and went on to complete a Plumbing Apprenticeship at college. Once I had completed my apprenticeship I decided that it wasn’t for me and decided to change career paths.

“My next step was to complete an Access to Higher Education course – Science Pathway – which took a year to complete and gave me what I needed to begin a Chemistry degree at Plymouth University. Once I have finished my degree, I plan to complete a teacher training course (PGCE) and become a Science teacher; it would be great if I could teach here someday”.

James had some advice for our students: “If you start something, try to follow it through to the end. If you change your mind about something, there are always different options for you to get into the career path that suits you.”

Zimbabwe Teachers Visit TA

Pictured: Meeting our guests as they tour our wonderful school with Mr Lamble

I had the pleasure of welcoming two teachers from Prince Edward School, Zimbabwe this week.

Building on our already established international links, the visitors enjoyed a tour of the school, visiting lessons and viewing our first class facilities.

The visit was a great learning process for ourselves and our visitors as we got to know more about the similarities and differences in the way that our schools and education systems work.

If you would like to find out more about the Prince Edward School, please visit their website: www.peschool.co.zw and find out more about their school.

Students Enjoy a Cream Tea

Pictured: Fairfields students after baking their scones

Three students currently working in Fairfields enjoyed baking their own scones today. Having not baked in school before, they enjoyed learning a new skill. Staff were then invited to join them to enjoy the fruits of their labour when they tucked into the scones with a bit of clotted cream and jam. It also gave me the opportunity to tell my what’s the fastest food in the world joke…

Volunteers Wanted…

PSHEe coordinator, Miss Martin, is on the lookout for volunteers to be guest speakers during the student’s PSHEe lessons.

PSHEe stands for Personal, Social, Health and Economics Education. We require specialists in areas such as staying healthy, money management, finance, sex and relationships, world of work or any other topic that you feel would be relevant to our students.

If you think you can help and would like to work with our students during their PSHEe lessons, please contact Miss Martin via email: smartin@tqlearn.com

Year 12 UCAS Parents Information Evening

The Year 12 UCAS Parents Information Evening will take place on Thursday 12th June at 6.00pm in the Sixth Form Centre. Parents of Year 12 students are invited to attend to find out more about the university application process, and how we will support your son / daughter through this.

Sports Round Up

Year 7 South Devon Champions!

Pictured: Back (left to right) Jack Jones, Ollie Moxham, Bradley Scholes, Cole Harford, Josh Nicol, Tom Taylor, Olaf Koszela, Harrison Beer – Front (left to right) Bailey Crews, AJ
Tehrani, Ollie Mason, Cody Monk, Elliot Stevens and Lewis Eaton
Unfortunately I was unable to support our boys on the day, Mr Jones reported back on the game and I am delighted with the attitude and hard work that our year 7’s gave, making them worthy South Devon Champions! Below is the match report:

On a tight pitch, the first half was a very even game where both teams looked tense and were unable to play with much fluidity. It was a battle in the first half, with both teams having a chance each. Josh Nicol saving brilliantly to keep it at 0-0, whilst Cole Harford, Olaf Koszela and Bailey Crews all managed to work the South Dartmoor keeper with some difficult chances.

At half time, the boys were told to relax and try and get the ball forward quicker, giving them more space to play. This they did brilliantly and were ahead within 5 minutes of half time, when Bailey Crews raced down the right wing and delivered a dangerous cross which was deflected in. We then really began to take control of the match; AJ Tehrani, Olaf Koszela, Lewis Eaton and Bailey Crews all had good chances but the South Dartmoor goalkeeper was equal to them all.

Finally, with 10 minutes remaining, Olaf raced through with a side footed goal when one on one with the goalkeeper. The victory was sealed 5 minutes later when the goalkeeper cleared against the covering defender when under pressure from Bailey Crews.

A fantastic team performance in which the Year 7’s won the battle to play and then demonstrated a master class in the second half to run out comfortable 3-0 winners. South Devon Champions 2014.

The team on the day:

Josh Nicol – Impeccable handling, excellent kicking and a brilliant presence.
Luke Owen – Read the game brilliantly, won his tackles and headers. Didn’t let his opposite number have a chance.
Cole Harford – Captain. Lead by example, missing nothing.
Olly Moxham – Strong in the air and in the tackle, organised the defence and midfield.
Elliott Stevens – Fantastic distribution from left back and defensively sound.
Harrison Beer – Won headers and broke up play fantastically. Protected the back four.
Bradley Scholes – MOM Terrific work rate, attitude and will to win. Strong in the tackle and busy in midfield.
AJ Tehrani – Worked tirelessly and glimpses of quality to unlock the SDCC defence.
Bailey Crews – Always a threat with his direct, quick running and made two of the goals.
Olaf Koszela – Brilliant touch, awareness and always a threat. Excellent goal.
Lewis Eaton – Worked hard up front, demonstrating a good ability to hold the ball up
Subs – Tom Taylor/Ollie Mason/Cody Monk/Jack Jones All did their bit when they came on and helped to hold onto the win. A big part in a great squad effort.

Year 9 Football Team come back fighting after defeat to win South Devon Cup

I was able to watch our brilliant Year 9 team on Wednesday as they showed great character and determination as they also became South Devon Champions after recovering from a 3-0 defeat to Devonport High School for Boys just 24 hours before in the Devon Cup final. I would like to thank the PE team for all of their hard works with the team and this is their report:

A very strong Devonport side started strongly but our boys found there feet and realised that pressure and set pieces were key. Devonport scored but the boys didn’t let their heads drop and pushed on bravely. Some excellent delivery by Jack Rendell, Sean Johanson and Callum Morton unfortunately came to nothing. Devon port scored again and that put us under more pressure. The chances still came to us and a hope of a goal that would change the game was still there. Devon port finished the game of late in the second half to win 3 – 0.

Putting Tuesday’s game behind them, our Year 9 boys returned to Coach Road to play against St Cuthbert Mayne in their second final in two days! I was glad to be there cheering our boys on and was delighted with the performance that they gave.

They had beaten St Cuthbert Mayne narrowly in last year’s South Devon Cup Final, so went into the game with confidence. Cuthbert traditionally have a strong midfield and were looking to dominate possession.

Jack Rendell and Louie Hayward stifled their threats well and our boys pushed forward with intent. The majority of the game was played in Cuthbert’s half although Cuthbert managed to score first. This didn’t dishearten the Year 9’s; their determination to win shone through and they equalised before half time.

The second half was close, with TA looking to put pressure in the opposition’s box from free kicks, corners and Jordan Kenneford’s long throw. Cuthbert still looked dangerous in attack and also came close before full time.

Extra time passed without a goal so it came down to penalties. Callum Moreton scored first with great confidence. Tom Farley who had very little to do in goal for most of the game then pulled of an amazing save to put TA ahead. Jack Rendell, Luke Lewis and Bailey Clark all scored strong penalties when Cuthbert Mayne’s fourth spot kicker put the ball over the bar.

Celebrations all round. The Year 9 football team were South Devon Champions again, third year in a row. What an achievement and what a great season!

Pictured: South Devon Cup Winners!

Well done to all the squad:

Tom Farley
Jay Warden
Bailey Clark
Fraser Sundholme
Luke Lewis
Jordan Kenneford
Louie Hayward
Jack Rendell
Sean Johanson
Callum Moreton
Ethan Hooper
Peter Macuda
Callum Dunn
John Bowden

100m Time, is best in the County!

Pictured: Promising talent Elyse Leech

Year 9 student Elyse Leech, recently recorded two new personal bests whilst competing in 100m and 200m sprints at the first Devon open meeting of the season.

In the u15 girl’s events, promising sprinter Elyse maintained good recent form by recording two PBs and county standard times in winning both the 100m (13.1) and 200m (27.4). Elyse will be looking forward to the county championships with confidence later this month, now having the fastest 100m time in the county!

Elyse trains 3 times a week but said she would like to train more often as she wants to maximise her potential.

Elyse would one day like to represent the UK in the Olympic Games but said “It will take lots of hard work and dedication before that could happen”.

Setting her sights a little lower for the time being, Elyse will be competing in the Devon County Championships this weekend in the 100m and 200m events.

I wish you luck and look forward to seeing your talent flourish whilst being at the school.

Finally, good luck to our Year 11 Regional Futsal team who are playing this Sunday at Paignton Community and Sports Academy.