Oxford University, Gold effort and Christmas single
Trip to Oxford University
Members of the Year 9 and Year 12 High Performance Academy took a trip to Oxford University last week. They were hosted by one of the Oxford colleges – Exeter College – and had an interesting and informative day. They were shown around by the Oxford outreach staff and by current Oxford undergraduates, so they gained a real insight into what it is like to live and study at an Oxford University college.
The year 12s had a tour of the college (which was founded in 1314 by two clergymen from Devon), followed by a session on the Oxford application process and a seminar tutorial related to their A-level choices. The year 9s also had a tour of the college and a session on university life and a discussion activity. They then took a tour to the amazing Oxford University Museum of Natural History.
The whole day was a great chance to experience life at university and to learn more about the application process and the type of learning that occurs there. It was great to see the students put their HPA experiences in context, and to give them a taste of what their future may be.
Year 7 Gold Effort Lunch
The students who achieved 1st class effort in the first quarter were rewarded with lunch with the Year 7 team. Many congratulations to them on their amazing start to their time at TA.
Art star of the fortnight
Maddison Rees in year 11 is our ‘Art Star of the fortnight’. Maddison has been working on a ‘Human Form’ project this term, which has seen her designs and ideas develop into an amazing pair of ‘Day of The Dead’ inspired costumes. Maddison explored fabric painting and applique to create these two unique garments.
A photo shoot was organised by two A Level Photography students Luis Vizcaino and Victoria Bulwicka, who shot an stunning collection of portraits and body shots for Maddison’s sketchbook and their own A Level coursework portfolio.
The incredible face painting was by the very talented Immy Pace in year 8. A fantastic collaboration over 3 key stages in the Creative Arts department.
PSHE Day
For our second PSHE day of the year, we had AlterEgo theatre company in to do their performance of ‘Crashing’ to the years 8, 9, and 10s. This is the story of Eddie, a fifteen-year-old boy who is groomed by an adult man in his community. This hard-hitting performance explores the issues of child sexual exploitation.
The year 7s had sessions on a range of topics, from the issues surrounding belonging to gangs, how and why there may be conflict within families and how we could deal with these issues. Sessions also ran on how to decide if they were watching age appropriate material, the importance of diversity and how to manage our finances-credit and debit. Sessions relating to health included the use/misuse of caffeine and the changes that happen during puberty. Some of our 6th form cadets (SSgt Josh and Sgt Cody Furze) helped support a session on first aid and CPR.
The year 8s had sessions connected to finances with ‘Spend, save, borrow’ which looks at the impact of each of these financial options. Students also looked at the work of work and types of work. In terms of mental health, students looked at healthy and unhealthy coping strategies. Students also had an introduction into the reasons for, and the different types of contraception.
Year 9 students had sessions looking at how they needed to take increasing responsibility for their health as they get older, for example, dental/ medical appointments, vaccinations and the types of health screening they may be offered. Included in this topic were things to take into account if considering tattoos, piercings or using sunbeds. Students also looked at what a healthy relationship may look like, and how to manage relationships online. The final session was on mental health, how to see if someone was struggling and how to seek help.
Students in year 10 looked at some of the myths surrounding relationships, how everyone’s relationships are different and the differences between arranged and forced marriage. They also looked at issues to consider before embarking on an intimate relationship. They also looked at the impact of sending nudes and peer pressure relating to alcohol and substance misuse. Finally, students looked at consumer rights and what to do if a purchase goes wrong.
The year 11 spent time on their curriculum studies.
The sixth form looked at the consequences of being distracted while driving a car and the differences between buying and renting a house. In terms of relationships, they looked at online blackmail and how to manage unwanted attention. Next steps south west also came in to advise students on career pathways.
Year 8 HPA
This term the Year 8 HPA students have been researching different topics around technology in the arts and humanities, including the presentation of A.I. in the media, the use of technology in monitoring volcanoes, the development of modern weapons and technology in the ancient world. On Monday they all met to deliver and listen to presentations on their research, as well as eat pizza and receive prizes for the best research. The teachers judging the work commented on how the standard of research was particularly high this year so well done to everyone involved. Special congratulations to our HPA winners: Mason Findlay-Peers (History), Chloe-Mae Jones (Geography), Emily Lock (Media), Sunny Weedon (Classics), Poppy Sanderson (Best Presentation) and Hattie Gamble (Best Presentation).
Christmas Single Release
Aimee Evans, in Year 13, has written, recorded and released a new song in readiness for Christmas. She actually wrote this song last year for one of her courses in music, but by the time it came around to getting it recorded and produced the Christmas season was nearly over, so she decided that she would leave it until this year to produce and release. She got a few sessions for her birthday with one of her Dad’s friends. During these sessions, he helped her record, mix and master her song so that it was ready to be released for this Christmas. This song was written about being with someone you love at Christmas and how being with them can make the magical time of year even more special. She was also inspired by artists such as Lauren Spencer Smith, Suriel Hess and Leanna Firestone, who are all singer-songwriters who write very emotive, personal songs. She is so proud of what she has made and she hopes everyone likes it and that she can release even more in the future. We are very proud of you too, Aimee.
You can listen to her song on Spotify
Beautiful Sunset
Year 7 Maths
In Mr Beattie’s Maths class, Year 7 have been building on their knowledge of Area to investigate more challenging problems. The challenges involved students embracing the TA Way by “taking risks” and “linking previous learning” in order to solve a range of tasks.
Before Year 7 attempted the challenges, they first used the Geoboards to gain a pictorial understanding of what shapes they could create with specific dimensions and size. This allowed them to link and make connections before tackling the problems.
Year 7, then tackled the problems. Seren Chadwick, Cordi Williams-Powell and Keylan Hodgson showed great resilience and determination when faced with a problem they first couldn’t solve. The class showed a clear understanding when finding the area of shapes.
Happy Christmas from Mrs Lynch’s Art Room!
Cadets
Last weekend was nothing short of extraordinary as our dedicated cadets participated in a joint RAF and Army CCF PNCO course. The training and experiences gained during this course will undoubtedly shape the future leaders among us. But the excitement didn’t end there! The rest of the week was equally as exciting and full of activities.
Saturday and Sunday was the 2nd PNCO Course kicking off with an immersive joint RAF and Army CCF PNCO course. The cadets engaged in rigorous training, honing their skills, leadership and teamwork. The collaborative efforts of both the RAF and Army sections underscored the unity and strength of our cadet community. The experience undoubtedly left an indelible mark on all those who participated.
Tuesday brought an adrenaline-pumping cadet staff shoot-off at the DCCT range. The precision and focus demonstrated by our cadet staff were commendable. Each shot echoed with the commitment and discipline instilled through our training. It was a testament to the dedication of our staff to excel in every aspect of their roles.
Midweek the cadets and staff gathered to celebrate the Cadet Christmas festivities, a joyous occasion filled with camaraderie and cheer. The highlight of the day was the promotion ceremony for both the Army and RAF sections. It is with great pride that we announce the well-deserved promotions and awards:
Army Section Awards:
Best Turned Out: Congratulations to Cdt Cocker for impeccable turnout!
Best At Drill: A special salute to Cdt turned LCpl Cliff for outstanding drill skills!
Most Improved Cadet: Kudos to Cdt turned LCpl Payne for your continuous dedication and improvement!
Morley Platoon Most Improved Cadet: Well done to Cdt Spasova for your outstanding progress!
Dalton Platoon Most Improved Cadet: Congratulations to Cdt Ross for your exceptional growth!
Herring Platoon Most Improved Cadet: Applause for Cdt Mihai, proving that hard work pays off!
Best Platoon: The coveted title goes to Morley Platoon for their exceptional teamwork!
Leading Cadet: A round of applause for Cdt turned LCpl Findley-Peers, exemplifying leadership qualities!
RAF CCF Awards and Promotions
The RAF section has gone from strength to strength this year. Everyone who could fly had the opportunity to fly in both the Grob Tutor aeroplane and the Viking glider. Harrison Davies was lucky enough to get a flight in the back of a Chinook helicopter at the National Air Cadet Muster at RAF Benson. Cadets competed for the first time at the CCF Regional Air Cadet Competition, which included drill, aircraft recognition, leadership tasks, RAF knowledge, air rifle shooting, and first aid. And regarding first aid, Heidi Wright achieved a Gold Award, qualifying as a First Aid Instructor over a gruelling series of weekend training and testing, culminating in a week long first aid camp. Promoted to Sargent, Heidi is appointed as the TQ CCF Contingent Cadet First Aid Instructor.
Cadets attended a variety of courses in April, July and November, at Chickerell Camp, along with RAF Air cadets across Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and Bristol. As well as a superb adventure training summer camp with West Buckland school CCF at Fairbourne in Snowdon National Park, Dimitar Dinev was selected to attend the National Air and Space Camp along with 200 cadets from across the UK.
On November 12th, 24 cadets turned out with 200 Squadron ATC cadets for the Torquay Remembrance Parade and Service. A proud moment for the cadets and parents.
Overall a great year for the RAF Section.
Awards:
Outstanding Cadet – Sgt Heidi Wright
Most Improved Cadet – Cdt Karl Burton
Best Turned Out (Drill) – Sgt Cody Furze
Promotions to:
LCpl Grace Halsey
Bella Blatchford
Sgt Heidi Wright
Weapons training and competition
It’s been excellent an term’s shooting for our cadets. We’ve been to the DCCT at Wyvern Barracks five times during the term, a 25m range run in cooperation with West Bucklands CCF twice and 40 cadets took part in the Principal’s Cup which is our termly Air Rifle competition. This is building an excellent set of skills in our cadets with some impressive group sizes (smaller is better as you’ll see) with the best shots in our unit fitting all five rounds into a circle the size of a ten pence piece!
We are all incredibly proud of the effort our cadets put into mastering both rifles and are eagerly looking forward to another term with more trips to the DCCT, L98 and Air Rifle training for those who have yet to pass their weapon handling test allowing them to join us and the return of the Principles cup.
Our champion shots for this term are:
Best Air Rifle group in the prone position (Army section) – Cadet Brazier (7mm)
Best Air Rifle group in the prone position (RAF section) – LCpl Butler (15mm)
Best L98 group in the prone position (Army section) – LCpl Findley-Peers (15mm)
Best L98 group in the prone position (RAF section) – Cpl Green (60mm)
Winning team for the Principal’s Cup – LCpl Payne, Cadets Drew, Ross and Spicer
Of course all the score boards are now blank so we’ll see who comes out on top next term.
All these achievements are a testament to the commitment and hard work of each cadet. Your dedication reflects the values we hold at Torquay Academy CCF.
As we approach the seasonional break, let’s carry the spirit of these achievements into the new year. The Torquay Academy CCF is not just a unit; it’s a family, and together, we’ll continue to strive for excellence in every endeavor. Lots of exciting events in the New Year which will be hard work but very rewarding.
Congratulations to all the awardees, and here’s to more success in the future.
A heartfelt thank you to our amazing cadet staff, including Sgt Tosh Hodgkins and Sgt Stu Sparks, for their selfless dedication to our cadets. Special recognition to Sgt Simon Thacker for his unwavering commitment to both the school and cadets. Gratitude extends to all school staff members who consistently go above and beyond. Your efforts are truly appreciated. Thank you for ensuring our cadets reach their full potential.
SparxReader
Over the last two weeks, we have been introducing SparxReader to the whole of Year 7. We have had overwhelming support from students and parents and it has been amazing to hear stories from parents about students re-capturing their love for reading. Students read whole books on their device and complete short quizzes at the end of segments.
We would like to say a huge congratulations to four girls in particular, who each completed well over their points target with the amazing Catherine Ramesh Mani completing 12 hours of reading this week!
Cathrine Ramesh Mani = 1814 points
Charlotte Townsend = 1802 points
Rosie Bevan = 1357 points
Sophie Howard = 1294 points
Mr Jones’ Christie hats
Each week the girls of Year 7 present Mr Jones with a new hat to wear with his cyan suit. This morning they insisted he wore it whilst on duty at the back gate. I think seeing Mr Jones put in his place by the girls has been one of my highlights of the week!
Hospitality and Catering
The students in the catering and hospitality faculty have been so productive and focused on the practical aspect of the subject. They have strived in every way to not only produce beautiful tasty dishes but relished the challenge in making sure they have kept to the brief and ensured their kitchen works spaces are clean and pristine. Well done all!
Students of the Week
Year 7 – James Costello and Daisy Dorman
Year 8 – Thomas Cox and Louise Porter
Year 9 – Evie-May Howell and Blayre Holden
Year 10 – Daisy Faulkner and Toby Forrester-Finney
Football highlights from previous week
The highlights are from what was another very busy week of football for TeamTA. On Monday the year 10s started the week off well with a fully deserved victory over Tiverton School in the National Cup. On Tuesday, our year 7 boys and girls were in action; the boys put in a strong performance against Newton Abbot College in the Devon Cup to progress into the next round.
The girls finished the day off with a thrilling game that stayed even all the way through into extra time and then penalties. Our girls kept their nerves and won 4-3 against a good Uffculme team to move into the next round of the National Cup.
Wednesday saw the first of our two 6th form games, this was our school team against King’s school in a tough match that was very close until the later stages; we were glad to go in the hat for the next round of the Devon cup.
On Thursday, our 6th form started the day playing their final ESFA super league group game against Truro College; in bitterly cold and wet conditions, the boys put on a fantastic performance to continue their fine form of late to take a well-deserved and comfortable win. Our U14 girls finished off the day with an impressive win in freezing conditions against Colyton School in the National Cup.
It was a busy but happy week for all our players ending with 6 games and 6 wins.
Year 7 Netball
On Tuesday two of our Year 7 netball squads played in a netball tournament against various other local schools. Both squads played well with infallible efforts throughout! Team 1 worked hard as a squad producing some excellent passages of play and won 3 out of their 4 matches. They obtained lots of interceptions, found some lovely spaces and worked the ball to their shooters, who scored some great goals!
The team proved how versatile they can be with most of the girls trying out several different positions!
TA vs Brixham 5-0 Coaches Player: Emilee Fenner
TA vs Spires 5-0 Coaches Player: Rosie Bevan
TA vs Coombeshead 1-2 Coaches Player: Seren Chadwick
TA vs STC 3-2 Coaches Player: Matilda Thorner
The team chose Emilee Fenner as the Player’s Player of the Day.
Team 2 also worked hard as a squad displaying endless energy on court. This squad was so strong defensively throughout the court, winning interception after interception, then trying hard to find spaces to move the ball towards their goal. The girls all listened well to coaching points and tried their best implementing them into the matches, and continuously improved!
TA vs NAC B 0-0 Coaches Player: Emelia Wood
TA vs Kingsbridge 1-3 Coaches Player: Alana Houlihan
TA vs Kevics 1-2 Caoches Player: Isla Coish
The team chose Emilia Wood as the Player’s Player of the Day.
It is lovely to see the progressions that they are all making on the court! Their hard work at training is definitely starting to pay off! All the girls were fantastic representatives of TA, consistently playing with a positive team spirit, and supporting each other throughout!
Players: Seren Chadwick, Matilda Thorner, Tia Woodward, Emilee Fenner ©, Madison Wood, Rosie Bevan, Elena Bolton, Seren Stephenson, Emelia Wood Isla Coish ©, Alana Houlihan, Isla May, Sophia Blake, Isla Bryant, Lily Langler, Layla Lock
Year 8 football
On Monday, the year 8 boys football team convincingly beat St Cuthbert Mayne in the County Cup with a solid all round display. Goals came from: Alex Moss 2. Harry Lee. Max Murphy, Jamie Tully, Sonny Hutchings and Oscar Read.
Athletics
Frankie attended the Welsh Junior Open as well as the Southwest Regional final last weekend. She came 2nd in long jump with a new PB of 4.64m and came 4th in the 200m. Well done Frankie!
Gymnastics
Jessica Stoyle and Lucy French competed in the Devon Zinc 2012 Team championships this weekend for TOGC and helped secure their team secure the Silver Medals. Jessica’s beam and Lucy’s floor routines were particular standouts. Well done, girls.
Cross Country Success
Leon ran in the Devon Champs cross country at the weekend in Exeter, coming 4th overall but 3rd for Devon this automatically earns him his Devon vest and a place in the South West championships in Yeovil in January and then the national championships in Loughborough in March
Table Tennis Festival for Primary Schools
On Monday, 27th November TeamTA organised the table tennis festival for local primary schools.
42 children participated. During the day all children received table tennis coaching on and off table, they watched our student Kacper practicing with his GB coach, and the day ended with a table tennis tournament which saw all 42 children take part and compete. It was great to see so many children playing and enjoying the sport.
The four best boys and girls were awarded with medals. All children received an invitation to participate in the Open Junior Competition which will take place on Saturday, 9th December.
Well done to all children and huge thank you to our TeamTA Young Leaders who helped lead all day.
Principal’s Bronze Certificates
Year 7 – Charlie Murray, Tiffany Eastley, Lily-Rose Haughton, Giovanni Vaio, Harry Austin, Darcy Dainton, Immy Shaw, Jackson Lane, Poppy Evely, Elena Bolton, Keeley-Mae Moran, Rosie Bevan, Isaac Mccabe, Annalise Little, Jamie Hancox, Lily Ellis, Seren Stephenson, Alfie Williams, Cee-Jay Carrington, Charlotte Townsend, Seren Chadwick, Alana Houlihan, Alex Iftode, Layla Lock, Oaklie Chancellor, Emilee Fenner, Zack Hazeldine, Poppi Jones, Lily Langler, Sophie Howard, Owen Spies, Serenity Ward, Bailey Taylor, Ayrton Sharp, Marli-Ray Cutajar
House Students of the Week
Year 7
Brunel – May Mcdonagh
Christie – Harry Austin
Darwin – Jessica Ferguson
Fawcett – Archie Phillips
Harrison – Bailey Taylor
Kitson – Wiktoria Aleksander
Nearne – Billy Marshall
Year 8
Brunel – Logan Clatworthy
Christie – India-Rose Faulkner
Darwin – Lewis Graham
Fawcett – Jayden Hardman
Kitson – Ollie Martin
Pengelly – Mia Hawkes
Year 9
Christie – Sophia Burnham
Darwin – Matilda Stevens
Fawcett – Oliver Cocker
Harrison – Mihai Marin
Kitson – Evie-May Howell
Nearne – Cody Cave
Homework Students of the Week
Year 7
Brunel – Maddie Smith
Christie – Alana Houlihan
Darwin – Kobi Burness-Moakes
Fawcett – Belle Silvester
Harrison – Matilda Thorner
Kitson – Emily Bowden
Nearne – Billie-Jo Dolling
Year 8
Christie – Sonny Cayford
Darwin – Kaitlin Jarvis
Fawcett – Zakariyah Haridi
Kitson – Tristan Ellis
Pengelly – Ethan Veasey
Year 9
Brunel – George O’Hanlon
Christie – Anna Pearn
Darwin – Layla Loizides
Fawcett – Felicity Adams
Harrison – Blayre Holden
Kitson – Lora Cadman
Nearne – Dylan Parker
University Offers this Week
| Lila Nyari | University of Bristol | English |
| Ellis Kendall | Cardiff University | Business Management |
| Belle Giles | Arts University Plymouth | Fashion media & marketing |
| Paige McGeown | University of Nottingham | Chemistry |
| Holly Roberts | University of Plymouth | Biological Science |
| Holly Roberts | University of South Wales | Biology |
| David Robinson | Coventry University | Automotive Engineering |
| Riley Potter | University of Exeter | Electronic Engineering |
| Angus Graham | University of Exeter | Mechanical Engineering |
| Tyler-James Nunn | University of Bath | Biology |
| Jack Skedgell | University of South Wales | Football coaching & performance |
| Jack Skedgell | Hartpury University | Sport Coaching |
| Erin Colclough | University of kent | Criminology |
| Erin Colclough | University of kent | Criminal Justice and Criminology |
| Holly Roberts | Cardiff University | Biological Science |
| Rae Makinson | The University of Edinburgh | English Literature |
| Ellis Kendall | Bristol, UWE | Quantity Surverying & commercial management |
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