Paddling, Torquay Academy Open days and dancing success
TA go paddling!
We’ve got the qualifications, we’ve got the kit, we’ve done the paperwork so now it’s time to go paddling! TA have further invested a lot of time and money to be able to offer students at TA even more outdoor extracurricular activities. The outlay for wetsuits, helmets & buoyancy aids will also benefit students later in the year when we get qualified to go coasteering too. It’s looking like it’ll be a wet and wild year for Adventure Academy at TA.
Open days
I feel so proud of the school on our open morning and evening. This week we welcomed hundreds of parents and primary school children to TA to show off our incredible facilities and clubs, as well as explaining more about what life at TA is like.
Cadets Soar to New Heights as RAF and Army Sections Spring Back to Life!
As the seasons change and we return to some normalcy, there’s a buzz of excitement in the air as the cadets of both the RAF and Army Cadets gear up for a thrilling new term.
For the aspiring aviators of the RAF section, the thrill of flying is back! Last term we managed to get all of our RAF Cadets flying in either a glider or the Grob Tutor. We look forward once again strapping into the cockpit and soaring high above the clouds, learning the ropes of aviation and gaining a unique perspective of the world below.
On the other side of the spectrum, the Army cadets are honing their marksmanship skills. Shooting practice is not just a sport; it’s an essential skill that instills discipline and precision in our cadets.
But the excitement doesn’t stop there. Cadets from both sections are gearing up for an array of exhilarating adventures that await them. From the rugged terrains of the great outdoors to sea that beckon with promise, the cadets will be taking on an array of thrilling activities:
- Kayaking and Coasteering
- Climbing.
- Mountain Biking.
- Paddle boarding
The legendary Ten Tors Challenge will test their endurance as they navigate the wild landscapes of Dartmoor. It’s an ultimate test of stamina, map reading skills, and teamwork, and these cadets are ready to tackle it head-on.
The pursuit of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award promises personal growth and self-discovery. Cadets will be challenged to take on expeditions, learn new skills, and contribute to their communities as they work towards earning this prestigious recognition gaining Bronze, Silver and Gold awards.
The Army section has Waterloo Company with a combination of 3 Platoons. Morley Platoon, Dalton Platoon and Herring Platoon all named after remarkable people who have been awarded the Victoria Cross. It’s a triumphant trio that embodies the ideals of discipline, adaptability, and strategic thinking—values that are not only essential for cadets but also for life beyond the cadet forces.
This new season brings a renewed sense of purpose and adventure for both the RAF and Army cadets. They’re not just learning valuable skills; they’re forging friendships and memories that will last a lifetime. As they eagerly embrace these opportunities, we can’t help but feel inspired by their enthusiasm and dedication.
So, as the RAF and Army cadets prepare to embark on these new and exciting activities. Here’s to a season filled with thrilling adventures and unforgettable experiences!
Performing in front of 40,000 people!
Rebecca Glasson has had a busy summer performing with West End Kids. She has performed at British Summertime Festival in Hyde Park, at Gloworm Festival and at the Silverstone Classic Festival. This culminated in the final show of the season at Carfest in Hampshire, where the troupe performed on the main stage on the Sunday evening in front of 40,000 people. She is now looking forward to the winter season with further amazing opportunities planned.
Year 7 Homework sessions
This week Mr Bindon as head of Kitson House (and all Heads of Houses) have been supporting their Y7 tutor groups on how to complete their homework.
Daily one hour sessions led by the Head of House has ensured that the students are fully conversant in using their Knowledge Organisers and Revision Mastery Booklet.
The photographs are from Mr Bindon’s Kitson House session.
New artwork
The atrium is now looking even more spectacular thanks to our incredible art work that surrounds the science classrooms.
Year 11 History
Year 11 students have made a great start to their History period 1 sessions with Miss Cape. They are currently revising Anglo-Saxon and Norman England in preparation for their PPEs. They spend the first two mornings of the week recalling prior knowledge before we collaboratively plan an exam answer and then practice independent writing.
Year 9 have hit the ground running with GCSE and have been using our Teaching and Learning Strategy of I DO, WE DO, YOU DO to tackle 4 mark questions.
Maths with Mrs Aplin
Mrs Aplin’s maths classes have worked really well to settle into new routines and positive habits to start the new academic year.
7Q7 have looked at place value using Dienes and discussed the relationships between hundreds, tens and ones. They really enjoyed representing a variation of numbers using the manipulatives.
10Q4 have started the year looking at percentages and how this topic may appear in their GCSE exams. Both Lana Northcott and Abigail Mealin (photos of their workbooks attached) have worked well to identify the information needed to access the question.
Dance Success
Annie Aldous, in year 8, won the Junior Ballet Championships at City of Plymouth festival. Congratulations, Annie!
Sparx
Poppy Evely in 7T5 has made a superb start to her Sparx maths homework, recording the Bookwork Codes, showing her calculations and editing with purple pen to show any second attempts or videos watched. Her work is a great example for our new Y7s.
TA Art
Year 8 artists have made a great start to their war and conflict projects; creating an onomatopoeia collage inspired by Dada art and the sounds of WWI.
Zebra crossing update
It’s not necessarily close to being ready yet, but work has started!
Sixth Form Netball Academy
The Sixth Form Netball Academy had their first training session on Wednesday in readiness for their first National AOC Netball League game in two weeks’ time against Truro & Penwith College. Our academy players have made a focused and intense start to the programme and we look forward to seeing how the girls perform in the near future.
Students of the Week
Year 7 – Myah Sellick and Oakley Mudge
Year 9 – Kyle Madge and Kiki Marker
Year 11 – Maddie Rees and Charlie Selby
House Students of the Week
Year 7
Brunel – Dion Maharjan
Christie – Alana Houlihan
Darwin – George Garbett
Fawcett – Isabelle Leech
Harrison – Phoebe Acton
Kitson – Christopher Csapo
Nearne – Poppy Haslett
Pengelly – Lily Hubbard
Year 8
Brunel – Oscar McLaughlin
Christie – Jazmin Collins
Darwin – Faith Stevens
Fawcett – Gustaw Adamczak
Kitson – Annie Aldous
Nearne – Lexi Cave
Pengelly – Millie Russell
Year 9
Brunel – Kiki Marker
Christie – Halle Wooton
Darwin – Emilia Hunt
Fawcett – Anthony Potter
Kitson – Jade Cook
Nearne – Kyron Connor and Sienna Painter
Pengelly – Smith, Phoebe
Homework Students of the Week
Year 7
Brunel – Jorgie Jayne Barnett
Christie – Seren Chadwick
Darwin – Harlow Bown
Fawcett – Elise Musgrove
Harrison – Harley Smith
Kitson – Edward Watt
Nearne – William Schmiedinghofer
Pengelly – Esme Poole
Year 8
Brunel – Emily Cowan
Christie – Riain Leal
Darwin – Logan Watt
Fawcett – Ellie Bowden
Harrison – Kordian Wisnik
Nearne – Daniel Manners
Pengelly – Edi Ferencz Csibi
Year 9
Brunel – Scarlette Finley-Squires
Christie – Lucas Chappell
Darwin – Hamish Herring
Fawcett – Harrison Harkin
Kitson – Neve Lithgow
Pengelly – Lexi Jessup