Ten Tors, Controlled Assessments & Athletics Success

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Ten Tors Team Begin Training

Pictured: Our Ten Tors team on their first training expedition

Our Ten Tours team had their first training walk on Saturday. Teacher, Mr Toorneini said “It was a very successful first walk and we experienced all kinds of weather, including snow, hail, sleet, sunshine and high winds!  All 11 students managed to complete a 7.5 mile walk, taking in 7 tors. They are all really keen for the next walk on the 15th Feb.

Year 10 Catering Controlled Assessment

Pictured: Year 10 student preparing his burger and bun

Year 10 students began the practical element to their Catering controlled assessment this week.  Students were set the task of designing and producing a product to be sold at a festival or farm shop.  Many students decided to make healthy burgers. To achieve this, they made everything from scratch using no additives or preservatives and with all organic ingredients.  I would happily have paid for one of their burgers – they looked and smelled delicious!

Year 11 Photographs

Pictured: Year 11 students waiting for their portrait shots

I joined our year 11 students this week to have our photograph taken as well having individual portraits taken.

Ryan Hill Design and Technology Project

Year 11 Student, Ryan Hill, was keen to show off his fantastic Product Design project he has been working on over the past few weeks.  Ryan has chosen a complex project and has really applied himself well. Here he is talking about his project to Mr White.

Year 12 Marketing talk to Students

Pictured: Mr White with our Year 12 students

Mr White was invited to the Year 12 Cambridge Technicals ICT course to explain how Torquay Academy use information systems as part of our marketing and publicity. Students were able to look at links between “hits” on the website and the launch of various social media channels.  Students will use this knowledge in planning their own campaigns for the business scenario they have been set. Mr McMurray has arranged for various other speakers to talk about other aspects of the business and finance activities of the Academy.  Year 12 student Lucy Robinson (pictured) said “it was interesting to hear about the range of promotional and marketing activities that the school undertakes”.

Year 12 Work Preparation Day

Pictured: Year 12 students looking smart, during the work preparation day this week

Year 12 students enjoyed a work preparation day this week, where employees from local businesses visited to share their expertise in the job market.  The aim of the event was to help prepare students and develop self-confidence for job applications and interview situations.  Students, wearing smart clothing, had a programme full of useful exercises that will help when applying and interviewing for jobs in the future. Activities included how best to complete an application form and interview advice and techniques.

Each of the students finished the day with a mock interview, with one of the local business people. The employers emailed me afterwards to tell me that “I would employ them today”, “I used the questions I would ask in a normal interview and they responded brilliantly”. Year 12 student Louie Birkenshaw to me “it was a good experience and I think my interview technique has improved. I definitely feel more confident about applying for jobs in the future”.

Myself, and all of the staff involved in the day, are proud of how well the Year 12 students engaged throughout the day. Well done!

KS3 Student Council Meeting – Wednesday P4 C11

Pictured: (top) our student leadership team during their student council meeting (bottom) and during another meeting

I visited, along with governors Mrs Rochford and Mrs Carrasco, our Year 7, 8 and 9 students this week as they took part in a Student Council meeting.  The students discussed our new breakfast club, fundraising activities, student feedback on teaching and learning and the possibility of a student council blog. I was really impressed with how the students discussed their views. It is clear to see that they all feel passionate about the school and how it operates.

STEM Poster Competition

Pictured: The Lely Juno robot

Director of STEM, Mr Thorpe, has invited students to take part in a competition aimed at finding the Young Innovator of the Year 2014.  The competition brief, set by the awards organiser, Harper Adams University, is: What could robots could do for us in the future?  An example of how robots help in everyday jobs is the Lely Juno (pictured). This robot keeps cattle sheds tidy. As cows eat they will spread the feed out and eventually push it too far away for them to reach. The Lely Juno is an automated drone that will move along the feeding area tidying the feed area and making sure the cows make the most of their feed.

I will be very interested to see what ideas our students come up with. If you would like to join in with this competition, speak to Mr Thorpe for more details.  All of the winners will be announced at a special awards ceremony on the 30th June 2014.

Exemplary Students

Pictured: (left) Most Improved students, Toby Down and (right) Straight A’s Lana Hall, with English Curriculum Team Leader, Mr Heartford

After a term and a half of hard work the English Controlled Assessments results are coming in and they make very pleasing reading for me. All students have done very well but two students really stand out.  Lana Hall only dropped four marks on her way to getting a top A* and Toby Down who is targeted a D but has a B grade folder; this is a real testament to their hard work.

A Nice Surprise Visit to Wrap up the Week

Pictured: Year 12 students

I had a lovely finish to the week when I received a surprise visit from some of our Year 12 Health and Social Care students.  Terriann Currie, Megan Finney and Jess Moran (pictured) came to my office on Friday afternoon to show me the fantastic work they have been doing in their lessons.  As luck would have it, Head of Sixth Form, Mr Harries was even on hand for a quick photo opportunity! Students popping by the office to say hello and share their work is the highlight of my day.

Sports Round Up

Pictured: The year 8 indoor athletics team

Year 8 Indoor Athletics: The boys’ team won overall which means they have made it through to represent Torbay in the County competition on Thursday 27th February at Plymouth life centre. The girls came in a very respectable 4th.

Boys Team: Jordan Kennard, Josh Clarke, Alfie Edwards, Kieran Bailey, Jacob Brady and Harvey Parchment.
Girls: Ocea Jackson Graves, Macey Harvey, Katie Robinson, Kasey Dixon and Georgia Harvey

Year 8 Netball team made real improvement and won 3 out of 4 of their matches at the Central Venue League tournament this week. The final tournament is being held next week.

Year 10 Football team suffered an unlucky defeat to Coombeshead Academy.

Year 11 Football team lost 2-0 to Paignton Community and Sport Academy despite a great all-round effort from the boys.