Three more teams progress in national cups and art roundup
National successes
Our Year 9 boys have already made it into the last 8 in the country. This week, our Y11 girls netball team also made it to the last 8 in the country; the Year 9 girls’ football team went through to the last 16 in the country; and to top off an incredible week of sport, our first team boys’ football team made it into the last 16 of the ECFA Cup. On top of this we took part in many other fixtures, hundreds of girls and boys took part in after school sessions and all Year 7-9 students represented their house. You can see why I am so proud of our students and the incredible sports department. More details about the fixtures can be found in the Team TA section below.
Art throughout the school
Year 7
7Q4 have been enjoying working on the theme ‘Bugs & Beasties’ with Mrs Lynch since the start of year 7. The students have experimented with a variety of media including paint, pastel and coloring pencils. Emphasis is placed on developing drawing skills and wil be built upon as the year progresses. Here we can see some of 7Q4’s efforts as they experiment with the art of creating Zentangle designs. All the students engaged with this activity, with Alexis earning extra house points for excellent artwork and Caius gaining a special art certificate for making such super progress this term. Well done 7Q4!!
Year 8
Mrs Lynch’s Year 8 Art Students have been busy this half term, exploring the theme of ‘War & Conflict’. Students are studying a variety of war artists including Paul Nash, Pablo Picasso and Kathe Kollwitz. The work displayed here shows one of their ‘DO NOW’ exercises, where the students have had to accurately draw the other side of the soldier’s face, paying close attention to proportion, mark making and tonal values. Well done year 8!
Year 9
Mrs Lynch’s Year 9 Art Students are currently working on an art theme entitled ‘Structures’. Students have explored a variety of techniques and approaches in the autumn term including painting, drawing and ceramics.
Students researched their own artist linked to their theme and were given the task of creating an artist link page, followed by designing a shoe or a trainer for that artist!! Students then went on to realise their designs exploring slab techniques in ceramics. Mrs Lynch is delighted with the students amazing work. A really wonderful start to their GCSE journey in Art and Design.
Year 10
Mrs Lynch’s Year 10 Art Students are currently working on the theme ‘Identity”. Students have created moodboards, mind maps, undertaken artist research and are currently at the start of their Textiles Unit. Students have picked their favourite artists to study and are currently at the planning stages of designing an art corset or waistcoat for their chosen artist. Many of the boys have looked to Street Artists such as Burgerman, Keith Haring and Banksy for inspiration, others are looking at more traditional artists such as Van Gogh and Georgia O’Keeffe. The year 10 students will learn to pattern cut, tack, stitch, applique and a number of different techniques whilst making their art garments. Good luck year 10!!
Year 12
Year 12 Photography students are currently working on their coursework portfolios, whilst exploring different starting points to inspire their work. Hollie Hand is looking at the theme of ‘Identity’
Here you can see some of Hollie’s ‘Levitation’ Photography. Hollie has embraced the wonders of Photoshop and is brilliant at creating some amazing surreal imagery. Hollie has also cleverly used a tripod and a time release setting on her camera, so that she can feature herself as the model in these amazing photographic compositions. Keep up the good work Hollie, we can’t wait to see what happens next!!
Year 13
Year 13 are currently completing their coursework portfolios and are eagerly awaiting their A Level exam preparation papers. Here you can see some of the experimental ‘Light Painting’ Photography by Victoria B. Vicky has used her family and friends as models to help her explore the theme of ‘Light & Dark’. Vicky’s stunning photographs show how she has explored slow shutter speed and different ISO settings to great effect.
Mountain biking
Mr Whelan and Mr Brett took students up to Haldon for their first night ride. It was an exhilarating experience for them all.
Ten Tors practice begins
Climbing club
Climbing can provide the mix of strength, agility and household chores!
Bake Off
Last Friday was the first week of Mr Beattie and Mrs Briddon’s bake off. Due to the weekly fire alarm going off we were here till 7:30 at night wondering why the ovens weren’t warming up so our poor students went home with raw scones! Apart from that, it all went well, and Eric got a bit carried away with the flour.
Students: Elissia Greenwood, Tate Reynolds, Riley Harper and Eric ‘self raising flour’ Montague
Year 7 Multi Sports Club
The new Year 7 Multi Sports Club welcomed 22 pupils this week where students took part in trampolining and badminton. With help from our Sixth Form Netball Academy players, Mia and Ellie Denby, the pupils are learning new skills in different sports each week. Come along to try out some benchball, dodgeball and cheerleading this Friday from 3:30-4:15pm.
CCF Update
Another busy cadet training evening, battling against the elements but that didn’t stop the Torquay Academy’s cadets.
The year 8 cadets started off with field craft, mastering movements with and without rifles. Another section carried out a rigorous drill assessment, emphasizing the importance of precision and discipline in cadet training.
Year 9 and 10 cadets embarked on a thrilling Close Quarters Battle (CQB) paintballing lane, showcasing exceptional weapon handling and shooting skills. The enemy targets received a vibrant makeover as cadets demonstrated their marksmanship. This dynamic experience not only tested their tactical abilities but also added a splash of excitement to their training routine.
Year 8, 9, and 10 cadets engaged in a map reading assessment, resulting in impressive results. The mastery of navigation skills sets the stage for practical applications in future exercises, instilling a sense of confidence and competence among the cadets. The ability to navigate effectively is a crucial aspect of cadet training, and these cadets are well on their way.
Mid-week, the Army cadets headed to the shooting range, where 4 out of 10 cadets achieved the prestigious Marksman standard. This success not only reflects their proficiency in weapons handling but also underscores the importance of discipline and focus in achieving excellence on the range.
Simultaneously, the RAF cadets dedicated their efforts to preparing for the upcoming RAST competitions. Through drill practice, flight simulation, and expanding their general RAF knowledge, these cadets are gearing up for success.
The prospect of a flying experience at Boscombe Down adds an exciting dimension to their training, providing a link between theory and real-world aviation.
Ten Tors training is well underway for the 3 cadet teams. We are all looking forward to the next training walk, homing in the navigation and team work skills.
A very busy but rewarding cadet week with lots of exciting activities. Want to get involved.. email ccf@tqacademy.co.uk
Year 10 Construction
In Mrs Dempsey’s Year 10 Construction classes this week, the students have been completing risk assessments and understanding the principles of safe working, ready for their PSA controlled tasks after half term. They have also been finishing off their mini practice task, which involved selecting and using a range of tools for marking out, cutting, assembling, and finishing. The joints they have been practising are mortise and tenon, bridle joints, combe joints, and half lap mitre joints.
House News
This week, students Harley Smith, Oaklie Chancellor, Seren Stephenson and Matilda Thorner put forth their views on why it is so wonderful to belong to Harrison house. Harrison has always been renowned for its sporting success and Harley believes that this motivated the Year 7 students to do their best in all PE activities. Harley stated, ‘One of the thigs that makes Harrison such a good house is that we are all really sporty; we have a lot of good footballers and netballers.’ This week, there are house football and netball competitions and all four students agree Harrison will emerge victorious. Oaklie corroborated Harley’s thoughts: ‘The reason Harrison students are traditionally good at sport is because they have a lot of team spirit; they work together and help each other out.’
Seren and Matilda both agreed with Oaklie’s points on the camaraderie of Harrison students. ‘I think the best thing about Harrison house is that the students are kind to one another; some people are funny but nobody is ever mean.’ Seren reported.
‘Miss Felton is also a brilliant tutor.’ said Matilda, ‘She helps us with our homework which makes it easier to understand. She also helps us with our reading and makes sure she uses ‘control the game’ at all times.’
‘Mrs Hosking is also really happy and positive; she dresses in the Harrison colour when she presents certificates to us on Friday mornings. She is very competitive and always wants Harrison to win.’ When asked why any new students to the school might want to join Harrison, Seren put it very nicely; ’Some people might not like the house colour but orange is actually a very positive colour. People in Harrison are positive and they always stick to the house motto: Be Courageous.’
Fun Friday
Students of the Week
Year 7 – Dion Maharjan and Isla Bryant
Year 8 – Janzen Flores and Noah Margetts
Year 9 – Kyron Connor and Summer Holmes
Year 10 – Sam Alcock and Olivia Hosking
U16 Netball Academy through to the National Quarter Finals
The U16 Netball Academy played against Ringwood School in the fourth round of the National Sisters in Sport competition this week. Team TA won the first quarter 10-6 after accurate shooting from Brooke Tully and Ema Kestell. The second quarter ended 11-7 after successful intercepting from Maisy Green, Tammy Westacott and Ella McLachlan whilst the third quarter’s scoreline finished even tighter at 10-7. A strong centre court allowed us to finish strongly, with Isabelle Moxham, Ivy Hodgson-Hunt and Millie Sneap creating accurate pieces of play down court to ensure that the final scoreline finished with Team TA winning 37-27. Well done to Isabelle Moxham who was voted coaches’ player, Ema Kestell who was voted oppositions’ player and Ella McLachlan / Isabelle Moxham who were voted joint players’ player.
The girls are now through to the quarter-finals of the U16 National Sisters in Sport competition and they face St Edmunds School in the next round.
U16 Netball Academy: Tammy Westacott (C), Maisy Green, Ella McLachlan, Isabelle Moxham, Millie Sneap, Ema Kestell, Ivy Hodgson-Hunt and Brooke Tully
National cup rollercoaster – 1st team
Tuesday’s game against Racing Club Warwick was not one for the faint hearted. Two last minute goals, a red card and a disallowed goal added a few more grey hairs to the coaching team.
After a really positive start and some good football, we went ahead with a well-worked goal after good work on the left between Danny and Jack, resulting in a lovely cross for Josh to head us into a 1-0 lead. A brief slip in mentality and a drop in our standards allowed Warwick back into the game after a misplaced pass in our half allowed them through to score making it 1-1 at halftime.
The second half was very tight and as time went on you could see the players starting to lose a bit of confidence, then out of nowhere a late tackle from their midfielder and a follow up kick and stamp on our midfielder left the referee no other option but to send him off. This gave us the second wind we needed and the game came to life again. More chaos to come as a corner from us was headed goalwards from Josh and past the keeper, but from nowhere a hand saved the ball on the line from their defender but was deemed to have been the post from the lineman’s view. This resulted in a good goal being disallowed.
With ten minutes to go a silly freekick allowed Warwick to fill the box again and a good header from their centre back set up their striker to score in the box making it 1-2.
A few changes and chasing the equaliser we pushed on appiled the pressure on with fast football creating a few chances, with a couple minutes left of normal time another attack from us allowed Will to put a cross into the box which was headed away into the path of Danny who hit a volley hard and low that beat everyone to send the crowd crazy and take us to extra time.
Everyone now starting to get tired on both teams, there was always gonna be more goals.
Racing scored again from a 2v2 situation and went into the last half of extra time 3-2 up.Our boys had a real push the last ten minutes of extra time and our pressure paid off with another ball into their box dropping down for Danny to be first to it again to place it into the corner to make it 3-3 with 5 minutes left. The rollercoaster hadn’t finished as a freekick with a minute left allowed Charlie to deliver another dangerous bal into their box, a huge leap from Ricco nodded the ball across their 6 yard box for Ben’s shot to be blocked but Sam’s follow up got us the goal to win us the game 4-3, what great scenes from the players and the now larger crowd with our year 8 and 9 teams joining in the celebrations at the end after training.
U14 Girls Football
What an amazing game with our U14 girls putting on another rollercoaster of a game against Truro School in the national cup. It was brilliant for the neutral but an emotional ride for the players and coaches. A thrilling game that ended in a 5-4 victory for our girls with a screamer from Evie Ford to seal the win with 30 seconds to go. A well fought win with our goals coming from Kayla 2, Farrah, Leela and Evie. Thank you to Truro, who have a great team and showed their class.
U14 Netball Academy SIS
The U14 Netball Academy travelled to Cornwall last week to play Truro School in the second round of the Sisters in Sport Competition. The girls implemented several skills that they had been practicing in training into the game, however it was not enough to beat a strong Truro side. They now move into the SIS Bowl Competition and we will update you on their progress. Well done to Maisie Sandercock who was voted Coaches’ Player of the game and Ashleigh Evans / Chloe German who were voted joint Players’ Player. Well done girls!
Exeter Chiefs Girls’ Rugby
The Year 7,8 & 9 girls are currently receiving rugby coaching sessions from Ebony at Exeter Chiefs in their Core PE lessons. They have been learning some of the core rugby skills and playing a mixture of touch and tag rugby.
Farrah Ambrose U14 Devon County Football Success
Farrah Ambrose represented U14 Devon County Football over the weekend in the semi-finals of the English Schools FA Inter County Cup. They faced Middlesex County and after going into extra-time, Devon defeated their opposition 2-1. We look forward to hearing how Farrah gets on in the semi-final round with her team. Well done Farrah!
Year 8 Netball Tournament
Our Year 8 netball academy had a netball tournament on Monday against various local schools on Monday. We entered 2 netball teams, who both played 10 matches throughout the day! It was great to see so many girls participating and enjoying their netball! The A team qualified for the cup tournament, and the B team qualified for the shield tournament. Both teams played some lovely netball, and progressed well throughout the busy day! Well done to all the girls involved!
Scarlett Connolly ©, Molly Hollomby, Lily Thomas, Maria Nihtyanova, Anastasia Tukilush, Poppy Bettridge, Seren Charwick, Rosie Bevan, Alexa Lyons ©, Heidi Bowers, Janzen Flores, Adalynn Abraham, Lilly-Rose Garbett, Katie Peryer, Poppy Sanderson, Bella Kendal.
Year 7 Boys vs Exmouth – County Cup Round 2
House Students of the Week
Year 7
Christie – Layla Lock
Darwin – Bella Hall
Fawcett – Gabriela Piasta
Harrison – Harley Smith
Kitson – Sofia Adamson
Nearne – Finley Bratcher
Pengelly – Lucas Vesely
Year 8
Brunel – Louise Porter
Christie – Thomas Cox
Fawcett – Autumn Wagstaffe
Harrison – Honor Dawson
Kitson – Vaughn Heavens
Pengelly – Ella Weeks
Year 9
Brunel – Harry Newman
Christie – Lucas Chappell
Darwin – Charlie Burton
Kitson – Neve Lithgow
Nearne – Olivia-Mae Franke
Pengelly – Ben Tucker
Homework Students of the Week
Year 7
Christie – Esmie Riggs
Darwin – George Garbett
Fawcett – Riley Harper
Harrison – Isla Coish
Kitson – Grace Gatting
Nearne – Heidi Milner
Pengelly – Tia Woodward
Year 8
Christie – Caleb Harford-Brown
Fawcett – Halle Walker
Harrison – Harry Hutchings
Kitson – Elliott Baines
Pengelly – Izzy Goldsbrough
Year 9
Christie – Blake Adamson
Darwin – Matilda Stevens
Kitson – Libbie Grindling
Pengelly – Ben Jeffs
University Offers this Week
| Victoria Bulwicka | University of Exeter | Communications |
| Freya Boote | Bath Spa University | Fashion Photography |
| Boris Pugh | King’s College London | War Studies |
| Boris Pugh | University of Manchester | Politics and Social Anthropology |
| Holly Roberts | Royal Holloway | Biology |
| Emilie Cartwright-Lomax | Anglia Ruskin | Medical Sciences |
| Maddy Brewer | University of Exeter | Law |
| Oscar Yelland | Manchester Metropolitan University | Product Design |
| Freya Boote | Nottingham Trent University | Fashion Photography |
| Paige McGeown | University of Southampton | Chemistry |
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