World Book Day, Effort Awards, camping and Youth Speaks
World Book Day
The Masked Reader
As part of March 2nd’s World Book Day, we challenged students in years 7,8 and 9 to take part in Torquay Academy’s Masked Readers. Students were shown a video of different staff members reading an extract from their favorite books, whilst disguised using a Snapchat filter. This was great fun and everyone really enjoyed trying to identify who was hiding behind the different masks. Congratulations to Connie McMahon and Liv Walters who were able to correctly identify all of the Masked Readers.
Michael Morpurgo
As part of our World Book Day celebrations, we were lucky enough to take part in a virtual event with world famous children’s author Sir Michael Morpurgo. Michael Morpurgo has written over 130 books. One of his most famous books is War Horse, which is 40 years old this year. Michael spoke about his love of horses and how he gets the ideas for his books, as well as answering student’s questions about his life and career. Students particularly enjoyed listening to him read an extract from War Horse and some of his other work.
Scavenger Hunt
To round up our World Book Day celebrations we held a Michael Morpurgo themed scavenger hunt. Students spent their lunch break racing around the English department trying to find the answers to questions about Michael Morporgo’s life and books. There were prizes for everyone who entered with book bundles for the students who came in the top three. Pictured are 1st place Leah McClements, 2nd place Scarlett Finley-Squires, and 3rd place Miley Soby.
Effort Awards
On Thursday evening, the students in Gold effort from years 7, 8 and 9 met for a film night. The students got their popcorn, drinks and sweets and settled down for the film Jumanji. It was a hit with lots of giggling throughout. We are very proud of these students and the attitude towards learning they are showing.
Cadet and Ten Tors Training
Another fun packed weekend for the Ten Tors teams from both the school and cadets.
This was the first overnight camp for some of the students. Arrival at school for 1700hrs on Friday evening setting the scheme for the evening’s entertainment.
First off was a Ten Tors safety brief which is a key component in keeping Dartmoor in top condition. Understanding the importance of keeping Dartmoor free of litter, respecting the area and land owners’ access, were just a few of the items on the agenda.
Following this was a demonstration of how to put up a tent with time spent for the student to set camp. Tents up, bag packing and using Military rations was next.
As the night started to draw in with the light now gone, head torches were mandatory. The students split into teams and started to boil up water in preparation for heating the boil-in-a-bag meal. Suitably fed, they moved into a classroom for group admin brief and map reading.
As the later hours of the evening caught them up, it was time for sleep, or for some an opportunity to stay up talking all night!
0600hrs reveille was a shocker for some but everyone got up, decamped and set to work on getting breakfast on the go. Well done everyone, for the first time that the staff didn’t have to wake students up.
Breakfast and admin complete, they loaded up onto the minibuses for the 1 hour drive to the North Moor. It was obvious who tried to stay awake all night. Most were asleep on the minibus.
Arriving at the start of the day’s walk at Meldon reservoir, Saturday morning seemed a little fuzzy-eyed for some. Setting off with a map in hand, packs loaded up with full kit for the first time, slowed the pace of the day.
The weather was on their side. Brisk and breezy, clear skies, allowing some amazing views.
Some hours later, the students arrived back at the minibuses. Tied would be an understatement, but the reality of the hard work required to complete the Ten Tors challenge was now etched in students’ minds.
A fantastic personal learning experience for everyone. Well done, all. They are now looking forward to taking on the Brecon Beacons.
Youth Speaks
Last Saturday, our Year 11 debating team competed in the Cornwall and Devon Finals of the Youth Speaks public speaking competition run by the Rotary Club. They spoke for 15 minutes and then answered questions on their chosen topic of whether recycling should be made mandatory by law. The team were amazing, making well-researched and confidently delivered speeches that engaged the judges and audience. Although they didn’t win, this is the furthest stage of the competition we have ever reached before and the team certainly made the school proud. We look forward to hearing what they come up with for next year’s competition.
First overnight camp and Dartmoor walk for the DofE Gold Team
On Friday the sixth formers who are taking part in the DofE Gold Award joined the Ten Tors teams for an overnight camp at school and a 10km walk on Dartmoor. With a mix of abilities from experienced Ten Tors and DofE Silver to some beginners, this weekend was essential for working together as a team and building basic skills. Friday evening started with a demonstration and discussion on rucksack packing and using the Trangia camping stove kits. As dusk settled in, the team practised putting up the 2 and 3 man tents and set out their sleeping bags for the night. Testing out the ‘boil in the bag’ meal selection for dinner on the Trangia stoves proved a success with the general consensus that meals in the field could be a lot worse! It was then back into the classroom for a lesson on map-reading and using the compass, before turning in for the night. 0530 reveille on a very cold Saturday morning was a shock to the system but everyone worked hard to cook and eat breakfast, take down the tents, pack rucksacks and get themselves ready for the trip out to Dartmoor. Dartmoor was cold, sunny and clear – ideal for walking and map-reading and a perfect introduction into hill walking with rucksacks. By the end of a tiring day navigating between checkpoints and up and down Tors, the group had come together as a team and were well prepared for the next stage of training in preparation for their 4 day qualifying expedition in the Lake District. Well done, all!
Football with Mr Richardson
Year 8 boys have been working on their individual skillsets in football. They have been exploring close control as well as shooting and how this can impact their performance within a game situation. The students can be seen working individually and in pairs on a task that enables them to think about and subsequently demonstrate the importance of good close control and also developing control and power when shooting. The students worked in collaboration with each other to produce high quality dribbling and shooting under pressure with differentiated targeted outcomes.
Tubers
Students have been having a go on Tubers new iPads this week. They thoroughly enjoyed the session.
House News March 2nd
I am delighted to be able to introduce our sixteen sixth form House Ambassadors, who have been appointed to help support, enthuse and inspire our younger students.
Brunel House – Boris Pugh, Rae Makinson
Christie House – Kai Fowler, Elisha Perrow
Darwin House – Connie Watts, Leo Dunkley
Fawcett House – Ellie Holloway, Angus Graham
Harrison House – Lila Nyari, Katie Packer
Kitson House – Holly Roberts, Ena Brett- Wilson
Nearne House – Bailey Denyer, Lily-Grace Lee
Pengelly House – Katie Taylor, Angel Mckenna
All sixteen students had to go through a rigorous application process, including an application letter and formal interview. The successful candidates were all the assigned to one of our eight houses-with the aim of keeping as many as possible within their own house.
Last Friday, there was much excitement as the students went in to the lower school tutor groups-alongside their head of house- to help present homework and ‘Student of the Week’ certificates. As you may well know, our heads of house are very competitive when it comes to dressing in their house colours and many had brought in items for the sixth-form students to wear-resulting in many vibrant hues being displayed around the school.
Students have also been briefed on their role on how they can promote our younger years and the house system. They will be asked to visit the Year 7 and 8 tutor groups once a week to help: present certificates, check homework and equipment, listen to students read and act as mentors. Additionally, they will be present at house events, assemblies and take an active role in house charity work.
I am delighted at the calibre of the students who have been selected, their suitability as role models and the importance of value they will add to our school.
Level 3 Health and Social Care
Level 3 students were incredibly fortunate this week to receive a talk from Angie Foulds, Clinical Research Nurse at Torbay Hospital as part of their preparation for their Summer exam in Research Methods. Angie spoke enthusiastically regarding her role and the type of Research that is so vital in healthcare settings. Alongside this were a few ethical dilemmas that really made the students think about who they would save and the reasons behind it. A great introduction into a difficult topic.
Year 8 Drama Lessons
This week the Year 8 drama students have been working on improvisations in small groups. In doing so, students can develop their skills in collaborative planning, understanding and confidence.
Students have been asked to play ‘detectives’ in their examination of the disappearance of a fictitious character’ Anne Robinson’. Various clues need to be solved in order for the students to theorise what may have happened to Anne. The whole year group has responded enthusiastically to the task- with many different theories being put forward. Once a theory is decided upon, students then devise a performance piece, showing the events leading up to the disappearance – assuming the roles of ‘Anne’ and other relevant characters.
The highlight of the session is always the presentations of the improvisations. Our Year 8 students enjoy both performing and watching others perform. We are pleased with the tremendous progress in courage and empathy all students are making.
Sports Leaders
This week we welcomed Year 3 from Sherwell Valley Primary School for some Tag Rugby. This was delivered by our PE team with support from our Year 9 Sports leaders. The children learnt some of the key fundamentals of playing tag rugby and had lots of fun.
Year 7 win the County Cup
Year 7s through in the county cup after a hard fought win against Colyton School. The game ended 2-2 but we sealed the victory in extra time with two more goals to win 4-2. Our goals coming from – Oscar ⚽️ Keano ⚽️ Max ⚽️ Lewis ⚽️
House Cycling
The year 7s competed in the house cycling competition before half term.
The competition involved a time trial around Barton Cricket Club on the TA mountain bikes. The fastest students qualified for the Newport Olympic Velodrome in Wales for the next stage of the competition.
Well done to all involved. It was great to see 73 students participate in the year 7 competition alone. This is more than we have ever had in previous years.
The year 7’s will travel to the Velodrome on Wednesday 29th March and the
year 8’s will travel after the Easter break on Wednesday 19th April. (TBC)
Well done to everyone who competed as you have gained house points for participation.
Year 7 finalists are listed below. Further information will follow for these students.
The following year 7 students qualified for the house cycling.
Girls: Maria Nihtyanova, Anne Aldous, Sienna Welsh, Millie Russell, Poppy Bettridge, Ella Fordrey and Lauren Harbutt
Boys: Zach Venter, Noah Margetts, Brody Williams, Toby Howell, Ollie Stanbury, Jamie Tully, Alfie Spicer and Leon Snell
Year 11 in to County Cup Semi-Finals
On Friday the year 11 Football team travelled to Ottery St. Mary to play Kings School. The grass pitch was an instant leveller however TA started brightly playing some nice one and two touch football. TA took an early lead through Fin Herbert before being pegged back after poor defending at a corner. TA regained the lead after Fin Herbert again scored from the penalty spot after being brought down by the KIngs goalkeeper.
The second half started well for TA going 3-1 up when Herbert completed hat-trick. TA then were caught out again with Kings reducing the deficit. TA then went down the other end Herbert again scored taking his personal and team taly to four. Kings then went for it and rallied hard along with sloppy defending and poor decision making they got themselves back to 4-4 with 5 minutes to go. TA then upped the anti again and substitute Josh Thompson grabbed a win after finishing superbly in the Kings box from a TA free kick.
TA will now play at home in the semi-final against their biggest rivals at this age group DHSB. It is sure to be a cracking game of football.
U13 and U15 Girls Football
On Wednesday, the U13 and U15 girls Football teams represented the Academy against Spires. Both teams were successful with the U13 team winning 9-2 and the U15 team winning 4-0.
Both teams worked together as a team, focussing on clear communication on the pitch. We have also been working on using the space better and passing out wide, which was clear to see in both matches!
Well done to all that played, and keep up the great work.
U13: Maria Nihtyanova, Ellie Bowden, Poppy Bettridge, Neeve Thomson, Evie Ford, Ava Mills, Kayla Hadley, Leela Cartwright, Tallulah Houlahan.
U15: Ava Shobrook, Lana Northcott, Bella Gifford, Amara Phillips, Willow Kendall, Chloe Hollis, Issy Roberts, Maisy Green, Eve Cameron, Ivy Hodgson-Hunt.
Year 8 Netball Academy v Teign School
On Tuesday, the Year 8 Netball Academy travelled to play against Teign School. It was a tight game throughout, with both sides giving it their all across all four quarters. However, Team TA came out on top and secured a well-fought 6-5 win with Chloe German being voted as player of the match. Miss Lewis is so proud to see how much the girls have come on both individually and as a squad and looks forward to seeing the girls in action for their final fixture of the term in 2 weeks time.
Year 8 Netball Academy: Chloe German, Larna Waller, Connie Kinghorn, Maisie Sandercock, Lora Cadman, Ellie Farthing, Millie Swift, Kelsey Drew, Ashleigh Evans, Francesca Skelly and Rebecca Quarshie
Year 8s put on a show to beat Plymstock
Fantastic performance on Monday from the year 8s in the county cup, winning 4-0 against Plymstock school with our goals coming from. Ben, Oscar, Wisey and Rossi.
Students of the Week
Year 7 – Emily Cowan and Cody Burton
Year 8 – Darcey Mellish and Joshua Henderson
Year 9 – Ben Charters and Amber Dicken
Year 10 – Logan Churchward, Summer Connolly, Emma Roadnight and Harry Hollomby
Year 11 – Will Harrison and Hollie Hand
House Students of the Week
Year 7
Brunel – Oscar McLaughlan
Christie – Cassie Foster
Darwin – Ella Lake
Fawcett – Saphi Byers
Harrison – Lily Campbell
Kitson – Maxwell Murphy
Nearne – Poppy-Lou Fieldhouse
Pengelly – Lewis Collett
Year 8
Christie – Scarlett Lacey
Darwin – Kacper Piwowar
Fawcett – Tallulah Houlahan
Harrison – Paige Wakerley
Kitson – Levi Larcom
Nearne – Sienna Painter
Pengelly – Charlotte Little
Year 9
Brunel – Gabrielle Buys
Christie – Seth Margetts
Darwin – Nebil Zorel
Fawcett – Jess Silvester
Harrison – Toby Forrester-Finney
Kitson – Maisy Moran
Nearne – Willow Kendal
Pengelly – Paige Clements
Homework Students of the Week
Year 7
Brunel – Alexa Lyons
Christie – Emily Lucas
Darwin – Leon Snell
Fawcett – Dylan Tripp
Harrison – Blake Young
Kitson – Scarlett Hill
Nearne – Emily Lock
Pengelly – George Viediernikov
Year 8
Christie – Zak Turner
Darwin – Riley Calland
Fawcett – Nevin Vithayathil
Harrison – Naphtali Phinehas
Kitson – Faye Cassidy
Nearne – Daniel Piper
Pengelly – Lucy McMahon
Year 9
Christie – Darcey Reece
Darwin – Isabel Sockett
Fawcett – Daniel Billingham
Harrison – Connor Fortune
Kitson – Freya Elliott
Nearne – James Evers
University Offers this Week
