head boy and girl
Congratulations to Bea Corline, who was announced as the school's Head Girl for 2025, with Summer Connolly and Jasmine Evans as Deputies. James Lovell is our new Head Boy, and Harry Hollomby and Elliott Lawson were appointed Deputy Head Boys. They will officially take up their posts in January.
TA's got talent 
The current student leader team have run TA's got talent this week. Finals for Year groups 9-13 took place in their assemblies, but due to the number of finalists in Years 7 and 8, we held a Super Fun Friday this week. You will know just from reading this blog just how talented our girls and boys are!
Jude Brodie was crowned the winner in Year 7.
Farah Davidson took the honours at the Year 8 event.
Also included in the above video are a couple of year 9 acts including the excellent Louise Porter.
Fun Friday
It was another great Fun Friday around the school. The Year 9s and 10s had a pretty festive Karaoke session in The Platform
Cadets update
It’s been another action-packed week for Torquay Academy’s Combined Cadet Force (CCF). Our Year 8 Army cadets have been busy measuring up for their uniform issue, and the school corridors are now awash with a sea of Multi-Terrain Pattern (MTP) camouflage, a proud testament to their new cadet identity.
The Army section held its Wednesday evening parade, which was an inspiring sight. It’s always a pleasure to see so many students fully embracing the cadet experience. The training session was full of energy and enthusiasm, with cadets progressing in their First Aid training by learning the crucial skill of CPR. Meanwhile, over at the fieldcraft stand, students got creative with camouflage cream, practising the art of blending into their surroundings—transforming into “bushes” with impressive enthusiasm!
Drill remains a key focus for both the Army and RAF sections. Precision and discipline are essential skills, and our cadets continue to refine their movements, showcasing remarkable progress.
The RAF section has also had a productive week, with cadets undertaking their Blue Leadership assessments, an important milestone in their development. Alongside this, all cadets have started exploring the fundamentals of map reading—a vital skill for any cadet.
The Army section homing their skills patrolling and harbour area drills
It’s wonderful to see our students embracing the challenges and opportunities that the CCF offers. We’re incredibly proud of their dedication and can’t wait to see them grow further in confidence, skill, and leadership in the weeks to come. Keep up the fantastic work, cadets!
More DofE Gold Award success for TA students
We are very happy to announce the completion of two further DofE Gold awards. Hannah and Lauren Carr, in Year 13, have recently had their awards verified by the DofE Regional Office and signed off. A fantastic achievement by the twins, and recognition of their sterling efforts.
Both Volunteered with their athletics club, coaching junior athletes in various events. For their Skills sections, both completed online driving courses to prepare for their driving theory tests and undertook driving lessons. Lauren and Hannah attended a week-long Residential in different groups undertaking coasteering, kayaking, climbing, caving, weaselling (a mix of climbing, caving and parkour), and bushcraft. On the Residential they worked with people who they had never met before and completed various challenges as part of a team with them. Their Physical sections were, again, both Athletics based, with Hannah focusing on sprinting, and Lauren focusing on hurdling.
The Expedition involved training on Dartmoor and the Brecon Beacons, a 3 day 2 night Practice expedition in Snowdonia, and the Qualifying Expedition in the Lake District. Along with their team for the Qualifying Expedition, both planned routes, carried equipment and cooked camp meals on the 4 day 3 night expedition - for three of the four days in very wet and windy weather!
A fantastic achievement for Hannah and Lauren, that in addition to their academic qualifications, will enhance their future prospects for university and career choices. Lauren completed her Bronze and Silver awards at Torquay Girls Grammar School, before joining us for our 6th Form where she has completed her Gold.
Hannah has completed all levels of DofE here at TA, from Bronze through Silver, and now Gold, and it has been our pleasure to support them both on their DofE journeys. Our warmest congratulations to them both, and we look forward to seeing pictures of them when they go to Buckingham Palace to collect their awards.
GCSE Product Design Bird Boxes
Please have a look at the video and photos of Year 10 GCSE Product Design students adding the finishing touches to their bird box prototypes. Every bird box is completely different and has been designed from scratch by each student to cater for the needs of a specific species of bird. From blackbirds to robins, bluetits to wrens - all differing nesting habits are catered for!
The project also includes initial ideas computer modelling, a final orthographic design and cutting list for parts required. It is great practice for their major coursework project which they will begin in June 2025. Many of the students were also able to use offcuts kindly supplied by CamperWorx, a local campervan conversion company.
It is really impressive to see just how independent the students have become; they are able to complete the manufacturing of their product almost unaided using the skills, knowledge and understanding gained in previous projects.
Year 8 Art: Exploring Proportion with Soldier Life Drawing
This week in Year 8 Art, students delved into the fascinating world of proportion—a key element in drawing realistic figures. The class combined creativity with historical inspiration as students sketched their peers dressed as soldiers and looked at the work of WWI artist John Singer Sargent. This imaginative exercise allowed them to explore how proportions vary in different stances and with various accessories, such as helmets, uniforms and dummy guns kindly loaned from our CCF.
The session was filled with energy and focus, as students practiced observing and capturing details like body ratios, posture, and the interplay of shapes. The results were remarkable, showcasing the budding talent and growing confidence of our young artists. Well done, Year 8!
Year 8 English with Miss Daw
This cycle, Miss Daw's Year 8s have started their exploration into the work of Charles Dickens. Their immersive investigation into the Victorian world of pickpockets, workhouses and Ragged Schools began with learning about who Charles Dickens was and how his own life experiences shaped the novels he wrote. We have enjoyed learning about Dickens' love of Christmas and how his novella, A Christmas Carol, started many of the traditions we celebrate at this time of year - including the phrase 'Merry Christmas!'. Jack, Luke, Poppy and others stayed in at break to decorate the Christmas tree to make our classroom lovely and festive. I'm sure Dickens would have approved!
Sport with mr grinsill
This week, in Year 9 Sport with Mr. Grinsill, the groups are looking at the principles of training and different training methods. The group are currently looking at weight training and is using the fitness suite for this, along with learning about aerobic and anaerobic exercise and the different training zones. Students are also learning about the FITT principles that apply to training and how these help in an athlete's monitoring and improving their progress. The students are learning about reps and sets and the importance of form. They are also learning how to improve their strengths and weaknesses relating to the different components of fitness for which they have completed tests.
hopsitality and catering
The Hospitality students have been focused and concentrating on the design and techniques involved in piping icing on cupcakes in year nine and in year ten students have been establishing uniformity and precision in piping skills and pastry making. I am extremely proud of their accomplishments.
Mrs Lynch's photography lessons
Overview of the Lesson
This week, Mrs Lynch introduced her Year 12 and Year 13 A-Level Art students to the fascinating work of Peter Root, a multidisciplinary artist and photographer renowned for his intricate constructions made from everyday materials. Root's Staple City series served as the focal point of our session, showcasing his ability to transform ordinary staples into extraordinary urban landscapes. The goal of the lesson was to inspire students to think creatively about materials and techniques, while also deepening their understanding of conceptual photography.
To engage the students, she facilitated a discussion about the themes in Root’s work, such as impermanence, urbanization, and the transformation of mundane objects into art. Students were encouraged to consider how materiality and conceptual thinking could influence their own projects.
We then transitioned into a hands-on activity where students experimented with constructing their own miniature installations using staples and other simple materials. They explored lighting setups and camera angles to mimic Root’s photographic style, focusing on creating dramatic compositions that captured the essence of their constructions.
Student Engagement and Response
The students were captivated by the intricacy and innovation of Staple City. Many expressed admiration for how Root reimagines everyday objects, which sparked a lively discussion on how they could apply similar thinking to their own projects. The hands-on segment of the lesson was particularly successful—students showed remarkable creativity in their interpretations, with some even incorporating additional elements like reflective surfaces or colored lighting to add their unique twist.
Outcomes and Reflections
The lesson not only introduced students to an inspiring contemporary artist but also expanded their understanding of photography as a medium for storytelling and conceptual exploration. It was gratifying to see students embrace the challenge of working with unconventional materials, demonstrating both ingenuity and technical growth.
Moving forward, she plans to build on this lesson by encouraging students to develop their own conceptual projects inspired by Root’s methods, possibly exploring themes of their own choosing. She will also incorporate more opportunities for collaborative critique, allowing them to refine their ideas and techniques through peer feedback.
Year 7 - Toby Roadnight and Maya Campineanu
Year 8 - Seren Chadwick and Emilee Fenner
Year 9 - Will Wrathall and Louise Porter
Year 11 - Summer Thompson and Sonny Church
Sixth form netball INTO NATIONAL LAST 8
Ella McLachlan, Tammy Westacott, Ellie Stone, Summer Connolly, Mia Denby (C), Ellie Denby, Maisy Green, Emily Graham, Elspeth Herring, Evie Sutton.
In a tense and hard-fought match, the Sixth Form Netball Academy triumphed in the National Knockout, securing a spot in the quarter finals with a dramatic golden goal finish.
Facing tough opposition, the game was an end-to-end battle, with both teams displaying phenomenal work rate and team play. TA defended brilliantly across the court, applying constant pressure on the opposition, which led to crucial turnovers. These were swiftly converted into goals, thanks to accurate shooting from Tammy and Ellie.
Building a commanding five-goal lead by half time TA looked to be in control, but the opposition mounted a strong comeback, leveling the score in the final seconds of regulation time. The game then moved into the golden goal extra period, where the tension was palpable.
Torquay Academy kept their composure, worked the ball to goal, and Tammy scored the golden goal, securing the win and a place in the quarter finals!
What a match, showcasing resilience, teamwork, and individual brilliance under pressure!
Coaches Player: Tammy Westacott
Oppositions Player: Evie Sutton
Players Player: Maisy Green
english college netball trials
Tammy Westacott and Ellie Stone were selected to attend English College netball trials in Wolverhampton. Both girls attended the trials alongside over one hundred other elite athletes. Tammy and Ellie both performed well over the two day trial, and received some outstanding feedback. The standard of the trials was very high, and whilst they matched the level of play, unfortunately, they were not selected into the English College Squad this time.
Leon in Devon cross country
Three days after winning the year 8 and 9 Torbay schools boys cross country, Leon Snell was back out racing again. This time representing his club Torbay Athletics Club at the Devon Championships in Exeter.
Having had the opportunity to represent Devon for the past two years at the national Cross Country finals in Nottingham he was determined to do this again. However the age categories in club running differ to school and he was in the younger half of the age category. The top 6 runners at Devon Championships automatically go to the finals. On paper the challenge looked tough, he was set to compete against the fastest boys in Devon most of which a year older than him. As Leon set out onto what can only be described as a fast, brutal muddy course he had a plan and stuck to it, crossing the line in 6th place and deservingly receiving his Devon vest back to first represent the county at Merrifield in January at the South West Championships and then Nottingham in March at the UK finals.
National Knockout
Zenna Venter, Eva Thompson, Seren Chadwick (C), Maddy Wood, Lily Langler, Elena Bolton, Matilda Thorner, Isla Bryant, Alana Houlihan
The U13 netball academy squad put in a tremendous effort in the national knockout quarter finals, but despite their hard work and determination, they couldn’t overcome a strong opposition.
From the first whistle, the squad challenged for every ball, making it as difficult as possible for their opponents. Whilst the team showed great connections on court and a relentless work rate, the opposition’s accurate shooters proved unstoppable, consistently converting goal after goal.
The girls kept fighting until the final whistle, showing resilience and teamwork throughout the match. A special thanks to Eva Thompson and Zenna Venter for stepping up and contributing to the squad on the day. While the result didn't go our way, the team should feel very proud of their effort and commitment enabling them to reach this far in the competition.
Coaches Player: Elena Bolton
Oppositions Player: Isla Byrant
Player Player: Zenna Venter
Y8 CVL
Lily Langler (C), Grace Gatting, Lilly Shaw, Elena Bolton, Emelia Wood, Lucy French, Lottie Knight, Layla Lock, Heidi Milner.
The Year 8 netball squad played well in a local netball tournament on Tuesday. They worked well as a team, securing two strong wins, a draw, and narrowly lost one match. The team performed well throughout the tournament, playing in a variety of positions, and represented Torquay Academy in an extremely positive manner.
Coaches Player: Lilly Shaw
Oppositions Player: Elena Bolton
Players Player: Elena Bolton
year 9 football
Last Friday year 9 took on Millfield in the ESFA national cup. TA always knew it was going to be a tough game and it proved to be exactly that. The game in the first half proved to be exceptionally competitive and tight. Both teams struggled to break through each other and create any chances so they went into halftime level at 0-0. The second half was much the same as the first however Millfield proved to be slightly more creative and cutting creating two chances and converting both. The score finished 2-0 to Millfield. TA will now look to overturn the result when they play Millfield again after Christmas when they meet in the Elite National Cup.
Park Run
On Saturday, 11 students took part in the Park Run at Torbay Leisure centre! All the students did themselves so proud, and really challenged themselves. We all managed to get round just before the rain too! Well done to everyone who took part, and we look forward to the next one after Christmas!
u13 girls football
On Thursday, our Year 7 girls played a B team team fixture against Pool Academy. The girls worked really hard throughout the game played in wet conditions and gave Pool a good game. The first half was very even, with chances for both teams to score, but it was Pool who lead 1-0 at the break. In the second half, despite our hard work and effort, Pool scored two more to win 3-0. All of the girls did really well and on another day we would have scored a few goals, but it wasn’t to be. Special mention to Ellie-Mae Burton who was outstanding in goal.
House stars of the week
Year 7
Brunel - Mabel Clatworthy
Christie - Myles Bonnici
Darwin - Caiden Edmonds
Fawcett -Jack Parker
Harrison - Emilie Cutmore
Kitson - Kobe Laker
Nearne - Freddy Bonner
Pengelly - Toby Roadnight
Year 8
Brunel - Dylan Drinkwater
Christie - Ellie Mae Burton
Darwin - Faith Harley
Fawcett - Tyler Joseph-Broadley
Harrison - Tilly Longthorpe
Kitson - Harry Rowland
Nearne - Shae Craig
Pengelly - Aaron Pinto
Year 9
Brunel - Louise Porter
Christie - Imogen Clifford
Darwin - Max Weston
Fawcett - Autumn Wagstaffe
Kitson - Michael Arsov
Pengelly - Anastasiia Tukilush
Homework Stars of the Week
Year 7
Brunel - Oliver Beamish
Christie - Georgiana Elliott
Darwin - Fi Bellamy-Hall
Fawcett - Molly Caulfield
Harrison - Lillyanna Edmonds
Kitson - Neave Heavens
Nearne - Achillies Richards
Pengelly - Annabella Hodge
Year 8
Brunel - Chantelle Robinson
Christie - Elena Bolton
Darwin - Morgan Fisher
Fawcett - Beth McMahon
Harrison - Jess Wiltshire
Kitson - Toryn Bond
Nearne - Isla Bryant
Pengelly - Esme Poole
Year 9
Brunel - Cohen Andrews
Christie - Sydney Summers
Darwin - Miley-Jade Grigg
Fawcett - Talia Street
Harrison - Emily Kenny
Kitson - Lucie Bowers
Pengelly - Freddie Fenner
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