Torquay Academy

dragon's den

We won!  It would seem TA students know how to plan and present a pitch as, for the second year running, TA won the Torbay Dragon's Den event; and in some style! The feedback from the Dragons was that we didn't just win, we blew them away. From the concept to the presentation, the teamwork to the professional presentation skills, the judges were so impressed with how our students went about preparing for their pitch. 

So, a huge well down to George Pitts, Ayrton Sharp, Elliot Hytche, May McDonough and Ruby Turner from Year 8 for winning a one hundred pounds Amazon gift voucher and a day out at Epic recording studios where they will get to produce their own YouTube video. 

Most of the students have also chosen to take GCSE Business and plan on taking their idea through to the design and creation phase. 

Baby and Child First Aid Course 

Year 11 Health and Social Care students had their first session with the amazing Liz Watt of Mini First Aid Devon. This 2 hour course covers many important aspects of looking after a child's health and more importantly how to deal with an emergency. This weeks session focused on CPR and burns . All pupils engaged fully and really enjoyed the practical element. We welcome Liz a further 3 sessions to work with both Year 11 groups. 

y12 and 13 national apprenticeship show

Last week, our Year 12 and 13 students ventured to the National Apprenticeship Show, a valuable experience connecting them with potential employers, recruiters, and higher education providers. While students had the opportunity to explore traditional apprenticeships, they also had the chance to discover degree apprenticeships and other less conventional pathways. Students explored a wide range of career paths and apprenticeship opportunities, gaining first hand insights into the world of work and post-school options. Crucially, many students discovered opportunities they hadn't previously considered, opening their eyes to exciting sectors they didn't even know existed. Beyond networking, there were fun challenges too, with some of our students setting records on the driving courses and the Navy bar challenge! Exhibitors were highly impressed with our students' engagement, with one company noting, "All the students we spoke to engaged with us and seemed genuinely interested in what we had to offer!" This successful trip has paved the way for our upcoming Careers Fair in March, where many of these exhibitors will be joining us. Stay tuned for more details!

Year 7 play kahoot

In MFL this week, 7Q9 were delighted to play Kahoot, as a reward for all their hard efforts in Cycle 2.  They used their newly acquired vocabulary and grammar skills, to revise the topics of sports and free time activities.  Year 7 love Kahoot and as you can see by their faces, it was a close call to get on to the winners' podium and the levels of excitement were palpable.  A lovely way to cosolidate their learning.  Muy bien chicos!

Cyber Security Club

Our first Cyber Security Club session with Year 7s was a huge success! The students were eager to dive into the world of cyber threats, and what better way to start than by learning about one of the most infamous viruses in history—the I Love You virus?

We explored how this devastating piece of malware spread across the world in 2000, infecting millions of computers and causing billions in damage. The students were fascinated by how something as simple as an email attachment could wreak havoc on such a massive scale.

To deepen their understanding, they then had a go at writing their own ‘malware’ in Scratch! Don’t worry—this was a safe, educational exercise, designed to show how malware works rather than cause any harm. By coding a harmless program that mimicked some of the behaviors of real-world malware (such as endless pop-ups), students got hands-on experience in thinking like both attackers and defenders.

It was an exciting and eye-opening session, and we can’t wait to see how these budding cyber experts develop their skills in the coming weeks!

Art across the school

The Year 12 art and photography students showcased their creativity whilst exploring abstraction through their recent project. The students began the lesson by photographing a variety of abstract shapes in and around the school, demonstrating a keen eye for finding beauty in everyday environments. Back in the classroom, the students took inspiration from the photographer Jerry Reed, by folding black and white paper and card to construct dynamic assemblages. Their rephotographed compositions reveal a strong understanding of light, shadow, and texture, resulting in striking, visually compelling work. Well done year 12!

Year 11 GCSE Art & Design 

The Year 11 students have made a strong start to their GCSE Art exam preparation. They have been exploring a variety of starting points, demonstrating a broad and open-minded approach to their work. Currently, they are completing moodboards, mind maps, and engaging in thoughtful artist research, which is helping to shape their ideas and concepts. Their enthusiasm and dedication to the process are evident, and the initial work shows great promise for the development of their final pieces.

  

Year 10 GCSE Art & Design

The Year 10 art students have been making excellent progress in their textile unit, showing fabulous creativity and skill in their corset and waistcoat designs. They’ve drawn inspiration from a variety of artists, incorporating diverse influences into their work. The students have also experimented with different techniques such as stenciling, working with fabric crayons and applique, thus allowing them to add unique touches to their designs. Additionally, they have explored pattern cutting and are now in the process of pinning and tacking their garments in preparation for machine stitching. 

Year 9 GCSE Art & Design

The Year 9 students have recently completed a drawing assessment focused on shoes and trainers, a natural progression following the completion of their ceramic shoe creations. The resulting drawings highlight some incredibly talented young artists, showcasing exceptional skills in observation and their ability to accurately record details, use tone effectively, and employ varied mark-making techniques is impressive. The work demonstrates a strong understanding of form and texture, revealing their growing confidence and technical ability.  

Year 8  Art & Design  'War & Conflict'

Year 8 students were recently challenged to create an expressive drawing inspired by Otto Dix, focusing on the emotional and physical impact of WW1 soldiers, many students demonstrated strong technical skills, using bold lines, tone, and shading to convey the intensity of the theme. Several students embraced Dix’s style, incorporating distortion and exaggeration to evoke emotion and capture the suffering of the soldiers.

Our year 7 art students showed excellent attention to detail in their recent art assessment. The students were challenged with using the grid method of drawing. Some struggled initially, but many showed incredible patience and perseverance, finally producing accurate, well-proportioned drawings. Their warm-up exercises were effective in helping them develop a strong understanding of pattern and tone, which they successfully applied to their final bee drawings.

 

Year 7  Art & Design

Our year 7 art students showed excellent attention to detail in their recent art assessment. The students were challenged with using the grid method of drawing. Some struggled initially, but many showed incredible patience and perseverance, finally producing accurate, well-proportioned drawings. Their warm-up exercises were effective in helping them develop a strong understanding of pattern and tone, which they successfully applied to their final bee drawings.

Year 7 Food Technology

The Year sevens are just beginning cycle 3 in Food Technology and this is focused on iconic festivals around the world. The first stop is known as Bastille Day - we produced a famous dish from France in the name of Crepes and learned about the significance of the day. We developed skills in the preparation and cooking of the pancakes and then we presented them beautifully. The simple filling of lemon and sugar is even better with a little ice cream on the side!

good deeds

Social media isn't always the home of positivity!  However I was pleased to see a group of our boys were praised for their work in tidying up our local environment.  We are very proud of their efforts.

big brothers and sisters

Year 12 and 13 have been busy working this half term in the Big Brother and Big Sister program. So far 15 students from year 7 and 8 have been taken out of tutor time once a fortnight to engage in fun enrichment activities with volunteer members of the 6th form. I cannot express enough my gratitude and how impressed I have been with the 6th form mentors and how well they have already established meaningful bonds with their littles, sharing their passions from cooking, to music lessons to football. 

The sixth form mentors are Layla Batten, Daisy Bond, Lauren Carr, Summer Connolly, Jasmine Evans, Harry Hollomby, Aspen Keenan-Rice, James Lovell, Oriana McCaul, Amalia Mihai, Olivia Painter, Chloe Rae, Megan Sellick, Liv Wood, Lila Wyrwich and Jack Butcher.

Science with Miss Martin

This week is super teaching week. 10Q9 Biology had personalised feedback on which questions they had got right, on their test, and which they had got wrong. They have spent some time working independently and making notes on the areas that they needed to improve. In this cycle, 9 students got 100% in one or the other of their assessments, really well done!

Cadets Update

This week's cadet training session was exciting and valuable. It focused on two essential areas: Cadet Force Instructor Training (CFIT) and radio procedures. Both are crucial skills that will help cadets develop leadership, confidence, and effective communication—key qualities for success within the Cadet Force and beyond.

What is CFIT?

Cadet Force Instructor Training (CFIT) is a vital step for those looking to take on more responsibility within the organisation. It equips cadets with the skills and knowledge needed to lead, teach, and mentor others effectively. CFIT helps develop leadership techniques, instructional skills, and an understanding of how to engage and support fellow cadets. Whether you’re aspiring to become a Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) or simply want to improve your leadership abilities, this training is an invaluable opportunity.

Why Radio Procedures Matter

Clear and effective communication is essential in any team-based environment, and that’s where radio training comes in. Cadets will learn the proper use of radio equipment, key terminology, and best practices for transmitting clear and concise messages. These skills are not only useful in the Cadet Force but also in real-world scenarios such as emergency response, military service, and even certain civilian careers.

Why You Should Attend

This week’s training isn’t just about ticking a box—it’s about building confidence, improving teamwork, and developing practical skills that will serve you well in the future. Whether you’re looking to advance within the Cadet Force or simply want to challenge yourself with new learning experiences, this session is not to be missed!

Fun Friday: FC24 Esports In The Platform

This Friday, The Platform welcomed students for its first-ever esports event, featuring year 11 students playing FC24. Teams of four went head-to-head in two thrilling friendly matches, bringing the energy of live football to the digital stage.

With teams randomly assigned, the matchups delivered plenty of drama. Opening proceedings, Manchester City took on Wolves in a high-scoring clash, finishing 4-2 despite a spirited late comeback from Wolves. The second fixture was a tightly contested affair, as Sheffield United edged out Manchester United with a narrow 1-0 victory.

A large and enthusiastic crowd cheered on their year groups, creating an electric atmosphere of friendly rivalry. The event was a fantastic showcase of competitive gaming in a positive and inclusive environment, setting the stage for more esports action at The Platform in the future.

Year 7 - Abigail Rayment and Evan Jones

 Year 8 - Marcus Findlay-Peers and Freya Brown

Year 9 - Sunny Weedon and Sienna Welsh

Year 10 - Ben Jeffs and Neve Lithgow

Netball

U13 State Schools

Our U13 netball academy played fantastically at the State Schools tournament last Friday, showing tremendous skill and teamwork throughout.  We only lost one match all day, and that was by a narrow margin of only 2 goals.  Despite this, we finished 3rd overall on goal difference, just missing out on qualifying as one of the top two teams.

The team's defensive pressure was outstanding, with relentless coverage and interceptions across the court.  We also displayed great connections in attack, working seamlessly together to create opportunities resulting in numerous goals by our accurate shooters.  Every player contributed to the team's success.  Their improvement over the past few months is phenomenal, and a credit to the hard work and dedication shown by the whole team.

Well done, girls!

Player’s Player of the Day: Madison Wood / Zenna Venter

Opposition’s Player of the Day: Madison Wood

Coaches Player of the Day: Matilda Thorner

Lily Langler, Elena Bolton, Eva Thompson, Seren Chadwick, Maddy Wood, Poppi Jones, Rosie Bevan, Zenna Venter, Isla Bryant, Matilda Thorner

Year 8 League

The Year 8 academy A team showed their strength again in the netball league on Tuesday.  Everything they have been practicing in training is falling into place and they dominated both their matches with their effort, enthusiasm and skill.  

The first match of the day was a tough match against Stover, but their hard work and determination earned them a 8-3 victory.  During their second match against Kingsbridge the girls were unstoppable!  Their defensive pressure won ball after ball, and some precision passing, skillful movement and excellent shooting resulted in an impressive 12-4 win. 

Well done, girls.  

Player’s Player of the Day: Seren Chadwick / Isla Bryant

Opposition’s Player of the Day: Seren Chadwick / Elena Bolton

Coaches Player of the Day: Seren Chadwick

Seren Chadwick ©, Matilda Thorner, Isla Bryant, Elena Bolton, Poppi Jones, Lily Langler, Rosie Bevan, Zenna Venter

TA vs blundells

On Wednesday we had a busy afternoon as we hosted Blundells School for matches in the U13, U14 & U15 age groups! All the girls from both schools had a fantastic time and it was so lovely to see so many girls taking to the courts!

There was some fantastic netball on show, with all teams working hard to take their skills to the court.  Unfortunately TA were not able to secure any wins, however the level of netball displayed by both schools was of a very high level! We are very proud of all of our netballers, who all represented TA with great pride!

Well Done!

U13 vs Blundells

Heidi Milner, Layla Lock, Lily Langler (C), Lottie Knight, Lucy French, Tia Woodward, Emelia Wood, Lilly Shaw, Grace Gatting

U14 vs Blundells

Molly Hollomby (C), Alexa Lyons, Maddy Wood, Seren Chadwick, Isla Bryant, Elena Bolton, Matilda Thorner, Rosie Bevan

U15 vs Blundells

Millie Swift, Connie Kinghorn, Chloe German, Larna Waller, Maisie Sandercock, Ashleigh Evans, Ellie Farthing, Maile Beavis, Phoebe Smith, Lucy McMahon, Frankie Skelly

Yr7/8 B teams at Coombeshead 

To finish off a busy week for the netball academy a team from Year 7 and a team from Year 8 were invited to play at Coombeshead in a series of matches.  The girls all enjoyed being on court and displayed lots of the skills they have been practicing!

Player’s Player of the Day:  Yr 7 - Mia Kost, Yr 8 - Tia Woodward/Emelia Wood

Opposition’s Player of the Day: Yr 7 - Achara Edmund, Yr 8 - Lottie Knight

Coaches Player of the Day: Yr 7 - Milly Skelly, Yr 8 - Lilly Shaw

Heidi Milner, Layla Lock, Emelia Wood, Grace Gatting, Lilly Shaw, Tia Woodward, Lucy French, Lottie Knight (C) Achara Edmund, Myah Bishop, Sienna Hunter, Mia Kost, Sophia Houghton, Milly Skelly (C)

What an amazing week this has been for the netball academy, getting over 50 girls on court playing in matches in the sport they have grown to love!  Great experience and opportunities for all of our netballers!  Well Done!

prestigious diamond award

Year 7 - Kayden Harper

governor's silver certificates

Year 7 - Eva Thompson and Brooke Harding

governor's bronze certificates

Year 7 - Oliver Finley-Squires, Josiah Addai, Nora Gordon, Zenna Venter, Freddie Thatcher, Lydia Shetliffe, Mollianne Potter, Archie Payne-Stanbury, Maddie Mack, Arthur Gaughan, Jack Parker, Zafirah Faryal, Freyja Mobbs and Emilie Hedgecock

Year 8 - Charlotte Townsend and Immy Shaw

principal's gold certificates

Year 7 - Sophia Houghton, Jake Jolly, Tyler Moss, Ela Uven, Poppy Tankielun, Beni Paplogo, Mia Kost, Elliot Holmes-Inch, Darcy Gibbings, Mia Fellows, Grace Donnelly, Georgina Elliott, Oliver Luscombe, Ryu Cutts, Frederick Sintim, Maddox Findlay-Peers, Lexi Nicholson, Ava Wiggins, Bailey Jones, Isla-Mae Gale, Dee Davies, Libby Pell, Dylan McDonald, Maja Kokoszka, Charlie Courtier, Mason Beardsley, Jude Brodie, Jacob Caldwell, Colby Craig, Darcie Mae Finch, Jacob Purdie, Jacob Hicks, Lilah Dallow, Teddy Shobbrook, Georgina Morton, Macy Hickman, Megan Bushell-Sneap, Liv Andrews, Braxton Biggs, Sara Szewczuk, Rocco D'Alessandro, Bailey Clements, Joe Matthews and Ruben Tidball

Year 8 - Tyler Jackson, Charlie Berry and Tiffany Eastley

Year 9 - George Evans

Principal's silver certificates

Year 7 - Vinnie Driscoll-Hayes, Mabel Clatworthy, Erin Ayres, Toby Young, Kamile Degutyte, Ava Broughton, Fi Bellamy-Hall, Caiden Edmonds, Zack Jeneway, Alex Oleksy, Gabriel Talbot-Powner, Lilly-May Lee, Lexi Kenneford, Arya Kelly, Molly Caulfield, Jude Storey, Emilie Cutmore, Kiera Chivers, Ella Bayliss, Caleb Drein, Lucy Guppy, Sabrina Lewis, Milly Skelly, Riley House, Jasmine Craig, Hayley Steenkamp, Neave Heavens, Zac Austin, Eryn Stafford-Summers, Charlie Skinner, Isaac Hodge, Theo Mason, Maya Campineanu, Owen Brown, Ellis Palmer, Myah Bishop, Abi Allen, Josh Cainey, Connor Hampton-Brown and Anna Viediernikova

Year 8 - Jessica Ferguson, Phoebe Grindling, Keylan Hodgson, Logan Payne, Shae Craig, Maddison Wood, Myah Sellick, Isla May, Chloe Taylor, Jelani Ondo-Chamielec, Riley Johnson, Oceana Furse, Allen Burns-Muir, Jax Biagott, Poppy Evely, Poppi Jones, Isla Coish, Luna Truong and Oliver Forsdyke

Year 9 - Logan Watt, Bradley Harrison, Brodi Docherty and Vaughan Heavens

principal's bronze certificates

Year 7 - Nevaeh Prir-Sadigh, Scarlett Slater, Ethan Chapman, Holly-Rae Mason, Achara Edmund, Charlie Williams-Powell, Madison Stewart, Cody Hunter, Bella Cassidy, Oscar Anderson, Henry Collins, Poppy Cosh, Ethan Nichols, Nancy Wheeler, George Tonks, Achilles Richards, Finley Elliott, Ava Harrison and Elise Leven-Browne

Year 8 - Harry Evans, Ted Dudley, Dylan Drinkwater, Samuel Kuc, Elias Jeffrey, Faith Hartley, Emelia Wood, Summer Dockrey, Ollie Hallett, Ted Lithgow, Leonard Toribio, Harley Smith, Tilly Longthorpe, Lilly-Rose Haughton, Sophia Blake, Phoebe Acton, Grace Gatting, Wiktoria Aleksander and Ocean Brant

Year 9 - Benjamin Nicholson, Lily-Rose White, Leon Snell, Gustaw Adamczak, Jayden Hardman, Ellie Simpson, Jenson Gorin, Phoenix Reeman, Jessie Mountstevens, Aiden Hooper, Maxwell Murphy and Mollie Peters

Year 10 -  Nya Bettridge, Ellie Farthing, Kelsey Drew, Chloe German, Adam Copping, Kyron Connor and Leela Cartwright

House stars of the week

Year 7

Christie - Shay Holden

Darwin -  Erin Gayton

Fawcett - Ruby Treadaway

Harrison -  Jude Brodie

Kitson -  Bella Cassidy

Nearne -  Amelia Beamish

Pengelly - Bailey Clements

Year 8

Brunel - Zac Kittow

Christie - Harry Austin

Darwin -  Immy Shaw

Harrison -  Oaklie Chancellor

Kitson -  Phoebe Grindling

Nearne -  Lilly Shaw

Pengelly -  Morley Villers

Year 9

Brunel - Charlie Jackson

Christie - Rian Leal

Fawcett - Jayden Hardman

Harrison -  Oscar Spurle

Kitson -  Max Warner

Nearne -  Harry Pudney

Pengelly - James Beer

Homework Stars of the Week

Year 7

Christie - Myles Bonnici

Darwin -  Poppy Pope

Harrison -  Myles Anyon

Kitson -  Luka Hingley

Nearne -  Zofia Bocianowska

Pengelly - Millie Porter

Year 8

Christie - Alex Iftode

Harrison -  Giovanni Vaio

Kitson -  Sofia Adamson

Nearne -  Oliver Forsdyke

Pengelly - Alfie Mackin

Year 9

Brunel -  Alexa Lyons

Christie - Edward Rackley

Fawcett -  Mason Findlay Peers

Harrison -  Molly Longthorpe

Kitson -  Cherry Connors

Nearne -  Lily Wilson

Pengelly - Ivan Masliakovas

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