Audi donation, UAL music qualifications and singing success

Breaking New Ground: Our Music Department Secures Prestigious UAL Creative Arts Qualifications

We are thrilled to announce that our Music Department has been officially approved to deliver exclusive creative arts qualifications from the prestigious University of the Arts London (UAL) awarding body. This is a groundbreaking achievement, as UAL qualifications are traditionally offered only in colleges and world-renowned creative institutions such as the Brit School. As one of the first state schools to provide these qualifications, we are redefining what is possible in secondary and sixth-form education.

The introduction of the UAL qualification suite marks a transformative step forward for our school and our students. These qualifications are designed to nurture the next generation of creative professionals, offering unparalleled industry links and real-world opportunities that were previously unavailable. This approval strengthens our commitment to delivering a truly creative and innovative education that prepares students for the ever-evolving creative industries.

By introducing UAL qualifications, Torquay Academy is setting a new standard for creative arts education. This is more than just an expansion of our curriculum—it is a statement of our commitment to fostering innovation, excellence, and professional success in the arts.

greenpower update

Torquay Academy's Greenpower team is gearing up for an exciting trip to Alabama thanks to a generous donation from alumnus Greg Shelton. Now Aftersales Manager at Marshall's Audi of Exeter, Shelton presented a £500 cheque to support the team's upcoming American adventure.

This initiative highlights the strong partnership between Torquay Academy and Marshall's Audi, fostering a pipeline of talented apprentices who have already demonstrated a passion for automotive engineering through the school's Greenpower program and GCSE Automotive Engineering option.

The Greenpower program offers students invaluable hands-on experience in designing, building, and racing single-seater cars, competing against schools across the UK and even top teams in the USA. The Alabama trip provides a unique opportunity for students to not only test their engineering skills on an international stage but also to immerse themselves in the rich history and culture of the Southern states.

Students will visit key landmarks from the Civil Rights movement, including sites associated with Rosa Parks and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and learn about the profound impact of slavery in America. This experience promises to broaden students' horizons and foster a deeper understanding of social justice and historical context, alongside their passion for motorsport.

Shelton's generous contribution and continued support exemplify the positive impact of alumni engagement in fostering student success and creating pathways to future careers.

matilda

The countdown is officially on for Matilda! I have been lucky enough to see the cast rehearsing - I can't wait for opening night.

Celebrating Lydia and Sophia Shetliffe’s Success at Torbay and South West Music Festival 2025

A huge congratulations to Lydia and Sophia Shetliffe for their outstanding achievements at the Torbay and South West Music Festival 2025 this past weekend. Lydia delivered phenomenal performances across multiple categories, earning an impressive collection of accolades:

Piano – 2 First Places (Honours), 1 Second Place
Violin – 2 First Places (one with Honours)
Vocal Solo – Second Place
Vocal Duet – 1st Place with Honours

Lydia also took part in the West End Calling showcase in Exeter, performing at the Cygnet Theatre, further demonstrating her versatility and dedication to the arts. Her hard work and passion continue to inspire our school community, and we are incredibly proud of her accomplishments.

Sophia's performances at the festival were equally impressive and we are delighted to share that she achieved one First Place, two Second Places, and one Bronze in the Piano categories. We are excited to see both girls talents continue to flourish.

Well done to both Lydia and Sophia for their incredible achievements – we look forward to seeing what’s next on their musical journey.

chloe's singing achievements

Chloe Taylor year 8 performed singing solos in the Torbay and southwest music festival over the weekend with the following achievements:

1st in own choice song

1st in musical theatre

1st in pop song

She got some amazing comments and marks. Well done Chloe!

Sophie @ Rugby 7s tournament

At the weekend Sophie took part in a girls 7s tournament with Paignton RFC. She captained the team and lead them brilliantly, always keeping the girls motivated regardless of what happened on the pitch.

history with miss piggott

Year 7 have been introduced to the time of the Renaissance and have been learning how this period was full of dramatic changes. This week they began to explore how religion began to be challenged and have been working on the skill of explanation. It has been great to have lots of questions which have shown curiosity and deeper thinking.

Year 8 have also been looking at their new topic of World War Two and why a second world war began. Students have impressed Miss Piggott with their knowledge already and their ability to understand why Germany had motives to begin another world war.

Miss Piggott's 9C class finished their unit on the Normans and demonstrated how they are developing their source inference skills for GCSE history.

WhileMiss Piggott's 10C class have been demonstrating their knowledge they have gained so far on the Weimar Republic and why it was so unpopular. They have shown brilliant effort with their 4 mark questions so far with many gaining full marks!

Chemistry in Cycle 3

Year 9 are currently learning about exothermic and endothermic reactions and how to calculate the energy change in reactions using bond energy.

Year 10 are learning all about the atmosphere and how it has changed over the past 4.6 billion years. We have been discussing climate change and the effects, students have even calculated their carbon footprints to see where they can change their habits to reduce the amount of greenhouse gases they produce. This includes switching off lights and appliances when not in use, eating less beef and rice and recycling as much waste as possible.

Year 11 are getting closer and closer to their final science exams so revision is in full swing, with plenty of exposition from experienced teachers, deliberate practice to hone their knowledge and exam question practice.

Year 12 have moved onto two new topics; Elements from the sea and Ozone. They are currently learning about the radical reactions that take place in the atmosphere, and specifically how chlorine catalyses the breakdown of ozone, which has led to the hole in the ozone layer. One atom of chlorine can destroy 100,000 molecules of ozone before it is removed from the stratosphere! We have been using molymod models to represent the equations so students can visualise the reactions taking place.

Year 13 like year 11 are in full revision mode in A level chemistry. They are currently doing their mock exams which include three 2 hour long papers. The revision programme is carefully set out to include plenty of deliberate practice, look, cover, write, check and exam question practice.

Year 7 - Bella Stevenson and Myles Anyon

Year 8 - Jorgie-Jayne Barnett and Seth McCann

Year 9 - Lilly-Rose Garbett and James Beer

Year 10 - Mason Bryant and Sunny Long

Sixth Form Netball Academy Progress to National South Semi Finals

In a dramatic turn of events, Torquay Academy pulled off an impressive 40-36 victory over Barton Peveril in a thrilling netball match that showcased both resilience and determination. The match, which saw Torquay trailing by 5 goals in the third quarter, was a true test of the team's character and fighting spirit.

TA started strong, maintaining control throughout the first half and establishing a solid lead. Heading into the third quarter, Torquay found themselves struggling allowing Barton to take the lead. Led by standout performances from key players, Torquay gradually chipped away at Barton Peveril's lead. With strategic adjustments and flawless execution, the team surged forward in the final quarter, outscoring their opponents and ultimately clinching a well-earned 4-goal victory. The comeback was sparked by a strong gamble from Kris to change up the squad, but with a combination of sharp shooting, solid defense, and effective communication on the court, the game drew to a close, Torquay's relentless determination left Barton Peveril unable to recover, despite their best efforts. Meaning TA came out with a win of 40-36, and that we are progressing to the Semi-final of the SIS cup competition.

Oppositions Player: Mia Denby

Players Player: Tammy Westacott

Coaches Players: Tammy Westacott/Ellie Denby

Write up by Mia Denby

Rosie Clarke, Elspeth Herring, Tammy Westacott, Mia Denby (C), Ellie Stone, Maisy Green, Summer Connolly, Ellie Denny, Ellie Chammings, Brooke Tully

Year 8 Netball

Our Year 8 squad played against STCM Year 9 squad, and dominated the match from the very first whistle. They were unstoppable! The girls consistently won interceptions, followed by some very fluid netball taking the ball through court and scoring goal after goal, winning the match 26-2. This is a fantastic achievement, especially considering their opposition was in the year above. Well done girls!

Oppositions Player: Madison Wood

Players Player: Emilee Fenner

Coaches Player: Emilee Fenner

Lily Langler, Elena Bolton, Zenna Venter, Maddy Wood (C), Isla Bryant, Seren Chadwick, Emilee Fennee, Matilda Thorner

Year 10 Netball

Our Year 10 netball squad had a slow start, but once they found their flow they were unstoppable! They communicated well, contributing to some great connections on court and all played some lovely netball. They successfully managed to win interceptions, taking the ball through court with determination, and secured a comfortable 22-6 win. The opposition made a point of commenting on their high level of sportsmanship and fair play, as well as their talent! Well done girls!

Oppositions Player: Maisie Sandercock

Players' Player: Phoebe Smith

Coaches Player: Maisie Sandercock

Ashleigh Evans, Ellie Farthing, Chloe German (C), Larna Waller, Maisie Sandercock, Frankie Skelly, Phoebe Smith

House Bowling

House bowling continued this week with our years 7, 8 and 10’s. We have taken a total of 96 students to this new event this year, allowing students to experience competition in minority sports. These events are also an opportunity to reward our students for their incredible hard work throughout the year.

Well done for all who competed, with all earning house points. Our next house event will be our annual swimming gala!

Year 10 boys

Gold- Callum Pile, Silver-Ben Jolly, and Bronze- Luca Chappell

Year 10 Girls

Gold- Matilda Stevens, Silver- Frankie Skelly and Bronze- Scarlett Finley Squires

Year 7 boys

Gold- Freddie Brabon, Silver- Toby Roadnight and Bronze- Rocco D’Alexandro

Year 7 Girls

Gold-Zafirah Faryal, Silver-Eva Thompson and Bronze-Isla Parsons

Year 8 boys

Gold-Freddie Blagden, Silver-Leonard Torbio and Bronze- Max Kapusta

Year 8 girls

Gold-Gabi Piasta, Silver-Elizabeth Francis and Bronze-Emily Redmond

governor's gold certificates

Year 7 - Jack Lennox-Statham and Brooke Harding

governor's silver certificates

Year 7 - Freya Mobbs, Kayleb Yeo, Amelia Woodland, Zenna Venter, Freddie Thatcher, Mimi Skelly, Lydia Shetliffe, Archie Payne-Stanbury, Chloe Eales, Jack Parker, Archie Kershaw, Zafirah Faryal, Emilia Hedgecock, Mollianne Potter, Maddie Mack, Arthur Gaughan, Oliver Finlet-Squires, Nora Gordon and Josiah Addai

Year 8 - Charlotte Townsend and Immy Shaw

governor's bronze certificates

Year 7 - Henry Nash, Beni Paplogo, Jack O'Connor, Alex Nicholson, Jack Jackson, Grace Donnelly, Paisley Taylor, Archie Hudson, Skye Beesley, Bella Stevenson, Corah Luscombe, Macie Gay, Samuel McDonald, Jacob Hicks, Ela Uven, Poppy Tankielum, Mia Kost, Elloitt Holmes-Inch, Darcy Gibbings, Georgiana Elliott, Isla-Mae Gale, Libby Pell, Amelia Palla, George Davies, Jack Robinson, Ruben Tidball, Sophia Houghton, Oliver Luscombe, Ryu Cutts, Bailey Jones, Dylan McDonald, Colby Craig, Charlie Courtier, Jude Brodie, Macy Hickman, Megan Bushall-Sneap and Liv Andrews

Year 8 - Aaliyah Akpo, Max Kapusta, George Evans, Charlie Berry and Tyler Jackson

Year 9 - George Evans

Principal's gold certificates

Year 7 - Willow Waugh, Oscar Manley, Gracie Harvey, Leo Watson, Finley Thompson, Abigail Rayment, Tehya Quennell, Evie Jewell, Poppy Hewings, Oliver Beamish, Cole Barton, Skyla-Rose Whitfield, Tallulah Owen, Lucy Matthews, Oscar Hall, Tyler Fudge, Kamile Degutyte, Lottie Hutcheson, Abigail Harkin, Henry Cooper, Jaycie Kennedy-Taylor, Myles Anyon, Riley Piercy, Sienna Frost, Freddy Bonner, Millie Beamish, Ella Batten, Joe McDonough, Lilly Jones, Kai Cornish, Gabriele Stadalninkaite, Gergo Rammer, Ruby Treadaway, Arya Kelly, Nouh Haridi, Oscar Josey, Ethan Halliday, Emilie Cutmore, Neave Heavens, Charlie Skinner, Olivia Fisher, Fynlay Dever, Cole Washington, Toby Roadnight, Jessica Green, Josie Cotton, Myah Bishop, Ava Broughton, Molly Caulfield, Jude Storey, Kiera Chivers, Maya Campineanu and Owen Brown

Year 8 - Jamie Hancox, Kobi Burness - Moakes, Tyler Davis, Bonnie Talbot, Poppy Anderson, Seren Chadwick, Oktawian Siennicki, Harry Rowlands, Toryn Bond, Heidi Milner, Myah Sellick, Alfie Mackin, Madeline Woodger, Elizabeth Francis, Serenity Ward, Isla May, Elena Bolton, Harry Austin, Lily-Jo Prior, Jesse Isemede, Gabi Cobain, Allen Burns-Muir, Harlow Bown, Isla Coish, Luna Truong and Emily Bowden

Year 9 - Tyler Evans, Logan Watt, Bradley Harrison and Brodi Docherty

Principal's Silver certificates

Year 7 - Jasmine Roberts, Poppy Pope, Simeon Manners, Lexi Johnson, Darcey Partridge, Ruby Crago-Gould, Laura Mercer, Achara Edmund, Freddie Brabon, Ronnie Byrne, Liv Reed, Millie Porter, Theo Eaton-Liley, Chloe Hornsby, Ethan Chapman, Harry Pople, Charlie Williams-Powell, Madison Stewart and Lilly-Ella Smith

Year 8 - Jessica Munnangi, Ben Walters, Lucas Vesely, Treesa Telson, Oakley Mudge, Ruby Turner, Andy Iftode, Edward Huxtable, Freya Brown, Leo Nicholson, Morgan FisherEbany Fawkes, Marcus Findlay-Peers, Alfie Williams, Lily Ellis, Cordi Williams-Powell, Seth McCann, Flo Evans, Christopher Csapo, William New, Kierra O'Neill, Frazer Lewis, Billie-Jo Dolling, Dion Maharjan, Rosco Biagott, Bobby O'Regan, Ollie Humphreys, Ayrton Sharp, Leo Shaw, Sofia Adamson, Izzie Mildren, Jenson Tandy, Cooper Syms, Levi Jones, Maddie Smith, Eric Montague, Jorgie-Jayne Barnett, Oliver Withers, Keeley-Mae Moran, Alex Iftode, Alana Houlihan, Darcy Dainton, Mila Cairney, Riley Gomes, Ollie Hallett, Tilly Longthorpe, Phoebe Acton, Corey Davies, Catherine Ramesh Mani, George Moran, Grace Gatting, Daisy Dorman, William Schmiedinghofer and Jack Hughes

Year 9 - Louise Porter, Ollie Martin, Keane O'Neill, Naomi Szyszka, Elliott Baines, Edi Ferencz Csibi, Izzy Goldbrough, Freddie Fenner, James Beer, Samuel Sanders, Poppy Sanderson, Anastasiia Tukilush, Zakariyah Haridi, Mia Hawkes, Matthew Campan, Leon Snell, Jayden Hardman, Dylan Tripp, Jessie Mountstevens, Heidi Bowers and Archie Somerset

Principal's Bronze certificates

Year 7 - Zac Retter, Rufus Kerslake, Lilly Porter, Kallie Somerset, Nicholas Robinson and Erin Tomlins

Year 8 - Sonny Wildy, Ania Rozanska, Owen Spies, Mason Maxwell, Gracjan Rutkowski, Alexa McCarthy, Billy Marshall, Lyra Sully, Tia Woodward, Morley Villiers, Lily Hubbard, Lucy French, George Kasparis, Giovanni Vaio, Jackson Lane, James Cosh, Daisy-Mae Rees, Jack Crabb, Benjamin Cowie, Brogan Holmes-Inch, George Giles, Louie Skinner, Bella Hall, Riley Harper, Noah Amor, Luke Moran and Haydon Coatesworth

Year 9 - Emily Cowan, Oliver Ayres, Cody Burton, Immy Pace, Halle Walker, Ellie Bowden, Talia Street, Kordian Wisnik, Stanley Austin, Kira Fedotova, Lucie Bowers, Dylan Matthews, Ella Weeks, Reuben Harrison, Paris Reed, Cohen Andrews, Charlie Jackson, Thomas Cox, Tegan Harrison, Mason Findlay-Peers, Emilia Warner, Louie Leighton, Bella Hobbin-Mills, Aleta Stojic, Lee Stevens, Archie Harman, Sanije Hoxha, Leiws Collett, Alexander Moss, Sienna Wilschere, Finley Dawson, Holly Nunn, Alfie Speed, Aaron Hering, Finlay Clark, Ashton Lynch, Daisy Board, Kaitlin Jarvis, Trent Blackmore and Finely Corderoy