An Unforgettable Visit to RNAS Yeovilton
The Torquay Academy Combined Cadet Force recently had the privilege of visiting the prestigious RNAS Yeovilton, one of the Royal Navy’s key operational air stations. The visit offered an incredible insight into the busy and varied life at the station, leaving our cadets inspired and in awe.
The day began with a warm welcome from a Royal Navy Officer, setting the tone for a professional and engaging experience. The cadets then proceeded to the Air Traffic Control Tower, where RN staff provided a fascinating demonstration of the radar systems and control tower operations. From the panoramic windows, cadets were treated to an exciting view of aircraft taking off and landing on the busy runway. A real front-row seat to the action!
Next, they headed to the Royal Navy Centre for Maritime Underwater Escape Training, where the cadets witnessed a truly eye-opening exercise. They observed service personnel undergoing underwater escape training in a Wildcat helicopter simulator. The realism and intensity of the training were both humbling and inspiring for our young visitors.
The excitement continued as the cadets made their way to the M3M Gun Workshop. Here, they had the opportunity to get hands-on experience with high-calibre weapon systems, a thrilling and educational moment that sparked great enthusiasm.
After a quick lunch, they moved to the Army Air Corps’ 1 Regiment Hangar, where the cadets had the incredible opportunity to climb aboard a real Wildcat helicopter. They explored the pilot’s cockpit and the gunner crew areas, fuelling their dreams of becoming pilots, engineers, and technicians.
The day didn’t stop there! The cadets then explored the air training area, gaining a first-hand understanding of how pilots train for missions and aircraft systems. The RN team answered countless questions, encouraging the cadets’ curiosity and ambition.
To cap off this extraordinary day, the Royal Navy Rescue Team greeted our cadets. Fire engines and hosepipes at the ready, the team showcased their lifesaving capabilities in an engaging and interactive display that brought huge smiles to everyone’s faces.
We would like to give our heartfelt thanks to the entire team at RNAS Yeovilton for making this visit so memorable. From the outstanding demonstrations to the hands-on experiences, the professionalism and enthusiasm of the RN staff were truly inspiring. This incredible day will surely remain a highlight for our cadets, igniting aspirations and showcasing the many opportunities within the armed forces.
We look forward to future visits and continued collaboration with the remarkable team at RNAS Yeovilton.
RNAS Yeovilton Cadet Visit
Matilda
It has been great to watch the rehearsals for our production of Matilda. This week they were in the drama studio as The Platform was being used for the 6th Form open evening.
Record number of DofE certificates awarded!
Earlier this week we were really pleased to present more Duke of Edinburgh Award Bronze certificates. In fact there were more certificates presented in one presentation than ever before! Overall nineteen certificates were awarded, with sixteen of those being awarded to Year 10 students. That cohort of Bronze participants is fast becoming our most successful cohort in terms of completion rates.
It is a fantastic achievement by the students and recognises their efforts in learning or developing skills, giving up their time to do a volunteering activity, and their time spent undertaking a sport or similar physical activity. And, of course, undertaking the gruelling Bronze Expedition - hiking and camping over 2 days and camping for 1 night .
Once again, the activities the students participated in were extremely diverse. In the Physical section students were undertaking activities such as gym fitness; netball; basketball; football; rugby; athletics; kayaking; and dance. In the Skills section students were developing skills in learning musical instruments; video editing; drill and marching in cadets; navigation; and acting. In the Volunteering section, students coached younger students in athletics, netball, football, cricket, dance and gymnastics; helped out in an animal rescue centre; and supported younger scouts to develop their scouting skills. Some amazing activities undertaken by TA students that really help, support and inspire their local community with positive action
Congratulations to the following students: Year 12 - Oliver Huxtable Year 11 - Agata Sadlik, Joe Taylor Year 10 - Grace Halsey, Oliver Cocker, Indy Evans, Lena Galazkiewicz, Harrison Harkin, George O'Hanlon, Oliver Welsh, Joselyn Full, Miley Soby, Neve Lithgow, Tegan Ross, Bella Blatchford, Amelia Rose, Eden Nelson-Minns, Eva Spicer, Sunny Long
Marine Bottle
I had the privilege of catching up with one of our ex-students, Kieran Bailey, this week. Kieran has just launched a business that acts on clearing ocean-bound plastic through the profit of premium reusable bottles.
By partnering with CleanHub, Marine Bottle ensures that each purchase has a tangible impact. CleanHub focuses on high-waste areas where plastic pollution is most severe, and for every bottle sold, 6 kilograms of plastic waste (the equivalent of 600 plastic bottles) is prevented from entering our oceans. This partnership is crucial to protecting marine life, preserving ecosystems, and helping to tackle the global plastic crisis.
6th form open evening
It was lovely to be able to welcome so many of our Year 11s with their parents and carers along with some students from other schools to our 6th Form open evening on Thursday. There was a real buzz as students found out about the incredible opportunities on offer in our 6th Form.
Lexonik
Across each year group, we currently have multiple small groups working through the six-week literacy intervention programme ‘Lexonik’, where through specific targeted instruction and fun exercises and activities students gain a more detailed understanding of the English Language.
Lexonik is always a success with students and individuals often make huge leaps in their reading ages. Students who complete the course are able to more thoroughly understand the different elements that go into making up a word and what that can do to impact the meaning.
Accessing complicated texts in any subject is hard work, and with literacy support like Lexonik, we are able to support students in being able to access information they might not have been able to before.
geography with miss fannon
year 11
Miss Fannon's Year 11 Geographers have been busy this week completing some PPE feedback and purple pen following receiving their PPE papers back this week. Some stand out papers from Oliwia Tuczynska, Oliver Jones, Amelia McCaul and Joshua Sanderman.
year 12
Miss Fannon's Year 12 Geographers were completing exam practice for a 12 mark question about the impacts of cultural diffusion and globalisation. Students engaged with model answers and mark schemes. Stand out answers from Jake Green, Marcus De Lucis and Olivia Kirby.
Students of the Week
Year 7 - Finley Thompson and Brooke Harding
Year 8 - James Costello and Elizabeth Francis
Year 9 - Gracie Sandercock and Zak Haridi
Year 10 - Poppy Sims-Walton and Corey Batten
Year 11 - Sonny Church and Lyra Bowstead
principal's bronze certificates 
Year 7 - Jack Lennox-Statham
Year 8 Netball progress in National Cup
Emilee Fenner, Seren Chadwick, Madison Wood ©, Elena Bolton, Lily Langler, Alana Houlihan, Isla Bryant, Matilda Thorner, Poppi Jones
Our Year 8 netball squad travelled to Bristol and took part in a nail-biting knockout match. The team showcased determination and composure to secure a well-deserved 20-18 victory to progress in the National Cup.
The opposition came out strong, taking an early lead and putting TA on the back foot. Trailing by two goals at the end of the first quarter, the girls regrouped and adapted their play brilliantly, responding well to coaching points.
The rest of the match was a goal-for-goal battle, keeping everyone on the edge of their seats. Both teams demonstrated incredible skill and resilience, but it was the team’s composure and discipline under pressure that made the difference. As the clock ticked down, they tightened their defence and executed their attacking moves with precision, securing the winning goal in the final moments. Well done girls!
Coaches' Player: Matilda Thorner
Opposition's Player: Seren Chadwick
Players' Player: Emilee Fenner
Year 7 netball
Delilah Davies, Lilly-Ella Smith, Sophia Hill ©, Lottie Forester, Zenna Venter, Mimi Skelly, Eva Thompson ©, Millie Skelly, Darcy Gibbings, Ela Uven, Rhia Holding, Georgiana Elliott, Mia Kost, Mia Fellows
The Year 7 netball academy faced Torquay Girls Grammar school on Thursday. It was great to see all the girls representing Torquay Academy to a high level with smiles on their faces, and displaying excellent teamwork. Both teams put their training into action and played some fantastic netball. One team managed to secure two out of two wins, whilst the other team had two narrow losses. Well played everyone!
Coaches' Players: Eva Thompson & Sophia Hill
Opposition's Players: Zenna Venter & Delilah Davies
Players' Players: Ela Uven & Lilly-Ella Smith
busy week for the sixth form netball academy
Ellie Stone, Tammy Westacott, Ellie Denby, Brooke Tully, Mia Denby ©, Isabelle Moxham, Summer Connolly, Millie Sneap, Maisy Green, Elspeth Herring
The team delivered an outstanding performance at the national qualifiers tournament, narrowly missing out on a place at the nationals by just two goals! Competing against some of the best teams in the South West, they displayed grit, determination and exceptional teamwork throughout the day.
The semi final was a closely fought battle with both teams vying for control. Despite their relentless efforts, they fell short by just two goals. The girls brushed off their disappointment and went to claim a well-deserved victory in the bronze medal match.
Finishing in a very credible third place overall, the team should be proud of their phenomenal performance.
Coaches' Player: Ellie Stone
Opposition's Player: Tammy Westacott/ Mia Denby
Skye Warner, Evie Sutton, Ellie Stone, Tammy Westacott, Rosie Clarke, Summer Connolly, Ella McLachlan, Ellie Denby, Mia Denby ©, Maisy Green, Elspeth Herring
The girls played their next league match against Bridgwater & Taunton College on Wednesday and came away with a very impressive win! They all went out with enthusiasm, and demonstrated what a strong team that they are! The squad showed their versatility, playing in a variety of combinations, connecting seamlessly throughout the court. This win put the girls in a strong position, sitting at the top of the South West League tables.
Coaches' Player: Ellie Denby
Opposition's Player: Tammy Westacott
Players' Player: Ellie Denby
year 10 football
On Monday our Y10 boys football team did us exceptionally proud in their elite national cup game against a very strong Milfield team. After leading the game from the start, but being pegged back consistently, we were leading 4-3 with 30 seconds of extra time remaining. Unfortunately, Milfield managed to bundle home the latest of equalisers before beating us via a penalty shootout.
House Climbing
The year 7s and 8s travelled to Exeter on Monday for our annual house climbing event. All the climbers had to compete on the speedwall with some fantastic performances. Everyone who competed gained house points, so congratulations to everyone. Special congratulations to Rosie Bevan, who achieved the fastest time of the day with 14.24 seconds!
Year 7 boys
Gold- Lincoln Trapp
Silver - Caiden Edmonds
Bronze- Henry Cooper
Year 7 Girls
Gold-Mia Fellows
Silver - Eva Thompson
Bronze- Isla Mae Gale
Year 8 boys
Gold- Corey Davies
Silver - Noah Armor
Bronze- Luke Sandman
Year 8 Girls
Gold- Rosie Bevan
Silver - Tresa Telson
Bronze- Annalise Little
u13 girls vs heles
love rugby year 7 girls touch tournament
Torquay Academy entered a Year 7 Team into the Love Rugby Tournament at Paignton Rugby Club. We had a great response from the girls who were really keen to come to training and prepare for the day. We have a handful of girls that play full contact rugby for local clubs but also had interest from girls who were eager to play for the first time. We were blessed with blue skies and sunshine and the girls loved the opportunity to train and play in a small tournament against other local schools. The organisers were particularly impressed with the level of skill and talent shown by the Torquay Academy Girls and are keen to continue to develop the Girls Rugby in Torbay and organise more tournaments. Watch this Space!
House stars of the week
Year 7
Brunel - Mia Fellows
Christie - Skye Beasley
Darwin - Toby Young
Fawcett - Achara Edmund
Harrison - Jaycie Kennedy-Taylor
Kitson - Ethan Nichols
Nearne - George Tonks
Pengelly - Lincoln Trapp
Year 8
Christie - Elena Bolton
Darwin - Gabi Cobain
Fawcett - Archie Phillips
Harrison - Noah Amor
Kitson - Toryn Bond
Nearne - Frazer Lewis
Pengelly - Niah Slowley
Year 9
Brunel - Alfie Speed
Christie - Sonny Cayford
Darwin - Leon Snell
Fawcett - Halle Walker
Kitson - Annie Aldous
Pengelly - Katie Peryer
Homework Stars of the Week
Year 7
Brunel - Elliott Holmes-Inch
Christie - Chloe Eales
Darwin - Caiden Edmonds
Fawcett - Joel Cotton
Harrison - Zafirah Faryal
Kitson - Hayley Steenkamp
Nearne - Amelia Beamish
Pengelly - Bailey Clements
Year 8
Christie - Rosie Bevan
Darwin - Summer Reed
Fawcett - Gabriela Piasta
Harrison - Tilly Longthorpe
Kitson - Cordi Williams Powell
Nearne - Poppy Haslett
Pengelly - Lucas Vesely
Year 9
Brunel - Benjamin Nicholson
Christie - Jasmine Edwards
Darwin - Kaitlin Jarvis
Fawcett - Emilia Warner
Harrison - Maria Nihtyanova
Kitson - Harry McCarthy
Pengelly - Reuben Harrison
university offers this week
Sparx Leaderboards
Tassomai Leaderboards
