Greenpower - National state school champions
Each year, our in-house motorsport team competes against schools from across Britain to qualify for the annual World Greenpower Finals, an event reserved for the best of the best. For the fourth consecutive year, we secured our place, facing off against teams from Spain, Portugal, Slovakia, Poland, and more.
Team TA represented our school admirably, despite the early morning challenges of a 3am start on a cold autumnal Sunday. In the first race, we demonstrated safe and disciplined driving, securing 9th and 23rd places out of 120 competitors. We learned valuable lessons from this race, setting our sights on victory in the second.
The second race began promisingly, as we consistently achieved our target lap times. We confidently let others take the lead, knowing their initial pace would be unsustainable due to battery limitations. However, a competitor’s roll on turn 1 led to a 25-minute red flag, shortening the race to 65 minutes and denying us the full opportunity to showcase our sustainable speed.
Despite this setback, we concluded the season in a remarkable 9th place worldwide, and were by far the top UK state school. We’re now eagerly anticipating our next Greenpower adventure in Phoenix City, Alabama!
Braving the storm - DofE Qualifying Expedition
Last weekend, 24 Year 11 students set off on their DofE Qualifying Expedition. Their adventure began on Day 1 at Shaugh Bridge in SW Dartmoor, with a night spent at a campsite in Harford, near Ivybridge. The second day went from Harford, through the footpaths and lanes of the South Hams near Ermington to the campsite at Brixton near Plymouth. The final day was to take on footpaths and lanes on the Wembury peninsula to a finish point at Mountbatten Breakwater in Plymouth.
The students had spent the last few weeks planning their own routes in their teams. Each day needed a planned route that would entail 7 hours on expedition, so students needed to consider their average walking speed, rest breaks, and terrain they would be walking on. At Silver level each team also needs to choose an Expedition Aim aside from the general target of completing their expedition. This year we had some original aims, such as collecting wildflowers and left to press, a study on team morale and mood over the three days, and creating a song based on teamwork! The students will be presenting their Expedition Aims and experiences in the coming weeks.
After the minibuses and trailer had been packed, the group set off from TA at 9.30 for Shaugh Bridge. This beautiful location, on the River Plym, close to the famous Dewerstone rock, was busy with walkers and climbers on their arrival. Mr Brett and Mr Adams kitted out the teams with their expedition kit, including tents, Trangia gas stoves, compasses, maps and survival bags. Their all-important laminated route maps were given out to each team, and they set off in staggered 10-minute intervals. To ensure staff are aware of the team's locations, one member of each team carried a tracker.
The groups knew they were in for unsettled weather over the coming three days. So most set off in full waterproofs - prepared for the forecast showers. Three of the teams had planned routes that went up the Dartmoor Way to Cadover Bridge and then over the edge of the moors, north of the clayworks at Lee Moor to East Rook Gate. The other team planned to walk through footpaths around Shaugh Prior, onto the moor for a short time and then south towards Cornwood. In order to monitor each team's safety, Mr Brett and Dr Jones drove out to Emmets Post and walked onto the moor at Trowlesworthy Warren to find a spot to observe the three teams heading in that direction. Meanwhile, Mr Adams and Alex Green (former student and volunteer with cadets) monitored the other team between Shaugh Bridge and Cornwood.
As time went into the afternoon, the showers began. Worse than that the cloud level got lower and lower, creating a dense fog on the moorland edge. Observing the trackers, staff saw that Team 3 were making excellent progress on the Dartmoor Way to East Rook Gate. The other two teams (Team 2 and 4), however, had gone wrong, taking an adjoining path off the Dartmoor Way, heading due south by mistake. Clearly caused by the fog and the unreliable nature of moorland tracks. Staff saw that this accidental detour was not a total disaster as it would take them off the moor earlier and would eventually lead them to the lanes that they were aiming for - just a little bit further west than planned. Being the competent navigators they are, both teams realised their mistake. Unfortunately, rather than re-routing themselves, they decided to retrace their steps. This took them back on the moor and the fog was worse. Team 2 decided to handrail a field boundary towards East Rook Gate. Team 4 tried to find the Dartmoor Way but got very disorientated by the fog. Dr Jones had to locate them and set them back on their route. Once they were off the moor, the team blew a collective sigh of relief, and their good spirits returned after the brief scare!
Each team made it to the first campsite on or around the seven hour mark. Team 4, after their adventures in the fog, made it into camp after sunset. All teams were happy to get their tents set up and evening meals prepared on the gas stoves. They had all walked around 20km on the first day, in rainy and foggy conditions so were glad of their sleeping bags.
After a night of torrential downpours the teams (and the staff!) were pleased to see clear skies and good weather forecast for the day. Today's routes saw the teams heading through Ivybridge, towards Ermington and the South Hams. The distance was greater but the initial part of their journey was downhill off the moor. With one group having to exchange their tent after it had leaked in the downpour, the teams cooked their breakfasts and packed up tents and kit. All teams showed excellent campcraft skills and were out by 9.45. Distances for today's planned routes were in excess of 20km. In past years this day has proved to be challenging in terms of navigation and some teams have had to have been picked up as the evening drew in and light was poor. This year there were none of these issues. Each team made excellent progress and made it into the campsite at Brixton in good time and well in advance of sunset. With Mrs Schwarz checkpointing teams near Ermington and Miss Baker, with Dr Jones checkpointing to the north of Yealmpton, the team's journeys were well monitored. There were a couple of wrong turns here and there, but each team successfully rerouted itself. And the best thing about Day 2 was the water was all on the ground rather than falling out of the sky!
After a relaxed evening at Brixton Campsite, the news of Storm Ashley approaching came in. Mr Brett called the groups together before bedtime to discuss the plans for Day 3. The main force of the storm was to make landfall further north and in Scotland. However, there were still Force 9 gusts forecast for the Plymouth area. The brunt of the storm was between 5.00 and 9.30am. The students were instructed to plan alternative routes on the Wembury peninsula to Mountbatten Breakwater, to avoid exposed parts of the SW Coast Path, for their safety. And the welcome news was given to the students that they should stay in their tents until 9.00 to avoid the worst of the rain. So an unexpected lie in!
The group awoke to the sound of strong winds and heavy rain. A chance for a final check of their amended routes in the shelter of their tents. Then with one person setting up the stoves in the rain to get breakfast on, and the other team members packing their rucksacks, their final day began. After breakfast in the rain the teams set off once again in their staggered starts. The weather was pretty bad to start, with heavy rain and driving gusts of wind, but after a couple of hours it started to calm. So walking conditions were good and all teams made very good time in getting to Mountbatten Breakwater.
Overall this has been an excellent expedition. Each person showed considerable determination and resilience to walk with full packs the distances they covered. Managed to overcome difficult weather conditions that made navigation much harder. Showed excellent team working skills. And had fun in their teams and at the campsites.
Thanks to Miss Baker, Mrs Schwarz, Dr Jones, Alex Green, Mr Brett and Mr Adams for supporting the students on their adventure. And most importantly huge congratulations to the following students for completing their DofE Silver Qualifying Expedition: Jack Hicks, Finn Moncrieff, Joe Taylor, Leon Mugliston, Lewis Watt, Noah Butler, Ollie Coleman, Agata Sadlik, Sara Martins, Ema Kestell, Nelly Siuchninska, Eve Cameron, Amy Harrison, Summer Faulkes, Emma Matthews, Cerys Lowe, Rayan Nafim, Amelie McCaul, Adam Wright, Amber Dicken, Jemimah Jones, Millie Sneap, Keeley Little and Isabelle Moxham
We are looking forward to them completing and achieving their full DofE Silver Awards.
Geography Trip
The Year 13 Geography students enjoyed a very wet but productive day at Lyme Regis, Dorset this week to practice some techniques needed for their NEAs. The NEA is a vital part of the course, making up 20% of a student's final grade. They conducted beach profiles, completed a sediment size analysis as well as using a cost benefit analysis to assist their flood risk mapping. Students worked hard and managed to escape the down pours (for the majority of the day at least).
Construction
Year 9 has made an excellent start to the year. In their design lessons they have been learning how to apply render to drawing to make them look like materials and then practicing this skill by designing the front elevation of their dream house.
Gymnastics Success
Well done to Daisy who competed in the Southwest gymnastics competition and placed 1st. What an achievement, congratulations Daisy.
Year 7 mexican day of the dead
We are excited to share the highlights from our Year 7 Mexican Day of the Dead art display, a vibrant celebration of culture and creativity! Students showcased their artistic talents through stunning calaveras (skulls) and colourful papel picado inspired by this meaningful tradition.
The display not only highlighted the students’ creativity but also their understanding of the significance of Día de los Muertos, honouring loved ones who have passed. The event was a wonderful opportunity for students to express themselves and learn about cultural heritage and beliefs.
Thank you to all the Year 7 students and art clubbers who contributed to this beautiful celebration.
Year 12 art
We are thrilled to share the impressive progress of our Year 12 art students in their still life and portrait painting skills. Throughout the term, students have been experimenting with various techniques, exploring composition, colour theory, and the intricacies of light and shadow. Students are beginning to develop their unique style and perspective, having first explored the artists Giorgio Morandi and Jenny Saville.
year 11 english
This week, Mr Crow’s Year 11 classes have been embracing the approaching darkness by confronting Shelley’s existentialist poem Ozymandias. Asking questions about the futility of human endeavour and the inevitability of death, combined with the desire to create something that will endure, should hopefully motivate them to complete their English revision over half-term. Special mention to Phoebe and Emma in 11T8 for their beautiful notes in the face of such bleak contemplation.
live music lunch
On Friday years 7 and 8 were invited to witness our first Live Music Lunch of the year, featuring musicians from our Music Academy and resident rockers Draculin.
This week's Fun Friday for year 7 and 8 began with our pupils welcoming to The Platform with a DJ set, this week from DJN Dylan Nock in year 13. Dylan has been DJing for several years now, headlining our Summer Festival's Rave Cave on numerous occasions, and gave year 7 and 8's an exceptional performance on the decks.
Our opening band hit the stage with Cee Lo Green's classic 'Forget You', this was The Academy's first performance of the year, this group of exceptional musicians had been given the task of learning and performing a track in only two weeks - but you would not have known. Following up was Draculin featuring members from years 10 and 11. These guys are seasoned musicians and you could tell! A rip roaring rendition of Nirvana's 'Smells Like Teen Spirit' was followed by a truly epic rendition of Iron Maiden's 'The Trooper'.
We are so proud of all of our performers and our student technicians who provided all of the lighting and sound for the event.
Oliver Cocker - Drums
Libbie Grindling - Vocals
Halle Wooton - Vocals
Emilee Payne - Bass
Daisy Hellier - Piano
Will Candy - Guitar
Will Candy - Guitar / Vocals
Oliver Cocker - Guitar
Emilee Payne - Bass
Bartosz Mitula - Drums
Dylan Nock
Students of the Week
Year 7 - Liv Andrews and Jacob Hicks
Year 8 - Riley Gomes, Lucas Vesely and Layla Lock
Year 9 - Daisy Board and Tyler Evans
Principal's silver certificates
Year 7 - Kayden Harper
Principal's Bronze Certificates
Year 7 - Kayden Harper and Kyle Squires
year 10 netball
Rebecca Quarshie, Matilda Stevens, Frankie Skelly, Lucy McMahon, Maisie Sandercock, Larna Waller, Chloe German ©, Connie Kinghorn ©, Kelsey Drew, Jacinta Ampomah, Lena Galazkiewic, Phoebe Smith, Gracie-May Tolley, Millie Swift, Ashleigh Evans, Ellie Farthing.
Two Year 10 netball teams played in a tournament in Paignton on Tuesday. Despite both teams facing strong opponents, all players displayed determination and resilience. Both teams secured victories in a couple of matches, demonstrating good skills and teamwork, finishing in the middle of their pools. Well done girls!
Coaches Players: Jacinta Ampomah & Chloe German
Player’s Players: Rebecca Quarshie & Larna Waller
Oppositions Player: Rebecca Quarshie & Phoebe Smith
Year 8 netball
Elena Bolton, Poppi Jones, Lily Langler, Maddy Wood, Emilee Fenner, Seren Chadwick ©, Alana Houlihan, Isla Bryany, Matilda Thorner
The Year 8 netball academy have earnt themselves a place in the next round of the National Sisters in Sport Bowl Competition after successfully securing a hard fought victory over Ivybridge Community College. Despite trailing at quarter time, the players responded positively to coaching points and made significant adjustments, leading to a powerful comeback in the second quarter. The match continued to be closely contested throughout, with both teams displaying strong defensive and offensive plays. However, it was the fantastic teamwork, determination and communication that set our team apart. Special mention goes to Seren Chadwick for her great movements, attacking connections and fantastic shooting. Seren was awarded the well earned Opposition’s Player. Emilee was also a stand out performer, earning Coaches Player and Players Player with an impressive tally of 14 interceptions, demonstrating her exceptional defensive skills and ability to read the ball!
Well done to the whole squad! What a fantastic performance!
sixth form netball success
Ella McLachlan, Mia Denby © Summer Connolly, Tammy Westacott, Elspeth Herring, Ellie Stone, Emily Graham, Maisy Green, Ellie Denby, Evie Sutton
On Wednesday TA Netball Academy Sixth form successfully progressed into the next round of the National Sisters in Sport Competition after beating Churston Grammar. It was a closely contested game between two strong teams, but TA’s determination and tight defence applying relentless pressure to disrupt their opponents flow contributed to a well earnt win! Shooting was a highlight, with excellent accuracy under pressure, while in the defensive circle intense pressure made it difficult for the opposition’s shooters. A fantastic performance by all and we are excited to follow the progress of this squad!
Coaches Player: Mia Denby
Players Player: Tammy Westacott
Oppositions Player: Tammy Westacott
year 11 / 12 netball
Katie Rowe, Millie Sneap, Brooke Tully, Isabelle Moxham ©, Elspeth Herring, Amara Phillips, Ella Mclachlan, Tammy Westacott
Another great result from our mixed year 11/12 netball team on Thursday! They played against Torquay Girls Grammar School, winning 43-20. It was great to see the girls connecting well, playing a very fast paced netball match, demonstrating their skills and versatility, as well as having an abundance of fun and laughter on the court!
Oppositions Player: Amara Phillips
Players Player: Katie Rowe
Coaches Player: Amara Phillips
Devon Schools Team Table Tennis Championships
On Wednesday, we travelled to Plymouth, where 15 of our students competed in the Devon Schools Championships. It was a team event, and we were proudly represented across all age groups in the boys’ categories: U13, U16, and U19, as well as in the girls’ U16 category.
Gold medals were within reach, particularly in the U13 and U16 boys’ categories, where we narrowly lost a few deciding sets, with scores of 11:13 and 9:11.
As a team, we reached the finals in all four categories and earned a silver medal in each.
We are incredibly proud of the level our students demonstrated both on and off the table.
Congratulations to all!
Year 8 Boys Football
Year 8 suffer defeat against Exmouth. On Wednesday we had our first loss of the year, a very different performance from the previous week and lots to look at from our mindset playing as a team. Let’s hope everyone see’s the benefit in a positive team environment.
U14 Girls Football
U14 girls are in the game again. A solid performance see’s them progress further in the national schools cup after a win against TGGS. Goals on the day from Kayla, Emilee, Neeve, Maria and Bonnie . Well done girls.
House students of the week
Year 7
Brunel - Gracie Harvey
Christie - Josiah Addai
Darwin - Skyla-Rose Whitfield
Fawcett - Arya Kelly
Harrison - Ethan Halliday
Kitson - Ruby Crago-Gould
Nearne - Olivia Fisher
Pengelly - Myah Bishop
Year 8
Brunel - Jorgie Jane-Barnett
Christie - Calum Carpenter
Darwin - Lucy French
Fawcett - JJ Howell
Harrison - Alfie Williams
Kitson - Stefan Manta
Nearne - Viktoria Simunkova
Pengelly - James Costello
Year 9
Brunel - Allanna Butler
Christie - Riain Leal
Darwin - Emir Zorel
Fawcett - Sean Canham
Kitson - Kira Fedotova
Nearne - Poppy Bettridge
Pengelly - Freddie Fenner
Homework Students of the Week
Year 7
Brunel - Joe McDonough
Christie - Lydia Shetlifee
Darwin - Ryu Cutts
Fawcett - Jack Parker
Harrison - Jacob Caldwell
Kitson - Cody Hunter
Nearne - Charlie Skinner
Pengelly - Oscar Manley
Year 8
Brunel - Charlie O'Connor
Christie - Isla May
Fawcett - Kara Breach
Harrison - Matilda Thorner
Kitson - Catherine Ramesh Mani
Nearne - Gracjan Rutkowski
Pengelly - Levi Jones
Year 9
Brunel - Emily Cowan
Christie - Sophia Peryer
Darwin - Alesha Black-Matthews
Fawcett - Anya Coslett
Kitson - Keane O'Neill
Nearne - Milan Ujj
Pengelly - Sam Sanders
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