Last 8 in England, gymnastics, Cadets and DofE success
Further DofE success at TA
Fourteen more students were awarded their DofE Award certificates this week. Ten students successfully completed their Bronze awards and three students successfully completed their Silver awards.
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 in undertaking a sport or similar Physical activity. And of course undertaking the gruelling Expedition – at Silver hiking and camping over 3 days-2 nights, and at Bronze 2 days- 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; cricket; football; rugby; athletics; and dance. In the Skills section students were developing skills in learning musical instruments; crochet; drill and marching in cadets; navigation; and acting. And in the Volunteering section students coached younger students in athletics, netball football, cricket, dance and gymnastics; helped out in a community cafe, marshalled and volunteered in local park runs; 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: Jacob Crago-Gould, Millie Sneap, Amy Harrison, Noah Butler, Lewis Watt, Oliver Coleman, Amber Dicken, Summer Faulkes, Amelie McCaul, Cerys Lowe, Elliot Lawton (not pictured) – Bronze Award
Hannah Carr, Lauren Carr, Alexander Green (not pictured) – Silver Award
Most of the students have already enrolled for, or expressed an interest in completing the next level award which is commendable, and shows ambition and a level of maturity in the fact they are seriously considering their future prospects in university, college applications and future employment. Well done!
Cadets
An enthusiastic and engaging start to the new year for the Torquay Academy Cadets. The RAF cadets, in preparation for the upcoming RAST competition, delved into flight simulator training, a crucial component supporting their pending flying endeavours at Boscombe Down. Radio communication drills underscored the importance of clear and precise communication.
Not to be outdone, the Army cadets were on the frontline, gearing up for a CCF competition hosted at Bournemouth School CCF. Year 8 cadets practiced their skills in two-person shelter construction, demonstrating impressive mastery with a military-style shelter.
Drill sessions proved to be a milestone, as Year 9 and 10 cadets took the lead, instructing their peers in drill movements. A testament to their growth within the training program as potential instructors.
Air rifle training is gearing up to be a popular subject this term. Another group of cadet started weapons training this week. Once complete they will be able to attend shooting competitions within the contingent.
Meanwhile, the expansive moors of Dartmoor witnessed the initiation of Ten Tors Training, with three cadet teams embracing the challenge. Against the backdrop of stunning weather, their performance mirrored the excellence expected of Torquay Academy cadets.
As these diverse training sessions unfolded, the Torquay Academy cadets showcased not only their discipline and skills but also their collective spirit and camaraderie. The foundation laid in these early sessions promises a year of remarkable achievements and growth for the entire cadet community.
Lots of planning in the background to ensure the cadets get the best training package. We continue to program in visits to other units. Netheravon Training camp at the end of the month will see some of the cadet take on weapons trading, a crucial element of the cadet experience.
As we expand we are on the look out for new training staff. If your interested in offering some time, please contact us at CCF@tqacademy.co.uk
Year 8 Parents’ Evening
We welcomed Year 8 parents and students this week. They will be back in school in a couple of weeks time for the Pathways evening; this is when they choose their GCSE options.
Year 7 Gymnastics with Miss Lewis
The Year 7 girls have been doing Gymnastics in their Core PE lessons this term. Pupils have focused on body tension and holding partner and group balances within a gymnastics routine. Take a look at some of their creations below!
Year 12 Sports Science
As part of their coursework for Unit 2 Sports Coaching, some Year 12 students travelled to Sherwell Valley Primary School this week to brave the elements and deliver some coaching sessions with their young learners. On a bitterly cold morning, the coaches did a fine job in keeping the young students engaged and active and, most importantly, having fun. The experience was a huge success all around and allowed the year 12 students to experience coaching some younger performers and the different challenges that they pose as coaches. Thank you to Sherwell for having us, and well done to the year 12 students who were involved, some of whom were treated like celebrities upon their return to their own primary school!
Students of the Week
Year 7 – Treesa Telson and Aaron Pinto
Year 8 – Isabella Rose Pomerville and Cody Burton
Year 9 – Adam Copping and Hope Bratcher
Year 10 – Evita Labalaukyte and William Denega
Year 11 – Poppy Wallace-Fisher and Thamindu Wijenayake
Sixth Form Netball
On Wednesday, the Sixth Form Netball Academy travelled to play Exeter School in readiness for their next AOC netball fixture. Due to illness and injury, several Year 10’s and 11’s were called up to represent the squad and whilst the girls suffered a loss, each individual played to a high standard. Well done to Eve Cameron, Ema Kestell, Jemimah Jones, Brooke Tully and Maisy Green who stepped up and represented Team TA so well. Also, congratulations to Player’s Player, Ellie Denby and Ema and Opposition’s Player, Mia Denby and Coaches Player, Eve Cameron.
Year 9 football – last 8 in England
After an epic game away to Millfield on Monday, we eventually triumphed and progressed into the last 8 of the elite national cup.
After a Christmas break from training, we were understandably rusty and far from our best. We were also carrying several injuries and illnesses which really challenged us. However, we started brightly and really should have been 2-0 up before we fell behind to go 1-0 down. As has been the theme of this season, we reacted brilliantly and were soon level, when the excellent Charlie Wise was fouled and the equally impressive Thomas Ross tucked away the resulting penalty for 1-1. We very quickly went ahead when Ben Jolly, controlled, turned and thundered in a 25 yarder for 2-1. However just before half time, the tricky Millfield winger earned them a penalty which was put away for 2-2 at half time.
We still struggled to find our rhythm in the second half and were caught napping to fall behind almost immediately for 3-2 Millfield. We changed formation and tactics to try and get back into the game and whilst we had chances, could not find the elusive 3rd. We were indebted to Olly Payne in goal who was absolutely fantastic! With 5 minutes to go, a TA free kick from Ross caused chaos in the box and Oscar Mills bundled it in only to be called offside! But TA never give in and with seconds left, earned another penalty which Rossy again scored and cue wild celebrations!
In extra time both teams had chances to win the game. Payne was on fire and with him, you felt we always had a chance. And so with no further goals it went to a penalty shootout.
TA – scored by Thomas Ross
Millfield – scored
TA – Miss by Jolly
Millfield – save by Payne. The penalty had to be retaken which was dragged wide
TA – scored by Miko
Millfield – save by Payne
TA – scored by Wise
Millfield- save by Payne!
What a win. Not at our best but character and attitude saw us through! Northampton School for Boys away in the Quarter Finals…
Year 9 Netball Tournament
The Year 9 Netball Academy played in a tournament on Monday. All the girls represented the school to the highest level both on and off the court and both teams played some lovely netball against some tough opposition. The teamwork and camaraderie shown by all students was great to see! They all encouraged each other, listened well to coaching points and both teams progressed so much as the day went on. Team A went out strong defending well throughout the court, winning lots of balls and worked hard to maintain possession and convert their interceptions to goals. They finished in second place in their group which earned them a worthy place in the Cup tournament for the afternoon. They then came up against some tough opponents but never gave up and finished in an impressive 5th place out of 14 teams. Team B also played some great netball, and showed defensive determination to win balls and to break the flow of their opponents. They implemented changes and showed huge improvements. They went through into the Shield tournament, preceding to win several matches; their hard work was rewarded by finishing in the top half.
Well done to all the girls involved!
Team A – Phoebe Smith, Frankie Skelly, Ellie Farthing, Chloe German ©, Ashleigh Evans, Larna Waller, Maisie Sandercock, Matilda Stephens
Coaches Player: Chloe Players Player: Ashleigh
Team B – Rebecca Quarshie, Millie Swift ©, Kelsey Drew, Connie Kinghorn, Lucy Mahon, Lora Cadman, Halayna Hussain, Maile Beavis
Coaches Player: Lucy Mahon Players Player: Millie Swift
Year 7 B Team National Cup
Our B team put in a brilliant performance against Taunton School on Tuesday to book their place in the last 32 of the school national cup. Goals on the day came from Brogan ⚽️ Freddy ⚽️⚽️ Oaklie ⚽️⚽️ and Ollie ⚽️
Year 11 Football
TA fell victim to a strong TBGS after poor second half performance. TA crashed out of the Devon cup on Tuesday after being beaten by TBGS. TA took the lead through Liam Cartwright however a number of missed chances and poor decision making cost them in the end. TA will now turn their attention to the South Devon cup in their final attempt to win any silverware this year.
Year 7 V Exmouth – County Cup
Our year 7s rounded off a good week for the year group with a superb win against a strong Exmouth school. A positive start and some great determination from us as a team, plus strong individual performances helped us secure our place in the next round with a 6-3 win.
Goals coming from – Gio ⚽️⚽️ Alfie ⚽️⚽️ and Rudy ⚽️⚽️
Principals Silver Certificates
Year 7 – Harry Austin, Andy Iftode, Isaac Mccabe, Giovanni Vaio, Bailey Taylor, Rosie Bevan, Darcy Dainton, Jackson Lane,
Principals Bronze Certificates
Year 7 – Frazer Lewis, Aaliyah Akpo, Max Kapusta, Katie Stevens, Arlo Brady, Theo Slater, Alfie Makin, Archie Foss, Florence Botten, Ben Walters, Ebany Fawkes, Jack Crabb, Jesse Isemede, Anya Cosslett, Sophie Dean, Stefan Manta, Elissia Greenwood, Freya Brown, Lily-Jo Prior, Leo Nicholson, Brayden Lane, Paul Blades, Levi Jones, Leo Shaw, Jack Robinson, Gracie Fancourt, Noah Amor, Tilly Longthorpe, Ruby Abdulla, Khalid Al-Ajrami, Bobby Joint, Jax Biagott, Oktawian Siennicki, Cody Burton, Wiktoria Aleksander, Chloe Taylor
House Students of the Week
Year 7
Christie – Calum Carpenter
Darwin – Harlow Bown
Fawcett – Ayden Quarshie
Harrison – Lilly-Rose Haughton
Kitson – Flo Evans
Nearne – Cayden Castle
Year 8
Brunel – Melissa Page
Christie – Cassandra Foster
Darwin – Charlotte Holmes-Vittles
Fawcett – Zakariyah Haridi
Kitson – Tristan Ellis
Pengelly – Matthew Campan
Year 9
Brunel – Ella Randall
Christie – Amelia Lawton
Darwin – Hope Bratcher
Fawcett – Benjamin Houghton
Kitson – George Watt
Nearne – Diogo Pestana
Pengelly – Aaron Saunders
Homework Students of the Week
Year 7
Christie – Isla May
Darwin – Charlotte Townsend
Fawcett – Laila Mills
Harrison – Noah Amor
Kitson – Keylan Hodgson
Nearne – Isla Bryant
Pengelly – Morley Villiers
Year 8
Brunel – Chloe Holton
Christie – Noah Margetts
Darwin – Tom Weaver
Fawcett – Jenson Gorin
Kitson – Naomi Szyszka
Pengelly – Holly Nunn
Year 9
Brunel – Liam Anthony
Christie – Callum Pile
Darwin – Riley Calland
Fawcett – Lottie Roberts
Kitson – Nikkita Hookway
Nearne – Abigail Yau
Pengelly – Ben Tucker
University Offers this week
Angel Fox | University of Plymouth | Midwifery |
Ella Westwood | De Montfort | Fashion Business |
Ella Westwood | Arts University, Plymouth | Fashion Media & Marketing |
Lucia Aguadio-Georgian | BIMM | Popular Music Performance & Songwriting |
Lucia Aguadio-Georgian | LCCM | Music Performance and Production |
Josh Furze | Bristol, UWE | Paramedic Science |
David Robinson | University of Warwick | Automotive Engineering |
Lizzie Cameron | University of Birmingham | Sport, Exercide and Health Sciences |
Oscar Yelland | Cardiff Metropolitan University | Product Design |
Rae Makinson | Royal Holloway | English |
David Robinson | University of Southampton | Mechanical Engineering/Automotive |
Riccardo Iordache | University of Bristol | Virology and Immunology |
Ella Westwood | Leeds Beckett | Fashion Marketing |