Netball National Final 4, Macbeth Performance and Cadets
U16 National Sisters in Sport Netball Schools Finals
The U16 Netball Academy showed great resilience, determination and teamwork throughout both matches in the national finals. The girls fought hard and put a lot of effort in and although we did not come out on top, we secured 4th place out of 128 schools. The cheering and support from the sidelines really helped to lift our spirits and kept us motivated to keep going during the matches.
The defensive players were really good at sticking with their players and forcing errors throughout the court. The attacking players found openings and made incredible shots, consistently adjusting their positions to find gaps in the defence. More communication was needed throughout the court and tightening up of passing accuracy would have helped to reduce the opposition’s turnovers. Overall, the girls kept their heads up and pushed through even though the win slipped through our fingers this time, ending in a 4th place finish we walked away with our heads held high ready to take on the next challenge. (write up by Under16 Tammy Westacott)
I am so proud of what the girls achieved, not only at the finals, but in how they played in every game on the way to Loughborough. They play with such determination. They are an inspiration to us all. Well done on everything you have achieved so far this year. They will be returning to Loughborough later this year when they will now compete in the World Schools Netball Games.
Macbeth Comes to TA
Our year 10 and 11 students were given a live performance of Macbeth this week, as Box Clever theatre company came on tour to our Platform. As you can see from the photographs, they were encouraged to participate in a number of roles within the show which really added to their enjoyment. Experiencing a play as a performance, and as it was intended by Shakespeare, is vital for students to really deepen their understanding of the characters and key themes. The performers asked students to complete feedback questionnaires and one student said ‘I can’t think of anything negative to say!’. It was lovely to see students who often find learning Shakespeare challenging enjoying themselves and appreciating the play as a piece of theatre. Feedback from the actors was very positive about our students, their engagement in the performance and the level of understanding shown during the Q & A workshop at the end.
Spanish Club
Spanish club runs every Monday at period 5 for year 9’s. They practice speaking and listening to Spanish. Today we did an Easter egg hunt, the students had to find 10 pictures of Huevos de Pascua (Easter eggs) and the directions were in Spanish! They did an amazing job at finding every single one!
Art Trip to Bristol
We are thrilled to share with you an exciting recap of our recent art trip to Bristol, where our students had the opportunity to immerse themselves in the vibrant cultural landscape of this historic city. From exploring renowned galleries to witnessing captivating street art, our journey was nothing short of inspirational.
Our first stop was the esteemed Royal West of England Academy, where our students were treated to a diverse array of contemporary art exhibitions. From thought-provoking installations to dynamic paintings, the RWA provided a comprehensive overview of the cutting-edge artistic talent thriving in Bristol and beyond. Next on our itinerary was the Bristol Museum & Art Gallery, a treasure trove of cultural artefacts and fine art collections. Here, students had the opportunity to observe the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition and delve into the world-renowned Egyptian collection. After a ferry boat tour of the harbour our final destination was the M Shed, a museum dedicated to celebrating Bristol’s social, industrial, and cultural history. In addition to our visits to these esteemed institutions, students had the opportunity to explore Bristol’s vibrant street art scene, from the iconic murals of Banksy to the creations adorning the city’s alleyways, students were inspired by the creativity and ingenuity on display, gaining a newfound appreciation for the power of art to transform public spaces and ignite social change.
Overall, and despite the rain our art trip to Bristol was a resounding success, providing students with a multifaceted exploration of art, culture and history. We are immensely proud of their enthusiasm, curiosity, and engagement throughout the day, and we look forward to seeing how this experience informs their independent and exam projects.
Senior Music Academy plays Stevie Wonder and Arctic Monkeys
The Torquay Academy community is buzzing after two exceptional lunchtime performances by our talented Senior Music Academy students. Demonstrating their impressive musical range, the Academy first presented a captivating set of Arctic Monkeys covers. Renditions of “Crying Lightning” and “Teddy Picker,” showcased the enduring appeal of the Sheffield band’s rock legacy.
Further underscoring their versatility, the Academy’s second performance paid homage to the iconic Stevie Wonder. The students expertly delivered beloved classics such as “Signed, Sealed, Delivered I’m Yours,” “I Wish,” and “Sir Duke,” filling the platform with a spirit of soulful energy.
Academy performances were supported by energetic DJ sets from DJN (Dylan Nock) and Denial (Dan Maw), who warmed The Platform to boiling point.
The enthusiastic response from packed crowds at each lunch served as a true testament to the Academy’s dedication and exceptional talent. Their performances not only displayed impressive musical skill, but will also serve to inspire our next generation of musicians….. we could not be prouder and eagerly anticipate the Senior Music Academy’s future endeavors.
Senior Music Academy: Arren Button, Ben German, Tom Thorner, Callum Edwards, Zac Evans, Robin Pightling, Lorenzo De Paoli, Dan Eales, Oliver Lucas, Oliver Phillips, Lucia Aguardo-Georgian, Rose Hoyte, Ava Storey, Aimee Evans.
Mountain Biking
This week was another good ride in duck-approved levels of rain and muddiness. Our students and staff have been practising rolling in, ready for a new trial next time.
TA Cadets
Wrapping up another remarkable week at Torquay Academy Cadets, we take a moment to celebrate the triumphs of our cadets. Last weekend, our 10 Army cadets participated in Ex Senior Stretch, a collaborative training exercise with Plymouth CCF. Reflecting at Wednesday’s training session, our cadets recounted the challenges they tackled together, from honing section battle skills to mastering route marching, OPs, and section attacks. It was a true testament to our collective skills and teamwork, leaving the cadet training team bursting with pride at the dedication and hard work exhibited by all.
A particularly proud moment arose when one of our cadets was selected to lead the final assault on an enemy position. An honor that underscored the commitment and diligence our cadets demonstrate week after week.
Ex Senior Stretch not only pushed us beyond our comfort zones but also imparted invaluable lessons in leadership, communication, and resilience. Each moment, whether navigating the Dartmoor terrain or collaborating to achieve a mission, served to strengthen the bonds within our team.
Wednesday’s training session was dynamic, offering activities tailored to both the RAF and Army sections. From flight simulations to drone operations, drill exercises to climbing, and fieldcraft, there was something to engage every cadet. The RAF section engaged in patrols around the school, searching for “rogue” RAF cadets, while the Army cadets practiced their skills in Pairs Fire and Maneuvering on the grassed area. The climbing wall and Drill square buzzed with excitement as cadets enthusiastically competed against one another, further strengthening the camaraderie within our CCF unit.
We look forward to this weekend for some more weapons safety training. More exciting opportunities are coming soon for the cadets. Planning is almost complete for the 3 Peaks Challenge in April. A Cadet training exercise in a Royal Navy base is due in May and the build up to the cadet camps are well underway.
We are looking for adult volunteers, preferably with a Military background that would have some free time on a Wednesday late afternoon to get involved. Please contact Slim at scawood@tqacademy.co.uk
Thank you from the Art Department
The art department would like to thank the community for three recent generous donations. Local artist and alumna Sandy Watson donated 12 large canvases which are already being put to excellent use in our upcoming Year 11 and A Level exams. The family of Jenny Clouder, a lifelong seamstress and embroiderer, have donated a huge haul of fabric, thread and sewing machines and the parent of a year 8 student donated giant pots of glitter which have already been utilised in Year 11 poly-fusion and heat press experiments for their exam projects. These are exciting additions to the resources of the department and are much appreciated by Mrs Lithgow and Mrs Lynch as well as our students.
House News
After two weeks of competition and endless speculation from the Year 7 students, Brunel emerged as the victors in our penalty-shoot out tournament. The competition involved eight students from each house taking a penalty shot against a goalie from an opposing house. This particular event made a great impact on all students who were desperate to see their house win their event.
Both Brunel and Christie had already knocked out two teams to reach the final. The sides were very evenly matched and stakes were very high with mixed emotions of nervousness and excitement. Crowds of spectators, house captains – Mrs Haines and Miss Lewis, Mr Pugh and Mr Gratton – were present to cheer on their team.
At the end of the first round the score was four all. The goalies had to take a shot, followed by the captains before the game moved on to ‘sudden death’. Football is a brutal game as ultimately there has to be a winning and losing side. Brunel took home the trophy after knocking a valiant Christie into second place. Brunel players and spectators were jubilant at their success. All winners and runners up were rewarded with prizes.
Geography with Miss Main
This week in geography with Miss Main, Year 8 has been learning all about coastal erosion. They have investigated coastal processes and learnt how many different features from, including wave-cut platforms, caves, arches, stacks and stumps. The Year 8s have particularly enjoyed learning about where they can find these features in our local area and hearing the story of the house at Babbacombe that fell into the sea when the cliff collapsed!
Students of the Week
Year 7 – Ayrton Sharp and Edith Mackenzie
Year 8 – Mason Findlay-Peers and Ellie-May Jackson
Year 11 – Mya Sharpe & Alfie Slater
Project Rugby
The Yr 8 and Yr 9 Girls Rugby Squads were invited to play in The Exeter Chiefs Project Rugby Festival at Topsham Rugby Club. The Ladies Chiefs 1st team players and coaches were there along with other local schools. The girls were very impressive and fully engaged with the different coaching activities and games. Torquay Academy have some real talent in the girls rugby and they are passionate to continue to develop their skills and potentially join local rugby clubs to progress further. Watch this space!
Lily Thomas Dance Achievement
We are delighted to let you know that Lily Thomas in Year 8 has been offered a place at the prestigious Hammond School in Chester. It is a vocational school for Dance and the Performing Arts and as it is so far away she will be boarding there so sadly will be leaving us at the end of the summer term.
Good luck Lily! We are so proud of your achievement and you will be missed.
Year 11 Football vs Teign
On Friday the year 11 boys football team marched on to the semi-final of the South Devon Cup. The teams put in a dominant display beating Teign School 6-0. The goals came from Fin Herbert x2, Sean Crawford, Max Lee, Finley Anderson and Alfie Walker-Fenner. The team now will now have to wait to find out who they play next.
Year 9 football
Team TA progressed safely through to the next round of the South Devon Cup with a 6-0 victory away to Dawlish. On a tricky surface, the team played some great football at times and in truth should have doubled the score line but for some wasteful finishing and excellent goalkeeping. Scorers on the day were Thomas Ross (3) Charlie Wise, Miko Piasecki (2), and Ben Jolly. Shout out to Oscar Mills who filled in as goalkeeper for the day, keeping a clean sheet and to Farah Ambrose, who was player of the match.
TA Sixth Form Netball Academy Vs Plymouth City College (33-17 win)
The netball match between Torquay Academy and their opponents was an intense match. TA displayed exceptional teamwork, skill and determination throughout the game. Our players showcased excellent ball control, accurate shooting and strong defensive strategies. With a final score of 33-17, we dominated the court. It was an impressive performance by the team, and they should be proud of their accomplishment. Well done Torquay Academy!
Oppositions Player: Ellie Denby
Players Player: Millie Sneap
Coaches Player: Skye Warner
Write up by Skye Warner
Year 10 Basketball
Torquay Academy’s basketball team brought home the win in a thrilling match against Paignton Academy this Thursday! The final score was a close 50-42, showcasing a fierce competition between both teams. Well done to our boys for securing the victory, and to both teams for displaying excellent sportsmanship throughout the game!
Year 8 Football
Our year 8s travelled to south Dartmoor on Monday for their 1st round of the Torbay cup. They put on a strong team performance and fully deserved the win to take them into the next round. Our next game is against Boys Grammar which is always a good game.
COUNTY FINALS FOR U13 GIRLS & U18 BOYS
Wednesday the U18s had their semi final against QE Crediton, after a slow start we gradually grew into the game and deserved the lead going into the break. The second half we controlled the game a bit better and dug in to secure the win to advance to the County final.
The U13 girls were outstanding in their county semi final tournament, on Thursday they faced 6 other schools from over Devon in a round robin format at coach road. They won 5 and drew 1 with some great performances. They now progress to the County final against Exmouth on April 25th.
Governors’ Gold Certificates
Year 7 – Tiffany Eastley
Governors’ Silver Certificates
Year 7 – Heidi Milner, Jack Parton, Madison Wood, Poppy Haslett, Charlotte Townsend, Olivier Szyszka and Frazer Lewis
Year 8 – Brodi Docherty
Governors’ Bronze Certificates
Year 7 – Isla Bryant, Freddie Wallis, Alfie Williams, Jacob Wakefield, George Garbett, Jessie Mountstevens, Annalise Little, Jack Crabb, Jamie Hancox, Bailey Taylor, Kobi Burness – Moakes, Rosco Biagott, Lilly-Rose Haughton, Keeley-Mae Moran, Luke Sandeman, Arlo Brady, Charlie Berry, Mila Cairney, Andy Iftode, Charlie O’Connor, Zack Hazeldine, Elena Bolton, Lily Langler, Mason Maxwell, Owen Spies, Ebany Fawkes, Isaac McCabe, Layla Lock, Isla Coish, Emilee Fenner, Lily Ellis, Poppi Jones and Alana Houlihan
Year 8 – Vaughn Heavens, Annie Aldous, Dylan Tripp and Naomi Szyszka
Principal’s Gold Certificates
Year 7 – Gabi Cobain, Benjamin Cowie, Lilly Shaw, Jax Biagott, Sophia Blake, Leo Nicholson, Lily-Jo Prior, Jack Hughes, Edward Huxtable, Evie Alford, Elizabeth Francis, Noah Amor, Ben Walters, Tilly Longthorpe, Sophie Dean, Bonnie Stacey, Harlow Bown, Seraphina Rozier, William Schmiedinghofer, Myah Sellick, Alfie Mackin, Farah Davidson, Jack Robinson, Emily Redmond, Alexis Kovacs, Oakley Mudge, Jenson Tandy, Wiktoria Aleksander, Jelani Ondo-Chamielec, Levi Jones, Samuel Kuc, Theo Slater, Ted Dudley and Esme Poole
Year 8 – Summer Pallant, Mollie Peters, Scarlett Hill, Cody Burton, Elliott Baines, Warren Biggs, Paul Blades, Talia Street, Max Warren, Heidi Bowers, Leon Snell, Lilly-Rose Garbett, Laurentiu Mihai and Daisy Humphreys
Principal’s Silver Certificates
Year 7 – Tia Woodward, Luna Truong, Billie-Jo Dolling, Brogan Holmes-Inch, Seren Panther-Glinn, Ollie Humphreys, Aaron Pinto, Luke Moran, Phoebe Grindling, Kumar Hopton, Morgan Fisher, Elliott Hytche, Grace Gatting, Marcus Findlay-Peers, Ava McArdle, Cooper Syms, Madeline Woodger, Edward Watt and George Giles
Year 8 – Poppy Sanderson, Emily Lock, Allanna Butler, Teddy Watson, Aleta Stojic, Ellie Simpson, Alexa Lyons, Edi Ferencz Csibi, Lexi Cave, Poppy Bettridge, Charlotte Holmes-Vittles, Benjamin Nicholson, Anastacia Tukilush, Alfie Braye, Emily Cowan, Euan Miller, Ellie Bowden, Isabella-Rose Pomerville, Kaitlin Jarvis, Matthew Campan, Daisy Board, Charlie Jackson, Keane O’Neill, Ava Luker-Hulme, Charlie Sanderson, Daniel Manners, Zach Venter, Riley Meadows, Autumn Wagstaffe, Zakariyah Haridi, Louie Leighton, Sophie Timms, Leah Hollis, Milan Ujj, Melissa Page, Oliver Ayres, Lily Thomas, James Beer, Janzen Flores, Johnny Sandbrook, Aiden Hooper, Lee Stevens and Ruby Chamberlain
Principal’s Bronze Certificates
Year 7 – Roas Murray, Christopher Csapo, Olivia Hooper, Gabriela Piasta, Shae Craig, Oliver Withers, Riley Harper, Ellie Palmer and Lily Hubbard
Year 8 – Mia Hawkes, Lauren Harbutt, Emily Kenny, Heston Hart, Ruby Fitzgerald, Molly Hollomby, Sonny Hutchings, Lilly Drake, Bodhi Williams, Trent Blackmore, Neeve Thomson, Freddie Fenner, Maria Nihtyanova, Izzy Goldsbrough, Samuel Sanders, Kayla Hadley, Oscar Rogers, Will Wrathall, Logan Clatworthy, Alfie Spicer, Alfie Speed, Robyn Higgins, Alexander Moss, Ethan Veasey, Vinnie Frankum, Sienna Wilschere, Sienna Holton, Stanley Austin and Bella Kendal
House Students of the Week
Year 7
Brunel – Harry Evans
Christie – Calum Carpenter
Darwin – Jelani Ondo-Chamielec
Fawcett – Anna Rozanska
Harrison – Matilda Thorner
Kitson – Cordi Williams-Powell
Nearne – William Schmiedinghofer
Pengelly – Morley Villiers
Year 8
Brunel – Lilly Drake
Christie – Brook Giles
Darwin – Ashton Lynch
Fawcett – Halle Walker
Harrison – Brooke Birchall
Kitson – Harry McCarthy
Pengelly – Paris Read
Year 9
Brunel – Amelia Rose
Christie – Callum Pile
Darwin – Riley Calland
Fawcett – Connie McMahon
Harrison – Jasper Franklin
Kitson – Jade Cook
Nearne – Blessings Nguono
Pengelly – Maisie Sandercock
Homework Students of the Week
Year 7
Christie – Elias Jefferey
Darwin – Harlow Bown
Fawcett – Tyler-Joseph Broadway
Harrison – Phoebe Acton
Kitson – Harry Rowlands
Nearne – Tiffany Eastley
Pengelly – Ben Walters
Year 8
Brunel – Euan Miller
Christie – Emily Lucas
Darwin – Riley Burton
Fawcett – Gustaw Adamczak
Harrison – Georgee Westhead
Kitson – Sanje Hoxha
Pengelly – Finley O’Leary-Black
Year 9
Brunel – Liam Anthony
Christie – Lucas Chappell
Darwin – Daisy Hellier
Fawcett – Rayhan Shamim
Kitson – Faye Cassidy
Nearne – Rufus Scrase
Pengelly – Carla Lawrence
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