Taekwondo, Football, Fantastic Art and Cupcakes !!
Spectacular Art Exhibition by our Students
Over the half term the sixth form art students put on a public exhibition of their work at the Artizan Gallery in Lucius Street Torquay. They had to take full responsibility and organise the event from start to finish.This involved developing posters and flyers to advertise the show, framing and mounting all the paintings and photographs and arranging them in the exhibition space. They also had to organise and steward the show throughout the week, contact local dignitaries, and serve light refreshments during the private view. The students conducted themselves with extraordinary professionalism and despite being very excited were outstanding ambassadors for the Academy.
It was a magnificent event echoed by such positive comments from those that experienced this truly wonderful exhibition. Our thanks go out to all those students who took part and volunteered their time,energy, and good will; you have made us all very proud.
Here is just a small selection of the artwork that was on display:
Cupcakes
I was lucky enough to be offered a cake by Myah Brett-Wilson and Daisy Poole-Crampton. They had baked some beautiful red velvet cupcakes to demonstrate cell structures. I will have to think of a homework that I can set my Year 11 Business Studies class that lead to some baked products…!
Exam Week
We are now at the end of the eighth week of the 1st Quarter of the year; this is the first assessment week when all students in Years 7-13 complete tests and other assessments in every subject to analyse their strengths and weaknesses in current cycles. The Year 11s have been sitting the PPE (Pre Public Exams) in the Sports Hall.
Next week, known as the Super Teaching week, teachers re-teach areas that students have struggled with in the assessments. In some subjects this will include re-grouping students so that ones with similar needs are taught together to improve their understanding of specific areas.
Football News
6th Form
On Monday the 6th form football team took on Exmouth Community College in the 3rd round of the National Cup.
TA supported by a big crowd of staff, students and parents started the game brightly dominating possession without creating any real goal scoring opportunities. The game settled and was tense with both sides exchanging attacks without either goalkeeper having to make a save. TA eventually took the lead on the half hour mark when Connor Stewart’s shot from 25 yards was deflected on the way to the goal and wrong footed the Exmouth goalkeeper. TA relaxed with a lead on the scoreboard and took complete control of the game from here on in. Eventually they doubled their lead on the hour mark when Connor Stewart rounded off an extremely well worked team goal that saw Stewart slot the ball home from 12 yards after numerous passes. TA saw out the game and finished winning 2-0. The next round of the cup is due to be drawn on Monday.
Year 9 Futsal
On Thursday the year 9 football academy travelled to Paignton Community College to take part in the annual Futsal competition. The team started slowly and lost the first two league matches. This only made the team more determined to succeed. The team then won their next three games comprehensively which lead to them having to play a playoff game against Newton Abbott college to see who would go through to the semi-finals. TA dominated this game from start to finish and ran out 5-1 winners. Due to the extra game the boys had to move straight onto the semi-final match against Paignton with no break. It was clear to see that the boys were still on a high from their last game and dominated this game running out 4-0 winners with Olaf Koszela scoring all the goals and putting in an outstanding performance. This victory meant that we were now in the final and faced South Dartmoor. At this point the competition was well behind schedule so we had to play again with no break. TA took an early lead and sat back concentrating on keeping possession however tiredness eventually kicked in and South Dartmoor got the better of us running out 2-1 winners. Both sides now qualify for the regional stages of the competition which will take place after February half term.
Torbay Schools Representative Team
Josh and Olaf pictured with Mr Jones and Mr Bindon
Both goalkeeper Josh Nicol and striker Olaf Koszela have made it through the Torbay schools trials and have been selected to be part of the Torbay School’s Under 14 Squad for the upcoming season.
Congratulations boy’s this is a real honour.
Meanwhile elsewhere in PE…
Whilst the 6th Formers earned their place in the 4th round with Mr Grinsill and Mr Hogg, you can see that the rest of the department was in action! Mr Welsh was with the Year 7 rugby team, Mrs Low ran the girls’ football training, Mr Jones was running the Year 10 football academy and Mrs Knowles was in the sports hall for trampoline club.
Visit from Year 5 Students
We had a visit from Sherwell Valley Year 5s recently who took part in an afternoon of science experiments and literacy challenges. As always, the pupils were very enthusiastic and had a great time working in our fantastic library and science labs. It was great to see them again and we look forward to future visits later in the year.
Taekwondo Bronze Medal for Nick
Along with sixteen members of his club (Torbay Taekwondo) and his instructor Grant Churchward, Nick Turner in Year 7, travelled to Crawley in West Sussex to take part in the UKITF (UK International Taekwondo Federation) National Championships. The club as a whole did really well, and Nick ended up competing in a category higher than his own, as he is only 11, but chose to compete in the age 12-14 category. He achieved a bronze medal in his patterns (losing out to his brother!) and he got a gold in the sparring for his class. He trains several times a week, works hard, and shows real determination in the many competitions he enters. We are very proud of him. Congratulations Nick!
Half Term Fun at Riding Stables
Jessica O’Connor in Year 7 won 1st prize at the Finlake Riding Centre during the half term break. Jess dressed her horse ‘Inca’ up as a bat for a Halloween competition, complete with wings and light up horns! Well done Jess.
Christmas Show at Babbacombe Theatre
Beth Rook (Year 11) is performing at Babbacome Theatre this Christmas as part of the Christmas House Party. The show had rave reviews at the opening night and includes a variety of acts including comedians, singers and dancers.
The review of the opening night and information about tickets are available at the following link:
Stars of the Week
Stars of the week this week pictured with Mr Bindon and Mrs Powell are: Jack Manley, Katy Pickburn, Aston Hutchings, Caitlyn Pather, Libby Finch
Construction
The student of the week for construction is Kyle Williams Year 10.
Kyle has worked very well in practical and theory this week displaying a very good standard of work. Well done Kyle keep it up!!
STUDENT BLOG
I am delighted that a group of Year 7 and 8 students will be working with Miss Elson each week to produce a student section of my blog.
Year 6 Tours
I never thought I would say this, but in eight weeks I have had the best time of my school life and I know the whole school like the back of my hand. To show my appreciation for the school I helped do the school tours for parents of children in Year 6, which I really enjoyed. One parent in particular was amazed at all the information Mr Margetts was saying!
Izzy Minty, Year 7
Student Teachers
For the last five Wednesdays in school, I have been doing science in Tutor Time. The teachers are actually Year 9s! They have been teaching us how long it takes a candle to go out with different jars. They also taught us how much water can fit in certain jars and they taught us how to measure how long it takes for a candle to go out with a jar on it again. The teachers’ names are Sam, Ryan and Camron. I think they’re great teachers.
Connor Wakely, Year 7
A Glowing Review
I have only been here for 8 weeks and already I can see the amazing wonders of Torquay Academy. As you may have already worked out I am in Year 7 and I am so pleased with this school. One of the amazing wonders of this school is how they greet you. As one of the students I am also ecstatic that I’m here. So for all the parents who are hesitating about bringing their child to this school you should do it. Go on. You know you want to.
Callum Bowden-Smith, Year 7
