Ten Tors, Devon Champions and girls in construction

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Ten Tors 2019

What an amazing year. It only seems 5 mins ago that 83 hopeful students turned up for a lunchtime meeting to see if they could play a part in their Yr 10 35 mile Ten Tors teams. The training seemed to throw up new challenges for the students but 17 of them gradually got stronger and stronger learning to work together and keep each other going even when the going got really difficult. After the final weekend, the most difficult decision had to be made as 5 students had to stay at school even though they had completed the training and would have had a good chance of getting around. I would like to thank them all for their considerable efforts and commitment.

The event itself is a huge logistical task. The tent city goes up on Thursday and Friday. 5,000+ people arrive on Friday and spend the day planning and checking their route to ensure the best chance of getting around. Our students entered into the planning phase with all the seriousness needed and with the aid of some very good brownies (an excellent brain food); all 3 teams had a good plan before 6pm. The students then sat down to a huge Spaghetti Bolognese and more sweet treats than they could possibly eat in one sitting! Next came the annual gathering of 2,400 students who are all ready for the off and a bit of excess energy to burn – I am pleased to say that the camp conga lives on!  I would like to take the opportunity to thank everyone who helped make the camp a success. I know that the baking, preparation and serving of all this takes a lot of time and effort which I know is really appreciated by the teams going out.

Saturday always begins early and this year was no exception with the burners starting at 4:45am and the students awake and eating a good breakfast by 05:15. The last of the cakes were packed into anything that they could be carried in and then it was off to the start. The start of an adventure which they will still remember for a very long time. The start line could not have been better as the weather was perfect. Blue sky and no wind. Skydivers provided the early entertainment with some real gasps in the crowd. The dignitaries said their words of encouragement which we could actually hear this year. Then the start was announced with a couple of field guns and a flypast by the 2 Merlin Helicopters.

We entered 2 x 35 mile teams and a 45 mile team. Many of the families followed their student’s team round using the website and the track can now be downloaded using Google earth. The fortunes of the teams were very different this year, but I would like to commend every student for their efforts and teamwork. One team made it to Standon Farm before they hit a cut off time. The pity was that they were still full of walking and would have come in a little late but as a team. The other 35 team then came across the line as a team about 13:30 which was a very good time. The 45s game plan was always to go long and come in between 4:00 and 5.00pm. They made it across the line as a team at 5:17pm which was a very emotional moment. They had conquered the 45 miles but didn’t get their medals by 17 minutes. It was more important to them to get the whole team in than hit the time.

I would like to thank the staff and the parents who have spent every other weekend on the Moor from November to May, it is a considerable commitment. I am sure they also share the same satisfaction as I do, educating a group of students from diverse backgrounds into a team which enters one of the most demanding endurance events for their age groups. We are always looking for people to join the team to ensure we can train the students safely. Walking experience is the basic requirement so if you do think you can help then please get in touch with me or one of the team. It doesn’t have to be every weekend but would be really appreciated by the students.

A Level Chemistry

Our A-level chemistry students have been learning about condensation polymers, such as nylon and polyester as part of their ‘Polymers and Life’ topic. Here they have been using molecular model kits to make a model of polyester (which they are holding) and nylon. They are going to use their knowledge to explain how proteins are formed, and how they can be broken down in the body.

Girls into Construction

On Wednesday 76 year 7 Girls welcomed our Constructing Excellence South West Partners Morgan Sindall who kindly organised for 3 female construction practitioners to deliver presentations on the opportunities for females within the construction industry and paint a picture of the diverse range of careers in this sector of the industry.

Helen Demuth who is an Associate Interior Designer with Bailey Partnership delivered a talk about the projects and opportunities she has been given within the industry and how her approach is led by clients like Torquay Academy who have very clear ideas of how a school should be designed given the exciting and engaging nature of our curriculum.   Then Maxine Goodey from AES Sustainability Consultants described her journey to her current role as a senior consultant. Maxine provides advice on issues impacting building projects, ranging from energy efficiency and construction waste management, to the importance of maximising biodiversity opportunities for projects around the country.   We were very lucky to have such positive role models take time out of their busy schedules to encourage the next generation of female construction workers into the industry.

Thank you to Stacie Harrison, who is the Morgan & Sindall Business Development / Marketing Assistant, for organising our visitors and Neil Baker, their Contracts Manager, for giving us an update on the progress of our new Theatre.
Girls into Construction Club will commence the first week back after half term with Design and Sustainability on a Tuesday 1.15pm and Trades on a Thursday 1.15pm.  Mr Waring looks forward to welcoming every student who wishes to pursue a career in the industry or just learn more about the skills needed to get involved in our built environment.

Year 12 Futures event

Mrs Hosking was delighted to welcome year 12 students and parents into school on Thursday evening for our futures event.  She spoke to them about the possibilities beyond our sixth form.  Students and parents then had the opportunity to speak to advisors from a number of universities.

Team TA Sports Roundup

Devon Champions!

Our U15s attended the County 7 a side finals on Tuesday at the Devon FA headquarters.  After a great performance in the local competition we entered the county final in high spirits believing in the ability within the team.

Our group included Stoke Damerel, Cranbrook and West Exe with the game being a straight 16 minutes. We finished the group unbeaten with the results going as follows:
5 – 0 v West Exe (Ocean, Taylor x2, Siana and Kaitlyn) with the goals
2 – 0 v Cranbrook (Kaitlyn and Siana)
2 – 1 v Stoke Damerel (Siana x2)

The semi-final paired us against Exmouth who had beaten us earlier in the season at 11 v 11 so it was always going to be a tough one; the game was very close with both sides having very few chances. The game finished 0 – 0 which meant penalties would decide the winner.  With both goalkeepers being outstanding, both teams missed their first two penalties leaving it up to Ocean to step up for our third.  Under pressure, she calmly slotted the ball in the bottom left corner to give us the advantage.  Now it was Ellie’s turn to be the hero and she did not disappoint making a great save to put the girls into the final against a strong Ivybridge team.

The final was a very nervous performance from both teams, with neither wanting to make a mistake.  Both teams had chances with the keepers again doing well. With 2 minutes left it looked like it was going to go to penalties again as both teams neutralized each other  As the game come to a finish Wiktoria intercepted the ball just past the halfway line and without hesitating struck a sweet shot that went flying into the bottom corner to give us the lead. We defended so well at the end to be crowned champions with a 1 – 0 victory.   It was a really enjoyable day for all involved and the girls were a credit to themselves and the school, the future is looking bright at TA for girls football with more exciting times ahead.

Ellie and Taylor play against Everton

Many congratulations to Ellie and Taylor who travelled with Plymouth Argyle’s Girls’ team to play Everton. They helped Plymouth to a 5-0 win with Taylor scoring 2 and Ellie keeping a clean sheet

Triathlon Success

Angus Graham, in Year 8, pulled off a stunning performance last weekend at the Sportiva Exmouth Triathlon to win the TriStar 3 event to follow up his second place in Torbay a couple of weeks ago.

Cricket

The year 7 and 8 cricket teams swapped the arctic conditions of Shaldon for the monsoon rains of Barton this week. With the sun shining all day, the clouds came in and the heavens opened providing a very wet and slippery field for the entirety of the two games. The boys were close to hypothermia at the end, but all finished with a smile on their faces. The two teams, consisting of mainly year 7 and some year 8 boys, played against St. Cuthbert Mayne School in a 9-a-side softball game. With the rain lashing down the boys started well in treacherous conditions. The year 7s restricted the opposition to just 27 runs, taking 8 wickets in the process. They then went into bat and scored a massive 41 for only 2 wickets. Reef Beer captained the side well, bowled well and ensured all players were involved giving them all a bowl. Ben German had the pick of the runs with an unbeaten 17. Evan Kinghorn and Oli McMullen played some lovely shots while Harry Clarke was unlucky to be run out without facing a ball. The boys sealed victory with some silent running between the wickets and some lovely shots.

The year 8 game saw the boys start well with Will Green taking 3 wickets. Josh Thompson and Bobby Western contributed with the ball, both taking wickets. The opposition managed to score just 29 from their innings. The boys batted sensibly with both Finley Last and Josh Thompson retiring on 21 and 22 respectively. Jack Alcock’s first game for the year 8s saw him bat maturely and then, unfortunately, got himself bowled, well after the game had been won though. Captain Will Bevan led the boys well, kept wicket brilliantly behind the stumps and batted consistently to seal victory. Well done to all involved.

For some this was their first taste of competitive cricket and hopefully the weather didn’t put them off too much. With the boys still unbeaten in all competitions so far this year and with some tough opposition coming up after half term the boys need to continue to get to training to work on their batting, bowling and fielding skills.

Year 7 team: Evan Kinghorn, Harry Clarke, Oli McMullen, Robin Pightling, Reef Beer, Kai Alexander, Ben German, Aj Sims, Charlie Pope.
Year 8 team: Jack Alcock, Will Bevan, Gabriel Prior, Josh Thompson, Will Hemus, Will Green, Owen Woodcock, Finley Last, Bobby Western

Swimming

Lauren Major Year 7 recently swam at the Swim England South West Regional Summer Championships. She has spent the last two weekends taking part in these Championships having qualified for 10 events this year and was competing against girls from all over the South West. She managed to gain some personal bests and made it to the final of the 200 metres butterfly. A great achievement. Lauren’s success does not come without hard work, she spends long hours training in the pool as well as some land-based training and when you consider her sessions start at 5.30am on school days it really shows you how committed and dedicated she is. Well done, Lauren.

Rounders

Over 40 Year 7,8,9 and 10 girls have represented the school over the last two weeks in the rounders central venue tournaments at Churston. With lots of girls demonstrating some great skills in both batting and fielding it has been no surprise that the girls have had some successful results in the games that they have played.

In year 7, star batting performances from Ellie, Matilda and Mia secured the team some valuable rounders. The year 8 girls found their form in the second half of the tournament where Lilly, Maddie and Leoni demonstrated some great fielding stopping the other teams scoring many rounders at all.

The year 9 and 10 teams have shown great strength in the games that they have played, fielding well against some strong batting performances and scoring some great rounders when batting.

The friendly games have hopefully put them in a good position for the league matches after half term. Well done to all the girls that have participated over the last two weeks you have been brilliant.

Year 10 Rounders

The year 10 Rounders team travelled to Churston for their 2nd CVL of the season.  The first game against St Cuthbert Mayne school narrowly ended in defeat 3 1/2 – 2 1/2 with the girls working hard to prevent the opposition from scoring any rounders. The next game was lost 10 – 1 1/2 against Newton Abbot College despite an outstanding 1 handed catch from Mya Miles. The team were not disheartened though and quickly came together, showing a huge improvement in both batting and fielding, for the last 2 games against Brixham 6 – 6 1/2 and South Dartmoor Community College 3 – 3.  Well done girls.

Georgia Davis, Daisy Poole Crampton, Rosie Barnes, Anna Hobson, Wiktoria Jarosz, Kacey Kenyon, Mya Miles, Myah Brett Wilson, Jasmine Winterton

Athletics

This week saw the trials to represent South Devon in the Devon Championships took place at Stover. All of our athletes did great in their chosen events and it is clear that we have a lot to look forward to when the inter-school championships take place later this term. The following qualified to represent South Devon in the Devon Championships which take place Exeter arena on Saturday 8th June.

Emma Harrison Year 9 800 metres, Georgia Davies Year 10 100 metres, Olivia Foster Year 9 100 metres and 200 metres, Reef Beer and Will Harrison Year 7 800 metres, Ellis Knowles Year 9 High Jump, Charlie Nunn Year 8, 800 metres.  Congratulations on being selected to all of you.

Hannah Races On

Sports Academy student Hannah spent a sunny Sunday morning at Clyst Hydon Huff 2K. An off-road race that saw Hannah produce a strong sprint finish to claim 3rd girl overall. Proud to represent South Devon Athletic Club Juniors.

Dedicated Lexonik Room

Our Lexonik program has been such a success that we now have a room dedicated to teaching it. The students can now learn the skills of reading and decoding literacy at speed in a space that provides them with a structured area, themed to Lexonik.  This room will mean that more students will be able to be part of this program, enabling all who take part to make great improvements in their literacy skills and understanding, both in English and across the wider curriculum. We look forward to seeing the progress that comes out of this room in the future.

Students of the Week

Students of the week with myself and Mr Chadwick are: Harvey Bates, Sean Coulson and Danny Frankum

Principal Certificates

Bronze: (not in order) Oliver Phillips, Reef Beer, Oliver McMullen, Lewis Dewar, Shay Connolly, Stephen McMullen, Matthew Oakden, Razr Turner, Laila Browne, Coral Sanderson, Milly Treleaven, Chloe Syms, Molly Seaman, Corey Milton, Kayleigh Wilson, Seth Bastow, Molly Brooksbankm Olivia Le Huray, Harry Langford, Nelly Fieldhouse, Harry Cocker, Reece Crichton, Emily Bowden, Georgia Davies, Nick Turner, Mia Burns, Benjamin Woodward, Aisa Kana,Lelah Poulain, Lizzie Holmes, Daniil Sherry

Silver: (not in order) Emily Phillips, Hayden Gibson-Roche, Elsie Taylor, William Hilton, Harrison Clarke, Jay Tout, Toby Stewart, Jasmine Brown, Dara Kennedy, Kieran Johnson, Lilyella Monk, Kian Bowness, Kezia Stanley, Alexis Vowles, Adam Clark, Finley Last, Lola Green, Alex Green, Katie Taylor, Sohpie Davis, Aaron Johnson, Sean Coulson 

Gold: (not in order) Darcy Thomson-Wade, Summer Mansell, Riley Isaac, Harrison Spurle, Monica Mitula, Archie Cox, Skye Warner. Madelyn Palmer-Kerslake, Daniel Green, Bailey Denyer, Aaron Cox, Libby-Marie, Marshall, Maggie Minty, Maddison Harvey, Grace Hallett, Hannah Vizcaino, Emily Mahoney-Billis, Nathan Wells, Daryl Fortune, Jack Shirlow, Rebecca Willis, Tyler Stuckey

Governor Certificates

Bronze : (not in order) Tyler Bayliss, Anya Page-Dove, Fin Gaisford  Sebastian Grute, Jamie Smith, Alfie Lang

Silver: Codie James, Shannon Adamson, Tyler Silvester

Gold: Kai Alexander, Shelby Astley-Rubin

Platinum: Cody Furze

House Stars of the Week

Year 7

Brunel –

Christie – Toby Morris

Darwin – Thomas Collins

Fawcett – Lily-Anne Winterton

Harrison – Oscar Bidmead

Kitson – Charlie Stevens

Nearne – Rowen Poulain

Pengelly – Shelby Astley-Rubin

Year 8

Brunel – Bobby Western

Christie – Poppy Holloway

Darwin –

Fawcett – Ellie Holloway

Harrison – Adam Pac

Kitson – Liam Poole

Nearne – Coral Sanderson

Pengelly – Tyler Nunn

Year 9

Brunel – Jack Luscombe

Christie – Alicia Lindley

Darwin – Ellie Mitchell

Fawcett – Emma Harrison

Harrison – Kayleigh Wilson

Kitson – Jack Brownhill

Nearne – Jay Rich

Pengelly – Harrison Lee

Building Update

The building is almost completely enclosed now and ready for the external render to be applied.