February 2011

25 February 2011
Published: 25 February 2011

The senior pupils and staff, who visited New York City last week, had a tremendous trip. Feedback from staff and pupils has been positive (apart from mixed reviews for ‘Spiderman: the Musical’). The pupils explored the city, visiting famous landmarks, including the United Nations building. Staff reported that the pupils were a credit to the school and embraced the ‘Big Apple’ with enthusiasm.

During the February break, the 2 days of study support for S5/6 pupils were reasonably well attended. Pupils who did attend found the sessions very helpful. My thanks to all staff involved.

On Tuesday evening, a group of S6 pupils, accompanied by Mr Edwards and Ms Machen, travelled to Edinburgh to take part in a debating competition with Portobello High School. The Knox teams of F Bertram (6T1), G McMillan (6L2), C Laing (6T2) and J Ramage (6L1) had to debate two motions: "We should not expect our online activities to remain private"and "Genetic screening of embryos should be celebrated, not feared". Both teams displayed a great deal of confidence, determination and passion throughout the debates. The judges commented on their ability to work as a team and commended them for sticking to their guns - not backing down despite being given a 'grilling from the judges'. The team will now be preparing to take part in the Debating Matters Nationals against various schools in Scotland. Congratulations to them all and good luck for the national competition.

I would like to draw attention to the letter from Inspector Fraser Jervis, Road Policing Branch, Lothian and Borders Police that can be found on the website. I am very concerned about the movement of traffic in and around the school campus at the start and end of the school day. Hopefully, the police will be able to advise us and make recommendations on how to secure the safety of all members of the school community.

On Wednesday afternoon, the school hosted a visit from the Leader of the Council, Councillor P McLennan. The Councillor was shown round the school by the Head Boy and Girl and their Deputies, before joining the audience for the first ‘Knox Academy Business Question Time’. This proved to be a very successful event, with a panel of local business people answering questions from senior pupils and providing a great deal of information (full details will follow on the website). A big thank you to all the members of the panel and to the Business Education Department staff and pupils for organising the event. Also, thanks to Ms Hossack and her team for providing the splendid refreshments.

From now until the end of term, all S1 pupils are involved in the ‘Big Read’. The chosen book is ‘Kidnapped’ and various events are planned to coincide with the reading. Details can be found on the website.

For the diary: along with all East Lothian schools, Knox Academy will be closed on Friday 29th April (the day of the Royal Wedding).

Best wishes,

JB Craig

11 February 2011
Published: 11 February 2011

Congratulations to the cast and production team of ‘Sweeney Todd’. This was a thrilling, ‘in the round’ production, that played to full houses for the 3 evening performances. Pupils from S1-6 were involved, as well as many members of staff, all ably led by the Director, Mr Campbell. Also, thanks to the KASG volunteers who provided and served the interval refreshments (including many pies!). Well done to everyone on a haunting and successful production.  

In the Mathematics Department, pupils have been busy researching and designing a new wetsuit for Paratriathlete, Jimmy Goddard, as part of the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Challenges. On Wednesday, S1 pupils B Woodsend, A Hay, C Craig, O Christie, J Duguid and J Gidney, travelled to Broxburn Academy and presented their research to a panel of judges. The Knox pupils received fantastic feedback for their ‘incredible’ research, teamwork and presentation skills. Accompanying teacher, Mr Blair, reported that the team were a credit to themselves and the school. Well done.

Yesterday, a group of senior pupils and RMPS staff set off for an overnight visit to Samye Ling. Located on the banks of the river Esk, Samye Ling was the first Tibetan Buddhist Centre to be established in the West. The group will experience life at the centre and find out more about the Buddhist religion.

Tomorrow, another intrepid group of senior pupils and staff head off for New York City. This is an established trip and the pupils will have the opportunity to explore the city, visit Ellis and Liberty islands and museums and see a Broadway show. I’m sure you join me in wishing them a wonderful trip to the ‘Big Apple’.

The Parent School Partnership (Parent Council) met on Wednesday evening and various issues and areas were discussed. The meeting began with a presentation regarding the progress in the school on implementing the Curriculum for Excellence. Minutes will be available on the Parents’ website.

During the February break, on Wednesday 16th and Thursday 17th, there will be 2 days of study support for S5/6 pupils. The sessions will run from 09.00 until 14.00 and cover many subjects and all levels of study; leaflets have been distributed to the pupils and full details are on the website. My thanks to all staff involved who, at late notice, have agreed to take part.

For the diary: along with all East Lothian schools, Knox Academy will be closed on Friday 29th April (the day of the Royal Wedding).

School closes at 12.05 today for the February break and term resumes for all on Monday 21st February.

Best wishes,

JB Craig

4 February 2011
Published: 04 February 2011

This has been a busy week for the Drama Department, yesterday; well-attended performances by the Advanced Higher Drama pupils were a great success. Along with colleagues and pupils from across the school, the Drama Department is in the late stages of rehearsals for the snow-delayed performances of ‘Sweeney Todd’ (8-10th February). Don’t miss the show, details are on the website.

This week I have visited the S2 classes. The theme was attitude to work and study and it is a pleasure that staff considered all classes at least satisfactory for these areas. However, too many pupils did not have their Homework Organisers with them. The organisers are provided by the school to encourage good study habits and to help pupils organise their workload and should be carried at all times.

A plea:

This morning we had something of a Mexican standoff in front of the school as parents, carers, taxis and buses tried to move into and out of the campus. We have been having great difficulty at the start and end of the school day. Too many parents are bringing their cars into the campus to drop off their youngsters. This is causing obstruction and holds up the movement of the buses. This has become dangerous.

PLEASE DO NOT BRING YOUR CAR INTO THE SCHOOL CAMPUS AT THESE TIMES UNLESS YOU HAVE A PRIOR ARRANGEMENT WITH ME.

Thank you for your support and co-operation with this concern.

To end on a high note, a Knox pupil has been praised for his quick and calm thinking. On his paper-round, S2 pupil Daniel Lomholt-Welch came to the rescue of a Knox Court resident who had become unwell. Full details are available on the website; well done Daniel!

Best wishes,

JB Craig