April 2011

28 April 2011
Published: 28 April 2011

The wonderful Spring Concert performance on Wednesday 6 April is now available to listen to on the website. This is a highly recommended ‘listen’ for the audience and participants to hear again and for those not lucky enough to have been at the live performance.

The Art Department has formed a link with the Peter Potter Gallery in Haddington. Some S2 pupils have been working with an artist, Gemma Coyle, through the gallery to learn how to do animation. They produced a collaborative animation, along with some individual ones, that is being shown in the gallery’s ‘Art and Landscape Schools Exhibition’ from 23 April – 11June (also, S4 pupils have the opportunity to exhibit some of their artwork during this time). The animations are based on sculptures made in response to the surrounding landscape, the pupils have been learning how to make woven sculptural structures and the process of stop frame animation. This has enabled them to use the environment and explore weaving as a contemporary art form. The pupils who worked on the project (2L1 and 2T1) visited the gallery yesterday to see their work and the rest of the exhibition. Congratulations to all pupils involved and many thanks to the Peter Potter Gallery for supporting the school and the Art Department for organising the school side of events.

Yesterday evening, we held an Information Evening about course choices for the parents and carers of S2 pupils. The evening was well attended and I hope the parents and youngsters found the event helpful. This evening, we host the S1 Parents Consultation Evening (5-7pm) and I am sure we are in for a very busy couple of hours.

As we approach the summer examinations, the pressure is on the pupils in S4/5/6 to study even harder. The Easter Revision programme was well attended and feedback from staff and pupils has been positive. All pupils in S4/5/6 have received letters regarding the arrangements for the examinations and study leave. For S4 pupils, the SQA examinations and Study Leave begin on Tuesday 3 May. I am sure the whole school community join me in wishing all the pupils every success in their examinations.

Just to confirm that tomorrow, Friday 29 April, is an additional holiday for the Royal Wedding and the school is closed on Monday 2 May. All resume at 8.44 am on Tuesday 3 May.

Best wishes.

JB Craig

8 April 2011
Published: 08 April 2011

On Tuesday, Provost Richardson and Knox welcomed a group of six teachers from the Czech Republic. Their visit is part of a Comenius project between the Gymnazium Karvina, the Seabird Centre in North Berwick and Knox Academy, on the theme of teaching environments and sustainability. As well as spending time in the school, the group enjoyed visits to Edinburgh and East Lothian landmarks in a hectic schedule organised by Mr Jappy. We look forward to further visits and co-operation between the three parties to the project. Many thanks to Mr Jappy and Mr Duddin for organising the visit.

One event our visitors enjoyed very much was the Spring Concert on Wednesday evening. This proved to be a magnificent evening of music and song ranging from bands to orchestras to choirs to Glee Club. All performances were first class, tackling traditional, classical, Michael Jackson or Beach Boys’ music. I am sure no-one will object if I make a special mention of the Senior Choir, which provided a grand finale (‘A Tribute to Queen’) that received a huge ovation and brought the evening to a rousing conclusion. Many thanks to all staff and pupils involved in making the evening such a success. A special thank you to the S6 pupils who have contributed so much to the music-making in the school during their years with us, I am sure they will continue to enjoy music, no matter what career path they take.

Last night, senior pupils completed their practical Higher Drama examination; this took the form of a performance before an appreciative audience.Supported by the Drama Department staff, the pupils pulled out all the stops and the acting examination went very well; the visiting marker said 'thank you for making this a sense of occasion... and I don't say that lightly'. Well done to all concerned and I look forward to seeing the results of this hard work in August.

Today, full reports for S3 pupils and progress reports for S1 pupils have been distributed and I hope parents and carers find them informative and helpful.

As we approach the summer examinations, the pressure is on the pupils in S4/5/6 to complete course work, NABs and to study even harder. There will be a full Easter Revision programme (each pupil has received a copy of the programme and full details are on the website) and, during term time, revision clubs are available at lunchtimes and after school, I would encourage all the pupils to access these.

This morning we have had Easter Assemblies, on the theme of  ‘We Believe in You’ and the S5/6 pupils had a special treat as 1G3 and 1L3 performed ‘Welcome to Africa’. This included some spirited singing and drumming and a presentation on all the nations of Africa. Congratulations to the S1 pupils who, encouraged by Ms Hay and Ms Brown, managed to overcome some serious nerves to perform for the seniors.

The Spring Term finishes today at 12.05 and the Summer Term begins on Tuesday 26 April at 8.44 am (please remember that Friday 29 April is an additional holiday for the Royal Wedding).

Best wishes for the spring break.

JB Craig

1 April 2011
Published: 01 April 2011

Last week, Knox Academy had success at the Young Enterprise Awards Evening held in Edinburgh on the 24 March. ‘Pride of East Lothian’ came second in the Overall Best Company category, with Andrew Gilmour taking first place as the Best HR Director and Craig Rafferty and Fiona Cleat placed joint third as Best Finance Director. Congratulations to them all.

On Wednesday, Knox hosted the nursery children and P1&2s from St Mary’s and Yester Primary Schools. They joined with the Knox Academy Orchestra for a performance of the ‘Carnival of the Animals’. Staff and pupils worked very hard on the event over the last few months, and this was reflected in the standard of play of the orchestra and the collages and pictures produced by the primary and nursery children (from a simple but effective lion's head to an aquarium collage to swan hats). Pupils from 1L3 joined in with a parade of animals, using artwork and sculptures. Emma Campbell, S6, read her lovely poem about the animals. A very enjoyable and successful event, congratulations to all involved.

Over the last two weeks, pupils in S4 and S5 have been meeting with Guidance and Careers staff as part of the coursing process for next session. All completed and signed forms must be returned by Thursday 7 April.

The ‘Kidnapped’ mystery photograph competition (on the website), closes today and I am looking forward to seeing the results and finding out who the mystery readers are.

Next week is the last week of term and, while all classes will continue to work hard, there will be several events, including the highly anticipated Spring Concert, publication on the web of the Knox News and Easter Assemblies. The Spring Term finishes on Friday 8 April at 12.05 and the Summer Term begins on Tuesday 26 April.

Best wishes,

JB Craig