October 2011

28 October 2011
Published: 28 October 2011

The school is back after the October break and as busy as usual.

On Tuesday, we held assemblies to introduce the new ‘Drinking Water Policy’; an updated policy is required because the water fountains in the school have been commissioned and are now accessible. The main point stressed to pupils is the need to maintain hygiene at all times (removing the drinking spout when filling the bottle, not sharing bottles etc.). Each pupil has been issued with a Knox Academy water bottle and the full policy can be viewed on the website. On behalf of the school, I would like to thank the Knox Academy Support Group (KASG) for sponsoring the water bottles.

Further assemblies took place yesterday, when Councillor Trotter addressed the pupils as part of our on-going links with the community. Councillor Trotter expressed his pride in East Lothian and encouraged the youngsters to play a positive role in their community. I would like to thank the Councillor for finding time in his busy schedule to support the school.

On Wednesday evening the school hosted a very busy S4 Parents’ Consultation Evening. I hope parents/carers found the evening informative about their youngster’s progress. The Preliminary Examinations for all S4 pupils begin on Monday 7 November. I am sure you join me in wishing all the pupils good luck in these important examinations.

This week I have visited all the S2 classes in English, Classics and French. It is a pleasure to report that all the teachers felt the classes were progressing well and working hard. However, a few need to remember to bring in, and use, their Homework Organisers (and one or two had ‘forgotten’ their ties).

On Wednesday and Thursday evenings, the ‘new’ Higher Drama pupils performed a series of short plays, written and directed by members of the class. The audiences appreciated the performances and the evenings were a great success. Congratulations to all involved.

Best wishes
J B Craig
 

14 October 2011
Published: 14 October 2011

Last Friday was a very busy day, Higher Modern Studies pupils visited Musselburgh Grammar School to take part in a BBC Scotland Event debating issues related to their course. Also, during the morning, Ms Orr and Ms MacReady led a very successful trip into Haddington, where pupils in 1T3 surveyed shoppers at TESCO and ALDI about the recycling facilities in the town. This was part of the S1 ACE morning and staff and members of the public commented on how polite the pupils were, and how well they conducted themselves.

Finally, on Friday afternoon, the East Lothian Young Chef of the Year 2011 competition took place. Knox Academy was represented by pupils Rachal Cooper, S3 and Kerri Scambler, S4 (last year’s winner). Pupils from five East Lothian secondary schools put their culinary skills to the test in front of distinguished judges. The event was held at Preston Lodge High School and the ‘home team’ lifted the trophy. However, a special award for the individual chef ‘most determined to succeed’ went to Rachal. Congratulations to all involved.

On Tuesday, the U16s rugby team drew 29-29 with Loretto School in a cup match. Knox Academy progresses to the next round as the SRU cup rules state, in the event of a draw the away team goes through. Mr Lambert (Sports Co-ordinator) reports that the team did really well to come back from 22-10 down (they were actually winning 29-22 until the last minute when Loretto scored and converted a try with the last kick of the ball). Well done to the team and good luck in the next round.

On Tuesday evening the school hosted a very busy P7 Evening. After being welcomed to Knox Academy, the parents and their youngsters were able to tour the school, ask staff questions and see pupils ‘in action’. I hope our visitors found the evening enjoyable and a good introduction to Knox.

During the session, senior pupils have the opportunity to spend time on a work placement. It is a very positive experience for them and we appreciate the support and help of the local community with the placements, so it was lovely to receive the following message from Mr Tim Wood, CFA, Managing Director, Tim McInroy and Wood Ltd: ‘It is flattering that your students want to spend time here.  The most heartening aspect to me is that, the students we have had so far have shown an ability and enthusiasm that have been far greater than one might have expected for their age. Much is written in the press about the falling standards in schools and the annual debacle of asking whether exams are getting easier. It is quite apparent that high quality education is alive and well in Haddington, and that can only be positive for the future’.

Today the school is alive with the Faculty Inter-House Challenges. Each faculty is offering activities to challenge mixed age groups of pupils. Challenges range from quizzes to origami to fun maths to sports. Points are awarded for participation and highest scores and will contribute to the overall House winner of the session. Congratulations to all pupils for their enthusiastic participation and thank you to all staff involved and, in particular, Ms Duff for organising the morning.

Today the school closes for the October holiday, pupils resume on Tuesday 25 October at 08.44. The school office will be open during the holiday period and can be contacted in the usual way.

Best wishes
J B Craig

 

7 October 2011
Published: 07 October 2011

The week was off to an exciting start with the annual S2 Land Yacht competition on Monday and Tuesday. Led by the staff of the Technical Department, all S2 pupils had the opportunity to take part. In groups, the pupils had to design, cost and build a model of a working land yacht. The models were road tested using the power of a hair dryer. Congratulations to all involved and many thanks to the staff who organised the event and the guest judges who had the difficult task of allocating points.

All week we have been hosting a visit from our Czech colleagues as part of the on-going Comenius project linked with the Seabird Centre. As well as spending time in the school, they have been visiting various local sites and working with colleagues in the Science Faculty; again, many thanks to Mr Jappy for organising the visit and acting as ‘chief tour leader’.

On Wednesday, I was in the audience for a performance by the S6 NC Acting and Theatre Performance class. There were three pieces of silent movement, each one depicting a relationship. The standard was outstanding and the performances appreciated by the audience of S3 Drama pupils (who had some very good comments to make at the end). Congratulations to the performers and their teacher, Mr Campbell.

The Parent School Partnership (Parent Council) met on Wednesday evening and the minutes will be available on the Parents’ website.

Yesterday evening, a group of pupils studying Drama, travelled to Edinburgh to see a performance of ‘Mary Queen of Scots Got Her Head Chopped Off’ at the Royal Lyceum Theatre. The play was a modern, witty twist on the historical tale of Queen Elizabeth and Queen Mary. The distinctive colloquial language was a hit with the pupils, as was the contemporary, eclectic set. Staff members accompanying the trip reported that the pupils were well behaved; thanks to all staff involved and to Ms Whitfield for organising the trip.

This morning, one of the Higher Modern Studies classes has travelled to Musselburgh Grammar School to take part in a BBC Scotland event debating issues related to their course. I look forward to hearing all the details on Monday.

No doubt next week will equally busy as we have the P7 Open Evening on Tuesday and the Faculty Challenges on Friday. A reminder that the school breaks for the October holiday week on Friday 14 and pupils resume on Tuesday 25 October.

Best wishes

J B Craig