January 2014

24 January 2014
Published: 24 January 2014

This week the S5 and S6 pupils have been grappling with their Prelim Exams.  As ever, some pupils have left the Hall looking happier than others – but it was ever thus.  I look forward to finding out how they have done and rest assured: we will be working hard with all our senior pupils to ensure that they are well prepared come May.  Speaking of May, there are only eleven school weeks between now and the beginning of May – this strikes terror into my heart, so I don’t know about anyone else!  So S4 pupils only have 33 more hours of each of their subjects to go and S5/6 pupils only have about 55 hours of each subject.  Gulp!  Please can everyone encourage the youngsters to make good use of every minute of these eleven weeks?

Yesterday we welcomed five teachers from South Korea as they visited the school.  They spent most of their time in English and Modern Languages (given that they are here as English Teachers), but did branch out to other subjects e.g. Drama, Art and PE.  They had a great time and were very complimentary of our staff and the pupils.  As ever, our pupils were not fazed in the slightest – however one youngster did ask them what it was like having come to Scotland all the way from Kenya!

We also had the, now annual, Burns’ Supper last night.  Thanks to Mrs Ball, Mr Blair, the KASG team, Ms Hossack (and her merry band of helpers), and Mr Swinney for organising the whole event.  The food was plentiful and delicious.  The entertainment was top notch.    Ninian Wilberforce piped in the chef (Finlay Hay) and the haggis; following which, Mr Illingworth gave a rousing rendition of the “Address to the Haggis”, starting the evening off on the proper footing.  Mark Robertson (Head Boy) was witty and a little provocative (quite right!) in his “Address to the Lassies”.  Gemma Sandie (Head Girl) was more than a match for him in her response.  Music was provided by pipers Euan Naysmith, Ninian Wilberforce, Cian Woodsend and Grant Campbell; a select choir (Lucy Linton-Main, Leah Murray, Katie green, Emily Baxter, Kaelyn Honeycomb, and Roisin Kennelly;) and the Goats’ Toes (too numerous to mention individually).  Needless to say they were amazing.  We also had a recitation from Megan Brown and Highland Dancing from Brigid Hay.  Junior pupils have been studying Burns in their English classes and have been producing their own responses to poems.  An animation on the theme of Tam O’Shanter was shown last night as part of the entertainment and congratulations to the group who must have spent hours on it (Freddie Cunningham, Stuart McQuade, Fergus Syme, Finley Bruce and George Green).  A finer evening you could not have wished for, and, at the risk of becoming boring, I was one very proud Head Teacher.

Have a braw weekend.
S Ingham

 

17 January 2014
Published: 17 January 2014

We are now fully into the swing of the Prelim Exams.  The S4 have found some of the exams easier than others, but I am hoping that it gives them an indication of what they have to do to be on the top of their game come May.

Last week I had the pleasure of interviewing candidates for the post of Teacher of Learning Support.  I would like to congratulate Mrs Carol Cumming on being the preferred candidate for the post.  Mrs Cumming has already worked in the school on general supply and had been covering the acting post in Learning Support.  She is a great permanent addition to the team.

Things are moving on apace for the pupils going on the China Expedition this summer.  This week there was a meeting for staff and parents with the leaders from Outlook (the company who organise it all).  Everything seems to have gone well and the pupils are on-track for the trip of a lifetime.  Thanks to all the staff for their input, parents for their input, and to Mr Woolley for all of his help.

Next Thursday is going to be quite a busy day.  In the morning we are being visited by eight or so South Korean teachers.  They are doing an English immersion course through Edinburgh University and want to see a Scottish school in action.  Everyone is looking forward to meeting them and they will be attending some of our English and Modern Languages classes. 

Unfortunately the Koreans will not be staying long enough to take part in the Burns’ Supper that evening.  I don’t know if tickets have sold out, but they are going fast.  Contact Mrs Ball, Mr Blair or any member of the KASG committee for tickets.  I think it will be a very fine evening.

Before all of that, though, the S5 and S6 have their Prelims starting next week.  Exam leave is for next Monday to Friday only.  Pupils should check when their exams are and ensure that they leave home in plenty of time to get here for the start of their exam.  If pupils are late, they have half an hour’s grace to get in (as they will in May), but it would be better for all concerned if everyone was punctual.  If you want to check when an exam is one just click here.

Have a very good week.
S Ingham
 

10 January 2014
Published: 10 January 2014

A belated Happy New Year to one and all.

It’s good to be back and into the swing of things again.

The Prelims for S4, S5 and S6 pupils are looming – with the S4 starting on Monday 13th January (no exam leave, I’m afraid), and the S5/6 starting on the 20th (exam leave from the 20th to the 25th January inclusive).  This is the time when youngsters can gauge how they are doing, and most importantly work out what they need to do between February and May to ensure that they are successful.  Please see the Prelim Timetable that is here, if you need to check who is doing what and when.

On Wednesday evening we had the first Parent School Partnership meeting of 2014. It was very well attended and we discussed a number of issues.  As a school we are continuing to look at provision for next year’s S4 given what we are learning at the moment with the new qualifications.  There will be a survey coming up on here in due course that will be asking parental opinion as to whether they think that S4 pupils, in the future, should study for 6, 7 or 8 National Qualifications.  There will be some information included in the survey to inform your thinking.  So please have your say.  From discussions at the PSP, I know that parents still have a lot of questions about the National Qualifications, so I would suggest having a look at information here and here.  You can always get in contact with the school via, Guidance or House Heads, or at Parents’ Evenings for further clarification.

The next PSP meeting (5th February) will be followed by the Parent council AGM.  Please check the PSP website for further information.  While you’re there, you might also want to sign up for mail alerts from the Parent Council direct to your inbox.

The other “big” event on the school’s horizon is the Burns’ Supper being held on Thursday, 23rd January at 7pm in the Food Court. It’s run by Knox Academy Support Group and is one of the ways that they raise funds for the school.  A ticket costs £10 for adults and £5 for youngsters, and this includes a hearty meal and entertainment.  Please contact Mrs Ball or Mr Blair through the school, or any member of KASG.  The line-up of speakers and performers would indicate that it will be a very fine evening.  Be warned, tickets do go quickly.

Have a very good week.
S Ingham