December 2014

19 December 2014
Published: 19 December 2014

As we reach the final hours of the term, I sit here typing to the sound of the S6 Panto in full swing. The S6 and staff have written it, and are performing it three times (once to each house) before we close for the holiday. I would like to thank everyone involved for making it a wonderful event that gets to showcase the acting, singing, musical and comedy-writing talents of our pupils and staff.

Talking of talented people, I would like to take this opportunity to let you know of two major successes that pupils have had recently. Scott Thomson in S5 has been crowned the Under 60Kg British Cadet Champion in Judo. This is his third British Championship title. Scott is an incredibly modest pupil who wears his honours very lightly, but I feel the need to congratulate him publicly on this great achievement.

Equally talented, but in an entirely different sphere, is Claire Thomson in S4. She recently came first in the “15 and under Bass Drumming” class at the Craigmount Solo Piping and Drumming Competition. She was accompanied by pipers Euan Naysmith and Grant Campbell, and on the snare drum by Hannah Green. This competition is hard fought and Claire has done herself, and the school, proud with her win.

The Christmas Concerts went off without a hitch on Tuesday. Everyone played and sang beautifully and we have received many compliments as a result. Again, I would like to thank everyone for taking part and, in particular, the music staff, the music instructors, and the stage and lighting teams.

On Wednesday, Michael Cavanagh, from Commonwealth Games Scotland, came in to judge the Christmas Box Competition. He is still very busy with the Games’ legacy work, but managed to spend a good couple of hours in the school, bringing along with him one of the Queen’s Batons. It was lovely seeing the pupils able to have go at holding it and examining it in detail. We had a massive turnout of boxes – so thanks to everyone who contributed. The winners this year, were 6G2, whose box depicting “12 Drummers Drumming” was both striking and full of goodies. The boxes and their contents were distributed to Haddington Day Centre, the Butts Sheltered Housing, the east Lothian Food Bank, and to various elderly residents via the Social Work Department. The pupils who helped deliver the boxes were: Ewan Macpherson, Elli Robertson, Eve McBain, and Andrew Syme. Some senior pupils also went to the Day Centre (but this time on Monday) to sing Christmas Carols and entertain the elderly. It was very much appreciated and congratulations for getting this event off the ground go to Rhona Taylor and Kate Farmer in S6.

Also, on Wednesday, I had the hard task of helping to judge our annual S1 Nativity Scene competition. We had a diverse range of scenes – some made out of cake, others marshmallow, one was knitted, another embroidered, and still more were drawn. The overall winner was Murran Bland who produced a short film on the birth of Christ that was by turns funny, touching, and perceptive. I think she might have a career in film making ahead of her. Runners up were: Sarah Greenwell, Mollie Hastie, and Amy Mill-Irving.

So, it just remains for me to wish everyone all the best for the festive season and 2015.

The school reopens on the 6th January 2015 for everyone at the usual time. I look forward to hearing how the holidays have gone.

S Ingham

 

12 December 2014
Published: 12 December 2014

This week we welcomed senior parents in to school for the S5/6 Parents’ Night. It was good to see people and the feedback that I was getting was positive. It was a shame to be seeing our S6 parents for what might be the last time (unless they have other children lower down the school). They have become great friends of the school and we will miss them.

On Tuesday I had the pleasure of speaking to some of the elected members about the “Wood Commission Report” and how that impacts on young people in East Lothian. The Commission was set up in January 2013 to consider: “How a high quality intermediate vocational education and training system, which complements our world-class higher education system, can be developed to enhance sustainable economic growth with a skilled workforce. How to achieve better connectivity and co-operation between education and the world of work to ensure young people at all levels of education understand the expectations of employers, and that employers are properly engaged. How to achieve a culture of real partnership between employers and education, where employers view themselves as co-investors and co-designers rather than simply customers.” We spoke a lot about the really strong work that “East Lothian Works” are doing with young people in the county and how schools are working to ensure that pupils are best prepared for the world of work.

On Wednesday we held our “Youth Philanthropy Initiative” final. Six groups of young people advocated for their local charity to receive a cheque for £3000 via the Wood Foundation. The charities represented were: East Lothian Young Carers; East Lothian Foodbank; The Bridge Centre; Recharge; Leuchie House; and Beyond Boundaries East Lothian. The successful group represented beyond Boundaries East Lothian, a charity that provides adapted cycling equipment for people with physical and mental disabilities. The pupils spoke with such passion and conviction that they made me so proud. Thanks should go to all the pupils for taking part, the staff that helped them, the charities themselves and my fellow judges.

Last night we had the “Christmas Sparkle Dance”, which went off very well. The pupils looked stunning and behaved superbly. Congratulations to Melissa Smith and Grant Campbell for winning “Best Dressed” awards. Thankfully the weather held off and everyone had a lovely evening.

We are starting to look forward to Christmas, now. We are decked out in our Christmas jumpers and ties today, raising money for “Save the Children”. We also start the final rehearsals for the Christmas Concert today, and I look forward to seeing a lot of you on Tuesday either at 2pm or 7pm.

School will close next Friday at 12.05pm and reopen to all on the 6th January 2015.

Have a very good week.

S Ingham

Head Teacher

 

5 December 2014
Published: 05 December 2014

It has been a week of glitz, glamour and success.

Last weekend some of our pipers and drummers showcased their talents at the East Lothian Solo Piping and Drumming Competition held at Preston Lodge High School. Worthy of a special mention is Josh Marsh who was awarded 3rd place in the Open Piping (18 years and under) class and was placed 1st in the Piobaireachd (18 years and under). If you want to see and hear some of our pipers and drummers in action, they will be playing at the Christmas Concert on the 16th December.

On Tuesday evening some of our S6 Sports Leaders organised a fashion show to raise money for the East Lothian Special Needs Playscheme. Clarissa Washington-Mackay and Rachel Dewar have been working since August to pull together this fabulous event. They worked with junior pupils to design and make garments that they then modelled on the catwalk. I know that this pushed everyone out of their comfort zones, be it through wondering if anyone would turn up, or for the junior pupils, having to walk the catwalk. Everyone carried it off superbly well. There was also entertainment from the school’s show choir, Venus, and a dance troupe. There was something for everyone. We are now thinking about how we can build on this event. Well done to all involved for a great evening’s entertainment. The Parent School Partnership met on Wednesday evening. As ever, the turnout was very healthy and discussions ranged far and wide. Our Head Boy and Girl (Calum Paul and Annabel Jackson) added their unique perspective to the evening, showcasing their vision for Knox Academy and passing on pupil concerns and ideas to the parent body.

Yesterday evening I had the pleasure of attending the East Lothian Star Awards with our “Employability Skills Team”. We had been nominated in the Community Partner category and were up against some stiff competition. I am delighted to announce that we won the category and have a lovely trophy and certificate to prove it! Massive congratulations go to Mr Flood and his team (Careers’ Advisors, Mr Plain, Mr Johnston) and to our partners Canon UK, Prentice Coaches and East Lothian Council. Without Mr Flood’s drive and passion for improving pupils’ employability skills we would not have been considered for the award. It is lovely to be recognised for doing well by our young people.

Next week sees things hotting-up: On Monday there is the S5/6 Parents’ Evening (5 to 7pm). There is a theatre visit (to see the BFG) on Tuesday, and on Thursday we have the “Christmas Sparkle Dance”. Can I ask parents to have a look at the document on this site that explains “The What? The How? And the Why?” of dances. Then, I guess, before we know it, we’ll be into the last week of term.

Have a very good weekend.

S Ingham