Pupils currently in S3 will be preparing to go on work placement from Monday 1st June until Friday 5th June next tem.  We will be launching work experience in PSE classes in January, giving pupils and their familes time to think about where they may like to work for the week. 

Please look out for letters, forms and stories appearing on the website.

Jayne Easson

A few words of reflection from Natalie Forrest, member of the winning YPI Team... supporting Beyond Boundaries.

YPI was an incredible experience, because not only does it raise awareness of the social issues within our community, but it actually gives us the opportunity to go out there and to help combat them,  and to see for ourselves why it is so essential that help is provided for others.  Initially, we discovered more about the social issues occurring locally.  That was hard hitting, and to be honest, rather shocking.  Because whilst complaining about how you feel slightly under the weather, it’s easy to forget how there are some people suffering from illnesses they won’t recover from, and whilst turning up the heating, it’s easy to forget others are living on the ice cold streets, and whilst out playing hockey, it’s easy to forget others don’t have the ability to walk properly.   After the necessary reminder about those not as fortunate as many of us, we then had to then choose a specific issue that we were particularly passionate about.  As a group, we took a particular interest in helping those with mental or physical disabilities.  It can have such an effect on people, the poverty rates are significantly higher amongst those who are disabled; 19% of individuals in families with at least one disabled member live in poverty, compared to 15% of individuals in families with no disabled member. This can be due to the fact that employment rates are much lower, at only 46%, and the fact that equipment is incredibly expensive.  Also, it can significantly restrict the amount of activities one can participate in, which can make them left out and isolated, especially in childhood.  Therefore, when it was time for the class to research different charities combating a particular social issue, we were determined to find a charity which combats everything aforementioned.  However, we watched last year’s YPI presentations, and remembered that one group were trying to win a charity called Beyond Boundaries the three thousand pounds, the work that Beyond Boundaries carried out seemed remarkable, and we hadn’t forgotten about them. 

So we decided to learn more, and met up with the man who runs Beyond Boundaries, he is called Steve. Within about a minute of speaking with him, we were absolutely set on choosing Beyond Boundaries as our charity.  I don’t think I have met anyone as selfless, compassionate, or as determined to improve the lives of others as he is, and there is nobody we would rather win the money for.  He spoke about how he would give up his work to run the charity full time, however, lack of money was an issue.  Furthermore, he said his voluntary work made “every day worth getting up for”, which just conveys how much this means to him, and how much he would appreciate the three thousand pounds. Beyond Boundaries is a charity which aims to combat physical and social barriers, by providing activities adapted for those with a mental or physical disability, improving the health and quality of life for all members, and preventing feelings of isolation and loneliness. It provides emotional and physical support. They can also provide free, adapted equipment for members, which can help them with costs. We then had the opportunity to meet those who Beyond Boundaries helps, and the impact Beyond Boundaries has on them was evident.  They looked so incredibly happy on their bike, and spoke of how they had met so many...

This year, all S5 pupils have been taking part in the Youth Philanthropy Initiative (YPI) programme; which sees groups of pupils research and work with local charities in order to further their understanding of the issues facing many people in our community. On top of the research, each group is also competing to win an incredible £3000 to donate to their chosen charity.

Wednesday morning saw the Final of Knox Academy's Youth Philanthropy Initiative (YPI). The six groups who were successful in the Class Finals took to the stage in the Assembly Hall, in the presence of all S4 and S5 pupils, to present the case for their chosen charities.

The presentations were of an exceptionally high standard and the pupils were a credit to themselves and their charities. A wide variety of social issues were addressed, the profiles of many of our local charities have been raised dramatically.

Kindly, Councillor John McMillan, Diane Robertson from East Lothian Council and our very own Head Teacher agreed to take the time out of their busy schedules to come along and support our pupils as our judges for the day. After much deliberation it was judged that the charity to receive the cheque should be Beyond Boundaries East Lothian.  This charity offers participation in outdoor activities and adventure sports for people aged 16 and over with mental and physical disabilities in East Lothian.

Many congratulations to Chloe Forrest, Natalie Forrest, Iona Freckleton, Katy Irving and Hannah Green who did an incredible amount of work both researching and fundraising for Beyond Boundaries over recent months and were well deserved winners of the prize for their charity.

Congratulations also to all the finalists who competed for their charities all the judges were hugely impressed and moved by the care and passion demonstrated by all finalists! 

The other charities represented in the final were as follows:

• East Lothian Young Carers
• East Lothian Food Bank
• Recharge
• The Bridge Project
• Leuchie House

A Redford

This week the Amnesty/RRSA group are trying to raise awareness of human rights issues across the school in a variety of ways (more to follow later).

This morning, in registration, pupils will be shown a video clip summarising the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

H Brannigan