The week got off to a good start; on Friday 5th March, at the new Informatics building at Edinburgh University, a Knox Team took part in the Scottish Schools’ Debate final. This involved six schools that had won regional heats. The Knox team of four - Alexandra Muir, Gregor McMillan, Emma Lynas and Tom Gates, ably supported by Mrs Fairbairn, had to prepare for 3 motions. In the morning, Knox won both heats outright and so the team was through to the final in the afternoon against Madras College. The motion was: ‘Attempts to radically extend the human lifespan should be welcomed’ (we opposed). The final was very close but we were pipped to the post. Congratulations to all involved. This was only our second attempt at this competition so next year, you never know...

On Monday afternoon, pupils planning to leave school in the summer were invited to the Opportunities 2010 event held in the library. Arranged by Guidance staff and supported by various outside agencies, this gave the youngsters information and advice on opportunities post-school.

Since Wednesday, a group of S3 pupils have been attending the National Science and Engineering Awards in Manchester. Ms Legatt is accompanying the 5 pupils and we should hear soon how they did in the final competition.

The S4 coursing interviews have been taking place this week. Many parents/carers have been able to attend the interviews with their youngsters and I look forward to reading all the course choice sheets (due in 19 March).

As we approach the last few weeks of March, the pressure is on the pupils in S4/5/6 to complete course work, NABs and to study even harder as the examinations approach. Revision clubs are available at lunchtimes and after school, I would encourage all the pupils to access these.

Best wishes,

JB Craig