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