Fourteen pupils from Knox Academy are involved in the National Theatre of Scotland's Exchange programme. Last Sunday, a group of them attended a master class with the playwright, director and performer Johnny McKnight. The master class focused on stage presence and was excellent. It was wonderful that two of the pupils, F Duncan and J Hardie, were able to meet him, as they are performing a scene from one of his plays for their Acting Skills Unit. Over lunch, Mr McKnight was kind enough to speak to them in-depth and gave them good advice. The next master class is at the end of February and will focus on Visual Communication. 

On Tuesday the S3 KWN (Kids Witness News) Group (J Calder-Petrie, R Cole, O McHugh, E Munro, R Taylor, S Uddin, A Waddell and C Wright) visited St Andrew's House, Edinburgh to interview Kenny MacAskill (Justice Secretary) as part of their film on Knife Crime. The visit was very successful and provided some excellent clips for their film, which will be entered into the Panasonic competition at the end of February. Mr MacAskill commented on how well prepared the group were for the interview and the professional manner in which they conducted themselves.  Many thanks go to Mr MacAskill, for finding time in his busy schedule to participate in the production of this project and Mr Dempster for accompanying the pupils. As far as we are aware Knox Academy is the only school in Scotland taking part in this global competition. 

Unfortunately, the planned Burns’ Supper on Wednesday had to be cancelled due to accommodation problems. However, we will have the opportunity to celebrate all things Scottish on Thursday March 8, when the Knox Academy Support Group (KASG) will hold an evening of entertainment and refreshments on the theme of Burns and Scotland. 

Today is Holocaust Memorial Day, and pupils are encouraged to use their voice to speak out against hatred and discrimination and sign the pledge in the RMPS Department.         

The prelims for S5 and S6 pupils continue and run until 3 February. This week, the pupils have been on study leave. However, next week, pupils are expected to be in all timetabled classes unless attending an examination. I am sure you join me in wishing all the pupils every success for the remainder of the prelim examinations. 

Best wishes

JB Craig