Knox News Oct 11

8/3/2019 Knox News Oct 11

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Dear Parents/Carers,

Welcome to this, the first Knox News of session 2011‐2012. I am sure that the session will be hectic, enjoyable and successful. I know you will support the school in encouraging your youngster to achieve their potential, not only in examinations but also across a range of activities and areas and I am sure we all look forward to hearing about their achievements during the year.

So far, we have had a very busy term involving a wide variety of events including the S1 Induction Morning, sporting and drama events, S1 Settling in Evening, Staff/S6 Weekend and more. Details of these events can be found on the school’s website.

A summary of the SQA results is contained in this newsletter. Congratulations to staff and pupils

alike on an impressive set of results that reflect the hard work of last session. It is a great pleasure to see the seniors achieve the results necessary to move on to the next stage of their lives and careers.

Since the last Knox News in June there have been some staffing changes. In August we welcomed the following staff to Knox: Ms K Macready (Art and Design), Mr S Ferriman (Geography), Ms S Moffat (History), Ms C Crighton and Mr A MacKinnon (PE), Ms S Baird (RMPS), Mr S Disbury (English), Mr A Redford (Modern Studies) and Mr J Tennant (Computing). Also, we welcome back Mrs K Fairbairn (English), Ms K Johnston (Art and Design) and Ms G Good (Biology). Ms C Slowther

has

been

appointed

Acting

Principal

Teacher

(Curriculum):

Science.

We break for the October holiday on Friday 14 October at 12.05pm, pupils resume on Tuesday 25 October at 8.44 am.

Very best wishes.

J B Craig

Head Teacher

FROM THE HEAD TEACHER

The News le t t e r of Knox Academy

KNOX NEWS

October 201 1



The new Fourth Year pupils are already gearing up for a week of “real” work out in the

community. Initial letters have been given out (if you haven’t seen it, it’s on the school website) giving information about placements and dates. The week we’re all planning towards is:

November 21st – 25th

In the past some pupils have gained full time employment from showing how committed and hardworking they are during this one week placement, whilst others have learnt the very important lesson about which career they DON’T want to pursue!

There is a lot to do before pupils are allowed out on work experience and we appreciate your support.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact Miss Easson at school. Thank you.

J Easson PT Guidance

On Tuesday 23rd of August, a group of 2nd year pupils went to the Edinburgh International Book

Festival. The pupils were attending the event “Best and Worst of Times” with Elizabeth Laird and Jason Wallace. The studio theatre was filled with pupils from schools across Scotland and Knox pupils were fantastic ambassadors for the school. As pupils settled down for the session the authors walked in to face their appreciative audience.

Both authors have lived in other countries and they use their experiences to influence their writing. Elizabeth has taught English in many countries, and still returns to places where she has lived and worked for the inspiration for her many novels. She spoke to pupils about her passion for writing and how the smallest of things can be turned into a story. Pupils gasped as she spoke about being involved in situations many of them had heard about on the news, from the bombings in Lebanon to street children in Ethiopia. Elizabeth has seen many of the conflicts

around the world.

Jason who has just had his first novel published “Out of Shadows” spoke about how growing up and being schooled in Zimbabwe shaped the novel and how the experiences he had in Zimbabwe have had an impact on his life. He pointed out that though the school in the novel was nothing like the school he attended, he did see and hear many of the attitudes of the pupils voiced in the novel being expressed as he was growing up.

The authors then took questions from pupils attending the event and Ruairidh Bruce managed to get the authors thinking about what was their favourite novel. Pupils have all said the event was worthwhile and have given good ideas on how future events could be developed.

B. Plain

Librarian

S4 PUP ILS GO TO WORK

EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL BOOK FEST IVAL

Page 2

KNOX NEWS



S1/2 and pupils attending Learning Support have begun to use the Accelerated Reader software from Renaissance Place.

Accelerated Reader allows school staff to encourage pupils to develop their reading. Staff are able to monitor pupils’ comprehension and vocabulary through the book quizzes and comprehension tests on the software.

Parents/Carers can keep track on their child’s progress through Home Connect. Letters on how to access Home Connect will be issued to pupils after the October break and further information will be available on the library webpage at www.ka‐net.org.uk.

One area of Accelerated Reader that is very interactive is “AR Bookfind”. Bookfind allows you to organise personal reading lists which you can then request from East Lothian Catalogue or take to the school library to borrow the books on your list. Pupils will need the “Reading Zone” that has

been found to fit their comprehension result in the initial test to organise their reading list. This will have been given to pupils before the October break.

AR Bookfind also lets you select the age appropriate texts for the child accessing the software in Interest Level. Pupils may also find it useful to select Additional Criteria and browse books with quizzes on areas that interest them; there are many subjects to choose from including Animals, Mythology and Biographies.

Any questions relating to Accelerated Reader can be directed to any member of English Department staff or the School Librarian.

B. Plain

Librarian

It is vitally important that parents and carers keep us up to date with information about pupil absence. If we do not receive verbal notification of absence, pupils will automatically be recorded as "Truancy". If we do not receive a follow‐up note/email following telephone notification, pupils will be marked as "To Be Confirmed" which is eventually counted as truancy in our system.

Please remember to give the school a call or drop us an email as soon as you know that your youngster is going to be absent ‐ this is especially important given the number of off‐site activities that have been arranged over the next few weeks.

S Ingham

Depute Head Teacher

ACCELERATED READER

ABSENCES

Page 3



On 3rd and 4th October 2011 all S2 pupils took part in the Design Technology Department Land

Yacht Challenge. The groups worked over 3 periods in groups of 4 to design and manufacture a wind powered vehicle. The teams had limited materials to create a strong, stable structure to

catch as much wind as possible to propel the vehicle along in a straight line. The aim of the

project was to see which group could make a yacht that could travel the furthest.

All teams successfully completed their colourful, inventive land yachts and raced against each

other. Certificates were awarded in the following categories: most original design, most

effective team, most effective individual and the winning team, which produced the vehicle that

travelled the furthest.

The four winning teams for the furthest distance were:

Monday am: Lucy Couperwhite, Rowan Craig, Conall Boardman, Leon Doig

Monday pm: Angela Lynch, George Davies, Robbie Finlayson, Victoria Blake

Tuesday am: Harry Dawson, Briege Dick, Gregor Syme, Max Tinch

Tuesday pm: Peter Macaldowie, Amy Mead, Sarah Nugent, Rebecca Smith

Many thanks must be given to the judges of the four separate events: Mr S Harrison from

Had‐Fab, Mike Lemmon from Mike’s bikes, Jan Wilson and Emily Armatage from the Community

Council and our own, Mr J Young.

S Moore

Technologies Faculty

S2 LAND YACHT CHALLENGE

Page 4

KNOX NEWS



Would you like to receive notice that you are just about to go overdue on your library loans or an e‐mail notice that you have reservations waiting for you? Then Library Elf could be what you need.

From a safe, external website that monitors only your loan and reservations, Library Elf sends you

an e‐mail in time for you to renew or return items before you go overdue. You set your own

preferences for the reminders within the site and can request that Library Elf sends you a notice

when your reservations are available.

For more information on Library Elf please follow the East Lothian Libraries link on the school library

webpage.

B Plain

Librarian

EXAM RESULTS

L IBRARY ELF

Page 5

Results by end

of…

% of relevant

Sept S4 roll

achieving

Knox Academy

08/09 09/10 10/11

East Lothian

08/09 09/10 10/11

Scotland

08/09 09/10 10/11

S4 English & Maths

@Level 3 or

better 98 100 95 96 94 96 93 93 93

5+ @Level 3 or

better

96 97 93 95 96 95 92 92 93

5+ @ Level 4 or

better

84 84 84 84 83 82 78 78 78

5+ @ Level 5 or better

46 52 45 38 39 37 35 36 35

1+ @ Level 6 or

better

46 50 62 45 46 47 41 43 44

3+ @ Level 6 or

better

28 36 39 27 26 27 23 25 26

5+ @ Level 6 or

better

14 22 19 12 12 12 11 11 12

S6 1+ @ Level 7 or

better

25 20 24 16 19 16 14 15 15

S5

Please note that all 10/11 fi gures are pre‐appeal.

Level 3= Access 3 and Standard Grade 5‐6

Level 4 = Intermediate 1 A‐C and Standard Grade 3‐4

Level 5 = Intermediate 2 A‐C and Standard Grade 1‐2

Level 6 = Higher A‐C

Level 7 = Advanced Higher A‐C

Congratulations to all pupils on a very good set of results.



The Lammermuir Festival is a celebration of classical music, bringing professional performers to

various venues across East Lothian. Now in its second year, the organisers of the Festival are

keen to involve school pupils in as many of the concerts as possible. This might be as audience

members, critics, box‐office staff or participants in workshops. Knox pupils Ben Nisbet in S5 and

Gayle Middleton in S6 both volunteered to help with selling tickets and programmes at some of

the Haddington concerts.

Stile Antico at St Mary’s Parish Church

On 19

th September

a number

of pupils

in the

Higher

Music

class

attended

a concert

of

Renaissance choral works performed by award‐winning choir Stile Antico. This was not only a

very enjoyable concert, but also a useful revision experience for the pupils who had just finished

studying Renaissance music in class! Stile Antico consists of 12 singers, and they sang everything

unaccompanied and without a conductor. During the interval, Ben Nisbet in S5 had the

opportunity to interview a member of the choir about what it is like to be a professional singer.

One of the other singers came to chat to the Higher pupils about what they had been learning

in class. This was a fantastic opportunity to hear one of the UK’s best choirs in our own back

yard.

Northern Lights Wind Quintet Recital at Knox

As part of the Lammermuir Festival, the Northern Lights Wind Quintet visited Knox Academy to

give a recital to pupils studying Music in S5 and S6. The members of the quintet are all students

at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. They played a wide range of pieces from the 1600s right

up to the present day. They told pupils a little bit of the background to each piece, and pointed

out some of the important musical features, or concepts, that pupils might come across in their

Listening exams. At the end of the recital, the players were happy to answer questions and

demonstrate some of the more unusual sounds that woodwind instruments can make. This was

another great opportunity for pupils to experience live music performed by a professional ensemble.

E Orr

Music Department

THE LAMMERMUIR FEST IVAL

Page 6

KNOX NEWS



We were honoured and delighted to host a visit to Knox Academy from

decorated soldier Lance Corporal James Wharton on Wednesday 28th

September. He spoke to the award winning KWN team who were thrilled to

show James the film they made called “It Gets Better”. James was very impressed by the

enthusiasm and professionalism of the team whose film won the Global Citizenship Award from

KWN and Panasonic.

James then talked to the assembled third year in the hall. Using no films, slides or fancy audio‐

visual effects, James spoke honestly and frankly about life in the Army as an openly gay man.

Here are just some of the comments from S3 pupils summing up their experience:

“It was

very

inspiring!”

“It was interesting to find you couldn’t be gay in the US forces until last week!”

“ … I really admired your openness and thought it was lovely. Very interesting”

“I learnt that everyone is equal no matter what…”

James held the audience enthralled as he told us of life in the army, serving Queen and country in

the Household Cavalry and fighting in Iraq. He came under heavy questioning fire from the group

and he answered every question from “Have you shot anyone?” to “When did realise you were

gay?” with integrity and honesty. The pupils responded so well to James, they spontaneously

applauded throughout the talk and were touched when he recounted his proposal and sub‐

sequent marriage to Tom. James tackled the use of the word “gay” as an insult, describing how

that feels and I feel sure that Third Year will think again before using the word in a derogatory or

insulting way.

James’ time with us was all too short and I’m sure he could have entertained and educated us for

longer but sadly he had to go. He has let us know that Knox was one of the most interested and

enthusiastic groups he has met on his country‐wide tour of schools and he was very impressed

with the warm reception from our pupils.

James’ visit was supported by Stonewall Scotland. If you want to learn more about James you

will find him on YouTube.

J Easson

PT Guidance

LANCE CORPORAL JAMES WHARTON SALUTES KNOX ACADEMY

Page 7



The Biology Department has set up a thriving Eco‐Club in Knox Academy. Every Tuesday

lunchtime a group of very enthusiastic S1 pupils have been meeting to get involved in environmental activities. This term we have: made earrings and bangles using old beads from

necklaces that would have been discarded; planted seedlings and taken cuttings of plants; and

most recently we have started a recycling rota. This week we are going to make key rings from

old crisp packets that we will shrink in the oven.

The Eco‐Club is now going to focus on getting involved in Eco‐Life, which will be held on 1st

December. We aim to build on the success of last year’s event with a Christmas

Market, a Donate Station for local Charity Shops and a fashion show with some

very special guests! We hope that you will be able to join us. Full details will be

posted on the school website.

Dr G Wilson

Biology Department

THE ECO CLUB

Page 8

KNOX NEWS

UNIVERS ITY SUCCESS

Congratulations to the following former pupils who have recently graduated from university:

Aberdeen University:

Barrie‐Jess Ledingham MBChB

Claire Gaughan MBChB

Catriona Smith MBChB

Rachel Blackburn MBChB

Vicky Sharp Dip HE

University of Abertay:

Samantha Smith BA

Heriot‐Watt

University:

Stephen Dale BSc

Callum Elliot BEng

Scott Killen MEng

Jenny Maggio BSc

Iain Quate BSc

Erin Vallance BSc

Edinburgh Napier University:

Kevin Barrie BSc

Edinburgh University:

Andrew McInnes BSc

Tracey Hutcheon BSc

Julia Galloway BSc

Jane Robb BSc

Glasgow University:

Sarah Jalicy BSc



In June, Gregor McMillan was the worthy recipient of the Alice Burnett Twinning

Scholarship. In a scene reminiscent of the Oscars, Gregor couldn’t be with us at the

Awards Ceremony as he was already enjoying his time in Aubigny. He wrote a much longer account of his time in France and here is an excerpt:

The average day began at some time before 10:00 when I started work at Aubigny Tourist Office.

After two hours seriously hard graft (think building pyramids) translating, or writing, or

researching, I wandered off for a little lunch break (think banquet). And then once again, back to

the office for some further labour (think Augean Stables). The office was a great place to be, and

the staff good humoured and wonderfully flexible. 80 hours well spent I think!

But what

did

you

do

the

rest

of the

time

I hear

you

asking?

Here’s

a list:

I…

read

seven

books,

sunbathed, taught people Ceilidh dancing, ran around AubignyTown, ate and drank to excess, got

invited to a function by a count, made friends, learned about Russian Ballet, was wined and dined

in a massive castle, visited a vineyard, went mountain biking through the Sancerre Vignobles, was

in the paper four times, learnt to use an AZERTY keyboard, made more friends, visited Paris –

climbed the Eiffel Tower and wandered through Monmartre, ate Foie Gras, took a leap of faith

with cheese, visited a glasshouse made of stone, made yet more friends, spent a day in Versaille

and naturally, put on three kilos. A busy month, all told.

Suffice to say, I’m going back.

Gregor is now undertaking his undergraduate studies at St John’s College, Cambridge. We wish him

all the best now, and in the future.

SALUT! FROM AUBIGNY

Page 9

GOING FOR GOLD

S4 pupil Lloyd Connell represented City Of Edinburgh Trampoline Club (where he has been a

member for just under a year) at the Scottish Gymnastics September Grading Competition. He

competed in a large group of over 30 gymnasts (male & female) in the Over 15 Regional G

Category, where he lead the field in round one and walked away with the Gold Medal position

after round 2. This was only Lloyd’s second Scottish Circuit competition and not only did he win

Gold for his age group and level, he qualified for the Scottish National Championships to be held

on November 12th at Bells Sports Centre, Perth. We wish him the best of luck with his training

prior to the Nationals and wish him well at this prestigious event.

L Jeffrey

Geography Department



Every year numerous pupils from all over East Lothian take part in the “Special Needs

Playscheme”. Pupils can work at one of three locations: North Berwick, Prestonpans and Sanderson’s Wynd Primary School. They spend time with youngsters who need that little bit

more care and attention and learn a huge amount in the process. I received the following note

from the Head Teacher of Sanderson’s Wynd:

“Their hard work, enthusiasm and patience all contribute to making the playschemes so

successful .The schemes would not happen without these amazing volunteers who support the

staff and pupils in so many ways. Seeing them in action is a privilege ‐ a real credit to your school.”

Our pupils gave up a total of 51 weeks between them during the summer holidays.

They are: Sam Bland, Julia Cockburn, Kathryn Couperwhite, Gaby Foy, Sarah Hall, Alasdair

Hastings, Ailie Henderson, Katie Hogg, Shellby Leckie, Frances McBean, Conor McHugh, Aileen

McKnight, Robert McPake, Graham McWilliams, Gavin Redpath, Megan Richardson, Abbie

Scott, Beth Thomson, Jack Thomson, and Jade Watson.

S Ingham

Depute Head

Teacher

THE EAST LOTHIAN SPEC IAL NEEDS PLAYSCHEME

Page 10

KNOX NEWS

TRAMPOL IN ING

Classes run twice a week and are facilitated by City of Edinburgh Trampoline Club (CETC).

Classes are open to S1‐S6 and no experience is required. The CETC coaches offer professional

tuition in moves and routines. This term classes are working on competition routines and many

are working on their front somersaults. For sign up information see Mr Lambert.

A development

class

has

been

set

up

at Meadowmill

Sports

Centre,

this

is progressing

well

and

many Knox pupils will start competing on the Scottish Circuit for the start of the 2012 season.

Participants are all working Regional G competition routine.

An Open Night was held on Wednesday 14th September, with visiting Scottish National

Champions and British Level trampolinists from City Of Edinburgh Trampoline Club. Youngsters

from all years were invited to come along and “have a go” alongside the competitive gymnasts

who gave an impressive display of some of their skills to the Knox pupils and Active Schools

Coordinators Suzanne Laing and Andy Lambert who were in attendance.

L Jeffrey

Geography Department



I am Jennifer Jones, the Careers Adviser for Knox Academy. The organisation I

work for is Skills Development Scotland. I am usually in school all day on a

Wednesday and

a Thursday

morning.

Most

of this

time

is spent

carrying

out

1:1 careers interviews with pupils in S4 – S6. At their interview pupils have the

chance to talk about their career ideas, ask questions and explore their

options. I will be asking them lots of questions too!! At the end of their

interview pupils may get a ‘Plan of Action’ with a list of things they need to

do. A copy of this is given to their guidance teacher. I visit each S4, S5 and S6 class during the first

half of the academic year to do a careers based lesson, explain my role and how pupils can get in

touch. They are also issued with a Careers Newsletter with my contact details and lots of other

useful information about careers and planning their future. On a Wednesday during morning

break I hold a ‘Careers Drop‐In’ where any pupil from S1 – S6 can come along to ask a question. Pupils in S4, S5 and S6 can request a careers interview by completing a interview request

form – these are available in the careers section of the school library and from the school librarian

and guidance staff. Competed cards should be placed in the careers box in the library or they can

be handed to the school librarian or their guidance teacher. When I am not in school I can be

contacted by email or ‘phone. I’d be happy to hear from you so please get in touch if you have any

questions.

Jennifer Jones

Skills Development Scotland

CAREERS

Page 11

TOTS ‘N TEENS

As you might have seen from the website and the local press, Knox Academy is proud to welcome

the Tots ‘n Teens nursery to its family. At present there are 10 Tots who come into the nursery

three times a week. There are 18 Teens who are involved over the session on a rota basis

(otherwise the teens would outnumber the tots!), learning about child development and child

care. It is a very exciting venture and has brought another dimension to the school, as Councillor

Peter McKenzie says: “Having a mix of pupils and staff brings the best of both worlds; enthusiasm,

energy and ideas from the pupils, who are guided by staff , with the maturity, knowledge and

experience of pre‐school childcare.”

Please call 07974 379161 or 01620 827156 for further information.

S Ingham

Depute Head Teacher



Monday 24th October In‐Service Day

Tuesday 25th October Pupils Resume

Wednesday 26th October S4 Parents’ Consultation Evening

S3 Dip Tet Immunisations

Higher Drama Investigative Presentations

Thursday 27th October Higher Drama Investigative Presentations

Monday 7th November S4 Prelims begin

Monday 21st November S4 Work Experience Week

Wednesday 30th November PSP Meeting (6.15pm)

Monday 5th December S2 MidYIS testing (whole week)

Thursday 8th December Winter Disco (7pm)

Tuesday 20th December Christmas Concerts (2pm & 7pm)

Thursday 22nd December All Break at 4pm

Monday 9th January 2012 In‐Service Day

Tuesday 10th January Pupils Resume

S6 Pantomime (7pm)

Wednesday 11th January PSP Meeting (6.15pm)

Thursday 19th January S3 Parents’ Consultation Evening

Monday 23rd January S5/6 Prelims begin

DATES FOR THE DIARY

Thursday 1st December Eco‐Life Evening

Knox Academy

Pencaitland Road

Haddington

East Lothian

EH41 4DT

01620 823387

[email protected]

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