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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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