Head Teacher's Update
At the end of last week, a group of intrepid teachers (Mr Jappy, Ms McPhee, Mrs Barber and Mrs Slowther) travelled to the Czech Republic and Poland as part of the Comenius project linked to the school in Karvina. On Thursday, they visited Auschwitz Birkenau and this proved to be a very moving experience. As the focus of the project is the environment, on Friday they drove to Pustevny, a small mountain village in the Beskydy Mountains, and walked to the top of Radhost (a mountain) to see the Church of St Cyril and Methodius (staff reported that this was very lovely but extremely cold). On Saturday, they toured the area surrounding Karvina to see the devastation caused by years of mining, before heading to Ostrava to experience the range of architecture built by successive political systems. Our Czech colleagues were keen to plan the remaining visits to Karvina to conclude the project and Knox staff will be returning to the Czech Republic in April, during the Easter holiday. Thank you to all staff involved, in particular Mr Jappy who organised the successful trip.
On Wednesday I attended performances by two of the S4 Standard Grade Drama groups. Both performances were very well done and moving, based on the struggle for human rights: ‘From Antigone to Rosa Parks’. There was a great deal of talent on display. Next week there are opportunities for everyone to see productions from the Drama Department: ‘Passing Places’ (Monday and Tuesday) and ‘Lord of the Flies’ (Wednesday and Thursday), all performances start at 7pm.
Yesterday, we had the February Community Assembly; as examinations were still being held in the Assembly Hall, this was a ‘virtual’ assembly presented to all Tutor Groups. The speaker was Ms Debi Gliori, the local children's author, who pre-recorded her talk. The feedback has been very positive; many thanks to Ms Gliori for taking part.
Just a reminder that all break for the February holiday at 12.05 on Friday 10 and all resume on Monday 20 February at 08.44.
Best wishes
JB Craig
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
On Tuesday, after two cancellations before Christmas, the ‘Dance another Day’ disco took place. The disco was organised by a group of S5 pupils as part of their ‘Self and Society’ course and the Knox Academy Support Group (KASG). I am sure all the pupils who attended had a great time and, certainly, they had made a big effort with their dress and looked wonderful. Congratulations to all involved and many thanks to the organisers and the staff who supported the event. On Wednesday, we received a lovely message from KASG:
‘On behalf of KASG we would like to thank all your staff who helped out last night with the running of the evening. It went so smoothly and anything we asked them to do they were more than obliging. Secondly, we would like to thank the pupils who behaved so well, were so polite and enthusiastic. There was a brilliant atmosphere and we all had a great time.
Once again thank you’.
Last night, was the S3 Parents/Carers Consultation Evening. This was very well attended and I hope parents found the discussions with teaching staff helpful and re-assuring.
The prelims for S5 and S6 pupils start next week and run until 3 February. Next week, the pupils have study leave. However, a study area will be available at all times next week for pupils who wish to come into school (they should sign in at reception). Also, pupils will be able to approach staff regarding specific concerns. I am sure you join me in wishing all the pupils every success in the prelim examinations.
Best wishes
J B Craig
Happy New Year from all at Knox Academy.
After only one week back at school, the term is in full swing. On Tuesday evening, the S6 gave the final performance of their pantomime: ‘Cinderella’. The Parent School Partnership (Parent Council) met on Wednesday evening and the minutes will be available on the Parents’ website.
The themes of the New Year Assemblies today were making the best of 2012 and being determined to succeed. All pupils were encouraged to:
- Work hard
- Do the best you can
- Be nice
- Take care of the environment
- Look after each other
- Be happy and smile
We have very talented youngsters at the school and I am sure they will take every opportunity to make a success of 2012.
Best wishes
JB Craig