Assemblies
There was a senior pupils’ assembly this week on preparing for pupils and study skills. Next week we will be leading our Anti-bullying assemblies and following that, our anti-racism assemblies. Pupils will be doing follow up tasks during registration.
Rights Respecting Schools (RRSA)
The right of the week is Article 4 – making rights real.
Governments must do all they can to ensure every child can enjoy all the rights on the convention.
Are Governments doing all they can around the world? What do you think?
S4-S6 Parents’ Evening
It was great to see so many parents/carers in attendance at our parents’ evening. Those I spoke to valued the conversations with staff and identified next steps in readiness for the prelims and beyond. We will look forward to seeing some more S4-S6 parents/carers at next week’s evening on Tuesday 10th November. A reminder that S4-S6 pupils now have their self-reflection folders set up on their Google Drives and have been asked to share these with parents/carers so you can see their results/reflections of these following significant pieces of work and also following the forthcoming prelims – please ask them to show you these and please check in monthly with these to ensure you are aware of their progress, next steps and how you can work with us to support their attainment and achievement. Thank you.
Events/Trips
S3 Pupils
S3 Career Inspiration Event
The S3 participated in their Career Inspiration Event on Friday 30 October. Feedback from pupils, staff and the facilitators was very positive.
They were asked to complete various challenges and tasks e.g. finding the optimum angle of wind turbine blades, a virtual escape room and constructing road aggregate from breakfast cereal!
We hope that it has helped the pupils to consider the skills and qualifications required for a range of careers, the huge diversity of careers that exists and how these things may influence their pathway through their time at Knox Academy e.g. subject choice.
We are once again extremely grateful to the companies and organisations who gave up their time to come in and present to the pupils.
Those attending were: Lloyds Bank; Leonardo; STEM Ambassadors; Balfour Beatty; QMU; Enjoy Leisure; Will Rudd; Skills Development Scotland; Earth Energy Education
We are also indebted to Elaine Gorman, our DYW coordinator, who establishes the links with the businesses and coordinates their involvement.
Our next event will be for S1 and will be held at the end of May. In the meantime please be aware that our whole-school Careers Event will be held from 6:30-8:30pm on 13 January.
All pupils and parents/ carers are welcome to attend.
S3 Lego Workshops
On Wednesday 4 November, we welcomed the Army STEM team to our S3 Computing classes for three practical LEGO coding workshops
S3 YPI (Youth and Philanthropy Initiative)
Our launch, with S3 pupils, was held on 5 November. Over the coming weeks, our S3 (working in small groups) will be involved in researching charities and identifying one that they feel is a cause they would like to support and win £3000 for them through their engagement with them and culminating in a presentation their peers. The groups will then be voted through to a final that will take place later on this year. One group will win £3000 for their nominated charity. To find out more about YPI click this link.
S5/6
Many of our S5/6 Economics pupils are attending an Economics Conference Edinburgh Academy today.
Pupils’ Successes
Boxing
Taylor McLean, one of our S4 pupils, is a member of East Lothian Boxing Gym and competed in the Scottish Development Champions last weekend (31st Oct/ 1st Nov). Taylor secured a unanimous points victory against Kilsyth Golden Gloves Boxing Club in his first fight. Taylor then produced an excellent first-round stoppage against Rob Roy Boxing Club after two quick counts.
Taylor also secured a unanimous decision victory at another competition recently. The club said he "boxed beautifully, showing excellent movement, sharp punch variation and great composure throughout." Taylor was also awarded Best Away Boxer.
We are all very proud of the progress Taylor is making in this sport. Well done, Taylor.
Highland Dancing add picture from desktop
Congratulations to Blyth Brown (S3) who became the age 14 Open Scottish Champion for highland dancing at the Scottish Championships at the weekend. What an amazing achievement.
Dates for your diary:
19 November Parent Council – 6.30-8pm – School Library
20 November – 12 December – Senior Prelims (S4-S6)
10 December – S1-S3 Winter Ball 7-9pm)
14 December – S4-S6 Winter Balls (7-9pm)
15 December – Christmas lunch
17 December - Christmas concert – (7-9.30pm)
Our school calendar is updated regularly and should be used to access all information throughout the year. This will also allow you to plan ahead too for Parent/Carer consultations and other events too.
Sue Cook
