April 2012

Published: 27 April 2012

It has been another busy week for the Drama Department. On Monday, YDance, Scottish Youth Dance provided a workshop for S3 pupils based around the theme of "Anger". Pupils produced a 7 minute piece that included a choreographed dance routine, elements of Street Dance and Contemporary Dance as well as solo, pair and contact work. The YDance staff said the standard of dance at Knox Academy was very good and the pupils behaved well and were very creative.

On Tuesday, a group of pupils, including those studying NPA Musical Theatre, went to see the musical ‘Chicago’. The pupils said they enjoyed the amazing dance routines and the performance of ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ star Ali Bastien. Thanks to all staff who accompanied the pupils to Edinburgh, especially Ms Brown who organised and led the trip.

Last week, three Standard Grade drama classes took part in the National Theatre of Scotland's "Five Minute Theatre" project. The theme this year was 'protest' and pupils worked hard to create a variety of pieces based on this theme. Only one class was allowed to enter the competition, so the audience voted for their favourite performance and the winning group was 3H with their piece entitled "World War III". Their video will be shown on Tuesday 1st May between 7-8pm and can be viewed here.

S1 History pupils took part in the East Lothian John Grey animation project. Knox not only has a winner in the creativity and imagination category but the school came first and joint second in the public vote. This means that we have received the top prize of £40 of Amazon vouchers to spend on something that will help the department and school carry out similar projects. Congratulations to all the pupils involved and Ms Moffat who supported the groups.

On Wednesday at lunchtime, the Communication Faculty in partnership with KASG, held a ‘Taste of Scotland’ event. The audience enjoyed cups of tea and coffee with shortbread and some fantastic Scottish entertainment - a celebration of Robert Burns through the eyes of some of our S1/S2 pupils. Models, a rap version of ‘To a Mouse’ and animations of ‘Tam O’Shanter’ were supported by music on the pipes, drums, clarsach and accordion. Some footage from the films/animations will be featured on the website. A hugely successful and highly enjoyable event, congratulations to all involved.

The SQA examinations for S4 pupils are underway and, so far, seem to be going very well. I am sure the whole school community joins me in wishing all the pupils every success in these important examinations.

Best wishes.

JB Craig

 

Published: 20 April 2012

Welcome back to all pupils and staff after the spring break. Many pupils and staff were very busy during the two week holiday.

On 10 April, a group of staff (Mr Jappy, Mrs Slowther, Ms McPhee, Ms Moffat, Mr Coady and Mrs McGregor) set off for Karvina, Czech Republic. The group met with our Czech colleagues and spent time visiting the local castle, former home of the mine owners, at Frystadt, a preserved Industrial Heritage site in Ostrava (comprising of mines and blast furnaces) and a Hydro Electric Power station at Dlouhé Stráně. After an interesting and entertaining trip, the group returned to Edinburgh on 14 April. This was part of the school’s Comenius project and many thanks to Mr Jappy for organising and leading the trip.

As we approach the summer examinations, the pressure is on the pupils in S4/5/6 to study even harder. The Easter Revision programme was well attended and feedback from staff and pupils has been positive. All pupils in S4/5/6 have received letters regarding the arrangements for the examinations and study leave. For S4 pupils, the SQA examinations and Study Leave begin on Wednesday 25 April. I am sure the whole school community joins me in wishing all the pupils every success in their examinations.

Best wishes.

JB Craig