October 2024

HEAD TEACHER'S UPDATE 1 NOVEMBER 2024
Published: 31 October 2024

Staffing

Calum Blair is leaving us on Thursday 7 November, after 14 years at Knox Academy (he is also a former pupil here). He is off to Balerno High School as DHT.  All in the Knox Academy community would like to wish him the very best in his new role and for the future.

Interviews for the Curriculum Leader of Numeracy and Computing will take place on Monday 11 November.

Geography – Ms Stobie will be on parental leave until from the middle of 15 November, until next May. Ms Hannah Milne has been appointed in her place during this time.

Study Sessions

The timetable for these extra-curricular sessions, some for all levels and others just for S4-S6, can be accessed here.

Prelims (S4-S6)

I issued a letter to parents/carers and pupils last week about prelim arrangements/timings. The prelim timetable has been issued today to pupils and parents/carers can view a copy here. Pupils will have assemblies week beginning 11 November to support them with studying for these and to point them to resources (and the above study sessions). The protocol for prelims will also be covered.

STEM Trip to National Museum of Scotland

On Monday, a group of pupils comprising of the STEM club (S1-S3) and S3 pupils taking the sciences attended a STEM event at the museum in Edinburgh. The event was run by Career Hive and professionals who work the science festival and also professionals from STEM industries. Our pupils took part in interactive workshops including; Building bridges, building cranes to transport barrels, performing key hole camera surgery on a dummy, constructing robots, operating wind turbines, building car engines, many problem solving activities and (arguably the favourite) experiencing challenges of zero gravity by being strapped to a chair and tipped upside down whilst trying to solve a puzzle!

Our pupils then went on to a 'question and answer panel' with two young professionals in STEM industries. The pupils were fantastic and very engaged throughout the day and had lots of fun too! They got to speak to lots of people in STEM industries and lots of ideas for their future careers were discussed. A great day had by all! (by Mrs Goodsman, Physics)

Food Court Purchases

Please ensure that your young person has sufficient funds for Food Court purchases.

There has been an increasing amount of credit being asked for.  Knox Academy are unable to sustain this going forward, and from Monday 4 November no credit will be given.

Parent/carers can top-up funds online via the IPay Impact system  - please contact the school office if you would like to register.

There is also a new IPay app available for mobile devices, making adding funds easier.

To check eligibility for Free School Meals, please visit Free School Meals and School Clothing Grants Eligibility

The Lil ReUse Festival is at Knox again on Saturday November 16th 2024

The Lil ReUse Festival returns to Knox Academy on Saturday 16th November, from 10am to 2pm. 

The event features high-quality second-hand clothes, shoes, toys, books, homewares, garden items, and gifts. Fill a Bag for Life for £15, or two for £20. Every shopper pays with vouchers, which can be bought online, at the event, or gifted if cost is a barrier. Please contact Mr Welsh awelsh@knox.elcschool.org.uk or ask for vouchers at reception for gifted vouchers.

Donations of items (no electricals or large furniture) are welcome from Monday, 11th November, to noon Friday, 15th November, at the wee Lil lorry parked at Knox Academy.

Any pupils or families interested in volunteering on the Friday / Saturday, please contact hello.lilthings@gmail.com, phone 07538031226 or speak to Ms Laudi.

WIN a Lil Hamper! Not Interested? Tell Us Why!
If second-hand isn’t for you, we’d love to understand why. Complete our survey for a chance to win a Lil Hamper.

Pupils’ Successes

Tennis

Congratulations to Poppy Davidson-Kelly, Ingrid Maycock Knox (S2) and Aggie Darby (S3), all who play for Haddington Tennis Club, and who won their first league competition on Friday 25th Oct. The girls were playing in the under 16’s against Longniddry. It was a very close match, which was friendly and professional, with some very impressive play by all. 

Squash

Good luck to Jamie Pearman (S4) who is playing in the British (U17s) Squash Championships this wee/weekend.

*Please note there will be no HT’s update next week.

Dates for your diary:

5 November – S5/6 Parents’ Evening - 4.30-6.30pm

11 November – Remembrance Event – 6-7pm (School Assembly Hall)

21 November – Parent Council Meeting – 6.30-8pm (School Library) - all welcome

Our school calendar is updated regularly and should be used to access all information throughout the year and allows you to plan ahead too.

 

Sue Cook

Quick Links:

Remote learning resources, course choices, supported study and careers news. Clicking on these headings takes you straight to these pages.

Please also look at our website for lots of other information. Please also follow us on Twitter for up-to-date news on a day to day basis.

Please also remember to follow us at: www.ka-net.org.uk 84CEAEA2   for the latest information and updates.

 

 

 

HEAD TEACHER'S UPDATE 25 OCTOBER 2024
Published: 24 October 2024

Staffing

The Curriculum Leader of Numeracy was advertised on Friday 18 October and will close on Sunday 3 November. Interviews will take place on Monday 11 November.

Study Sessions

The timetable for these extra-curricular sessions, some for all levels and others just for S4-S6, can be accessed here.

Prelims (S4-S6)

Parents/carers should have received a letter from me yesterday outlining the prelim diet dates and the protocol for these. A copy has also been sent to S4-S6 pupils' email accounts. The prelim timetable will be issued next week and pupils will also have assemblies to support them with studying for these and to point them to resources (and the above study sessions). Please can parents/carers encourage their young people to study for these and to ensure they attend regularly throughout the year so they don’t miss any course work or assessments. Thank you.

Active Schools

Free Classes live to book from 6pm on 23rd of October. Paid Classes live to book from 6pm on 1st of November. You can look now at what's on offer for next term here.

October is ADHD Awareness Month

ADHD is more than just not being able to sit still or focus.  People with ADHD may also have difficulty with: Planning, organising, prioritising, time management, intense emotions, recall, making decisions, to name a few.

Did you know that all these celebrities have ADHD: Simone Biles, Michael Phelps, Nicola Adams, Ryan Gosling, Tom Hanks, Ben Fogle, Lewis Hamilton, Sir Richard Branson.

It is important to recognise that an ADHD brain can lead to success in life and careers with the right support.

ASD/ADHD/ADD Support Group for Parents and Carers

Next meeting: Friday 25 October 9.30-11.30 at North Berwick Community Centre

If you live in East Lothian and are a parent or carer of a child or young person who have Autism, ADHD/ADD (or they are in the process of being assessed) you are very welcome to join our support group. We are currently meeting every 4-6 weeks in North Berwick Community Centre.

There is a private Facebook Group and a WhatsApp group where details of the meetings are advertised. To be added, please message parent volunteers Jemma (07929053102), Sarah (07834489403) or Kate (07531453916) for a link.

The aims of the group ate to offer peer support; share ideas, experiences and concerns; reduce isolation; celebrate successes with people who understand.

Pupils’ Successes

Duke of Edinburgh

We were really pleased this week to receive confirmation from Duke of Edinburgh's Award HQ of the fantastic contribution made by our participants to the local community last session.  Both the hours of their own time the young people gave to help others and the financial equivalent of their help are impressive - 806 hours with a social value of £4255! Whilst the young people know how much time they put into the community and on the other elements of their Bronze award, there's no certificate for the value they gained from the experience - that's priceless!

This year’s S3 cohort will be working towards their Bronze award this year, with the application process being finished soon. Training for the outdoor expeditions commences shortly and we look forward to the next group of young people experiencing all of the benefits of the Award (By Mr Boyle, Science)

Dates for your diary:

5 November – S5/6 Parents’ Evening - 4.30-6.30pm

11 November – Remembrance Event – 6-7pm (School Assembly Hall)

21 November – Parent Council Meeting – 6.30-8pm (School Library) - all welcome

Our school calendar is updated regularly and should be used to access all information throughout the year and allows you to plan ahead too.

 

Sue Cook

Quick Links:

Remote learning resources, course choices, supported study and careers news. Clicking on these headings takes you straight to these pages.

Please also look at our website for lots of other information. Please also follow us on Twitter for up-to-date news on a day to day basis.

Please also remember to follow us at: www.ka-net.org.uk 84CEAEA2   for the latest information and updates.

 

 

HEAD TEACHER'S UPDATE 11 OCTOBER 2024
Published: 11 October 2024

Staffing

The Curriculum Leader of Numeracy will be advertised on Friday 18 October and will close on Sunday 3 November.

P7 Information Evening

It was lovely to welcome our prospective P7 pupils and their parents/carers to Knox Academy last night. They all seemed to enjoy their visit and moving round the various departments and trying some of the activities they may experience when they come up to high school. Many of the subject areas had our own pupils leading these sessions, so the P7s and parents/carers heard about learning from our pupils' perspective. Our S6 pupils also led the groups round the school and this gave the P7s a great opportunity to ask them questions pupil to pupil. Thanks to all who came along and for the feedback, as you all left, about our amazing pupils and your first experience of learning and teaching at Knox. There will be many more transition activities to come throughout the year which will allow us to continue to build these positive relationships. 

PTA Meeting - Tuesday, 22nd October, Knox Academy Library, 7pm

Join us for the first PTA meeting of the school year on Tuesday, 22nd October at 7pm in the Knox Academy Library. We warmly welcome all parents to attend.

In recent years, the PTA has supported various departments, including providing equipment for PE, online learning platforms for Maths, and funding the music licence for the Grease Lightening end-of-year show. We also assist at school events by serving refreshments.

Currently, our PTA consists of a small group of dedicated parents, and we need more help to continue fundraising for the school’s additional needs. We don’t meet frequently, so if you can spare an hour on Tuesday, 22nd October, we’d love to see you there.

Appointments

Please can parents/carers make an appointment if they wish to speak to a member of Pupil Support or the Senior Leadership Team.  Recently we have had an increasing number of parents/carers turning up, without an appointment, wishing to be seen and although we want to see you, we have been unable to do so as we have been teaching or in pre-arranged meetings (or training, if a Friday afternoon). By making an appointment with us via the office, or email, we can ensure a time and date where we can meet to support you and your young person. When arriving at the school please sign in with out office team and wait in the foyer until the member of staff collects you. This is an important aspects of our safety procedures at the school – which also applies before/after school and break and lunchtimes. Thank you.

Please also do not hesitate to contact our Pupil Support Team by emailing your young person’s House Team if you would like to discuss any support for your young person or to arrange an appointment to come in to speak to someone. The House team should be the first port of call for anything you wish to discuss.

Invigilator Recruitment for SQA exam diet 2025

We are currently recruiting invigilators for the 2025 exams. Invigilators play a crucial role in supporting the exam diet. Their role is to help maintain the quality of the external assessments of National Qualifications by ensuring they are conducted in accordance with SQA policy and procedure.

All invigilation activities are carried out under the direction of a chief invigilator. Full training is provided, and no prior experience is required. You will also be supported by your chief invigilator throughout.

To find out more about the invigilator role, visit the SQA website.

If you have any questions or are interested in the role of invigilator at Knox Academy please email a note of interest, including contact details to zmachen2@knox.elcschool.org.uk by Wednesday 23 October 2024.

Peaky Bliders

Thirty of our young people went to the Edinburgh Festival Theatre last Wednesday evening to see the production of Peaky Blinders -The Redemption of Thomas Shelby, created especially for the Ballet Rambert Company by Steven Knight and choreographed by Simon Benoit Pouffer. Everyone was enthralled by the story line, Ballet Rambert were experts in bringing their characters to life in this gritty and tragic story. The lighting and clever use of the staging meant that we had so much to talk about afterwards. Also we were able to appreciate the live band that played all of the Peaky tracks on stage throughout the show, giving it a real "modern rock" feel. It was a wonderful night, with huge respect and admiration for the professionals at work. It was so good to see a global show on our doorstep! (Mrs McSherry, PE)

Pupils’ Successes

Gymnastics

Abbie Rounce (S1) attends the DUO Gymnastic Club in Haddington and was competing in the Saltire Gymnastics Floor & Vault competition on Sunday against clubs from all over Scotland. Abbie came First on Vault, Third on Floor and got the overall First in the age 12/13 advanced group. What an amazing achievement and we look forward watching Abbie’s progress across the years.

Dates for your diary:

11 October – break for October holiday (staff return on Monday 21 October (in-service day) and pupils on Tuesday 22 October)

5 November – S5/6 Parents’ Evening - 4.30-6.30pm

21 November – Parent Council Meeting – 6.30-8pm (School Library) - all welcome

Our school calendar is updated regularly and should be used to access all information throughout the year and allows you to plan ahead too.

 

Sue Cook

Quick Links:

Remote learning resources, course choices, supported study and careers news. Clicking on these headings takes you straight to these pages.

Please also look at our website for lots of other information. Please also follow us on Twitter for up-to-date news on a day to day basis.

Please also remember to follow us at: www.ka-net.org.uk 84CEAEA2   for the latest information and updates.

 

HEAD TEACHER'S UPDATE 3 OCTOBER 2024
Published: 03 October 2024

Staffing

The Curriculum Leader of Numeracy and Computing will be advertised very soon.

Dyslexia Awareness Week 2024

As Dyslexia Awareness week comes to an end, the support for our dyslexic students does not.  In Learning Support our dyslexia groups for S1-4 are up and running, please get in touch if you feel your Dyslexic young person has not had an invite.

We also want to highlight the supports available to families:

Dyslexia Scotland - they have a great website and helpline with resources for both parents and young people.  Their helpline is great for providing advice and signposting.

'At home with Dyslexia - A parents Guide to supporting your child' - available on Amazon

'This is Dyslexia: The definitive guide to untapped power of dyslexic thinking and it's vital role in our future' - available on Amazon.

The SQA website has lots of information about assessment arrangements and what the school can offer.

Made By Dyslexia - an online charity that really champions the positives of Dyslexic thinking.

Please don't hesitate to get in touch with the Learning Support department if you wish further information or have any questions. 

Homework Club:  Our new homework club will be starting this Wednesday in the Library from 3.30 - 4.15pm.  This is open to anyone in S1-6 looking for a space to complete their homework, with the added bonus of having teachers on hand to help and support.  Juice and biscuits will be available.  

Study Support – Esgoil

Esgoil offers study support for senior phase learners working towards their National Qualifications. On this page you’ll find the timetable for the full Webinar programme, as well as supporting materials and information about how to register. Webinars will start week beginning October 28th so please register ASAP. This will also help senior pupils in preparing for their up and coming prelims at the end of November.

Safety

A few weeks ago we asked that parents/carers dropped their young person away from the school or, if they needed to access the school, that they dropped them off in the back car park. However we are still seeing pupils being dropped off on yellow lines or at the main entrance of the school on the yellow boxed area (even if your young person is late and school has started, this doesn’t change this).. The only exception to this is for emergency vehicles. Please also be mindful of the school speed limit too, if you are dropping them off in the back car park – this is 5mph. Please can you support us by following the above. Thank you.

Senior Spanish Trip

On Thursday morning, S4 and S5 students of Spanish went to the Fraser Centre in Tranent to participate in the Edinburgh Spanish Film Festival. They watched the film "El maestro que prometió el mar" which tells the true story of a teacher who relocated to a small Spanish village in the 1930s. Antonio, the young educator, inspired young children to embrace their creativity by writing stories and poems, which they then assembled into small books. Set against the backdrop of the beginning of the Spanish Civil War, the film reminds viewers about the power of literacy, the impact teachers have on their students, and the dangers of fascism. Students enjoyed the film and felt moved by this portrayal of real events. 

Pupils’ Successes

Our Higher Music class went into Edinburgh on 17th September to watch the Immerse 2024 experience at the Queen's Hall. The workshop explored what it’s like to have synaesthesia, a condition which allows a person to see images or colours in their mind when they hear music. The Scottish Chamber Orchestra played 2 Beethoven movements and a brilliant piece, The Origin of Colour, composed by Jay Capperauld. The composition was paired with art by Kirsty Matheson, who has synaesthesia. The art reflected the music that was being played. As students, we drew inspiration from this for composition work in Higher Music. We would recommend this performance to anyone as it was interesting and inspiring."  Imogen Dale (cello/guitar) and James Gorman (drum kit/guitar)

Congratulations to Anwen McInnes (S3), who was selected to help out at the prestigious Lammermuir Music Festival this year. She said, 'My experience with the Lammermuir Festival was amazing! I loved it so much! I met lots of performers and was in the front row for every concert. Watching the performers has been really fun! I would definitely do it again!'

Dates for your diary:

10 October – P7 Information Evening and visit to departments – 5-7pm

11 October – break for October holiday (staff return on Monday 21 October (in-service day) and pupils on Tuesday 22 October)

5 November – S5/6 Parents’ Evening - 4.30-6.30pm

21 November – Parent Council Meeting – 6.30-8pm (School Library) - all welcome

Our school calendar is updated regularly and should be used to access all information throughout the year and allows you to plan ahead too.

 

Sue Cook

Quick Links:

Remote learning resources, course choices, supported study and careers news. Clicking on these headings takes you straight to these pages.

Please also look at our website for lots of other information. Please also follow us on Twitter for up-to-date news on a day to day basis.

Please also remember to follow us at: www.ka-net.org.uk 84CEAEA2   for the latest information and updates.