The Curriculum for Excellence Open Afternoon on Tuesday, for parents of pupils in S2, was well attended and I hope provided details and re-assurance regarding the plans for S3 in session 2012-2013. This was followed yesterday, by a very busy S2 Parents’ Consultation Evening.
Yesterday afternoon, the Home Economics Department hosted the final of the ‘Little and Large’ cookery competition. This involved teams of one primary and one secondary pupil, from 5 East Lothian Clusters. A good afternoon was had by all, and Preston Lodge teamed with Prestonpans Primary emerged as the 2012 winners. The judges were Craig Hunter (Avenue Restaurant) and Lorraine Faulds (Area Catering Manager for ELC); they were impressed by the standard of the work produced by all the pupils and they had a difficult task judging the entries. In the end only 1 point separated the winners from the runners up (Knox and Yester). The prizes were presented by Cllr McMillan and he was very impressed and positive about the ethos of the competition and the broad aspect of primary and secondary schools working together. Also, our senior pupils were praised by the guests attending the event who reported that the pupils were polite, efficient and confident in their duties. Congratulations to all involved and many thanks to Ms Hossack and her team for organising the afternoon.
As part of Activities Week, this morning (very early!), two trips left, one for Italy and the other for France (PGL). These will be followed by departures to London, Paris, Amsterdam and the west coast of Scotland (sailing). Over the next week, pupils will have the opportunity to try new sports, take part in technical theatre workshops, visit places of interest, find out how enterprising they are, undertake ‘Blades, Boards and Bikes’, explore the art of comedy, look at health and beauty and, all in all, have a fantastic Activities Week.
This morning Cape Canaveral came to Knox Academy when S2 pupils tried out home made rockets they had developed in science classes. Involving large juice bottles, water, pumps and corks, the rockets were very successful and very exciting.
Tomorrow, three members of staff, Ms Orr, Mrs Slowther and Ms Waters, joined by a colleague from King’s Meadow Primary, will be travelling to Rwanda to visit our partner schools. I am sure they will have an enjoyable and informative trip and I wish them a safe journey.
The SQA examinations for senior pupils continue, but are entering the last week and I am sure the whole school community joins me in wishing all the pupils every success as these important examinations draw to a close.
I would like to confirm that, to celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee and in common with all schools, Knox Academy will be closed to all staff and pupils on Monday 4 and Tuesday 5 June 2012. All pupils and staff resume on Wednesday 6 June.
Best wishes.
JB Craig
