We have had a very exciting week at the school. On Monday, we received confirmation that Knox Academy has been awarded the British Council International School Award (an accreditation scheme for curriculum-based international work in schools). The scheme provides recognition for teachers and their schools working to instil a global dimension into the learning experience of pupils. This is the third time in succession that the school has gained this accolade (we think that this is a ‘first’ for a Scottish school). The award runs from 2011 to 2014. Congratulations and well done to all those involved and a special thank you to Mr Duddin (retired Depute) who led the initiative in the school for many years.
More good news on Monday as the Drama Department received the following email from the National Theatre of Scotland: ‘Congratulations! It gives me great pleasure to inform you that your application for our Exchange 2012 Festival has been successful’. Now in its sixth year, the National Theatre of Scotland’s Exchange programme brings together groups of young theatre-makers to create and perform new pieces of theatre, with the support of a professional creative team. The groups are encouraged to develop their skills through master classes and workshops with leading national and international theatre-makers. The school is honoured to be part of this exciting project.
Tuesday was the first day of the ‘Tots and Teens’ – a new idea in Community Playgroups. This involved 10 ‘tots’, 2 ‘teens’ and various staff, working and playing in the Crèche Room. The ‘tots’ and staff seemed very relaxed, the ‘teens’ were exhausted and the parents relieved that the first day had gone so well.
On the Tuesday and Wednesday, the Institute of Physics ‘Lab in a Lorry’ was at school. This was a great opportunity for all S2 and some S3 pupils to experience exciting hands on experiments, as ‘Lab in a Lorry’ is an interactive mobile science laboratory, staffed by scientists and engineers. The pupils had the opportunity to do experimental science in the way it actually happens; exploratory, accidental and informed by curiosity and intuition. For example, one of the experiments was on Resonance- the highlight was seeing a wine glass flexing whilst illuminated with a strobe light. Mr I Grey, MSP, joined the pupils in enjoying the ‘real’ experiments. Thank you to the Science Faculty, in particular Mr Doig, for organising such a lively event.
The Parent School Partnership (Parent Council) met on Wednesday evening and the minutes, of this, the first meeting of the session, will be available on the Parents’ website.
Yesterday there was a ‘Back to School’ disco for S1-6. This was a fund raiser organised by ‘Team Tortuga’, one of the teams going on the 2012 Nicaragua and Honduras Expedition. Thanks to the organisers and staff who attended for making it an enjoyable night for the pupils.
A reminder that, weather permitting, there will be a whole school photograph taken on Wednesday 14 September-I’m sure all pupils will be in full dress code and looking great.
Best wishes.
J B Craig
