Haddington Library is looking for volunteers from S3+ to assist with the Summer Reading Challenge. Volunteers will be asked to support younger readers and help with the tasks of the reading challenge. This is a good opportunity for those wishing to work with children to show colleges/employers that they have experience with working with children in a community role. Please contact branch staff for more details.
Library News
Renaissance Learning has teamed up with Orchard Books, publisher of acclaimed World of Norm books by Jonathan Meres, to create a fun comic strip challenge for pupils’ to complete.
The Beano has created a template for pupils to use as a guide – pupils can create their own comic strip. However, all comic strip entries must begin with the line: “Norm knew it was going to be one of those days when he woke up and found himself…”, and must finish with the line: “Abso-Flipping-Lutely!”
The lucky winner will receive a complete set of signed World of Norm books for themselves and their school, as well as a school visit from Jonathan Meres!
Click Here for more information and the link to The Beano’s template.
All entries, whether electronic or printed, must be received by Friday 19th June, 2015 – Good Luck!
The fantastic teen author Sam Hepburn is coming to Knox Academy on April 28th.
Sam's writing is informed by her hugely fascinating career as a documentary producer for the BBC, which has taken her all over the world to discover stories from people across the globe.
Sam will talk to S2 Pupils during their Period 5 English Class about the inspiration and research for her latest book If You Were Me.The novel tells the story of a young Afghan asylum seeker who is accused of a terrorist bomb attack. As he lies injured in hospital his 14 year old sister sets out to prove his innocence. A tense and gripping thriller, If You Were Me deals with themes of tolerance, prejudice and the power of lies and is sure to spark debate.
Following the event pupils will have the opportunity to discuss the novel and creative writing styles with Sam. Copies of Sam's two novels will be on sale for £6 per title. A pre order form was issued to pupils via English teachers to guarantee a signed copy of the book.
Sam's publisher, Chicken House, has organised her tour of East Lothian with East Lothian School Librarians' and respective English Departments across the authority. Knox Academy is Sam's last stop in East Lothian following visits to Ross High and Musselburgh Grammar.
B. Plain
S1 have been working on a personal investigation of a country of their choice in classes throughout March/April.
The project content and criteria was created by the pupils after class discussion of what would make a “good” project and topics chosen. Classes were visited by Mr Plain, the School Librarian, who reminded pupils of resources available, how to utilise the library catalogue and booking system whilst giving a demonstration of Encyclopaedia Britannica online.
The classes spent 1 period researching their chosen topic in the library, where PC, internet and book resources were accessible and they could order any additional resources they required. Pupils were then given 2 periods in class to access the project boxes which had been ordered in by Mr Plain through the School Library Service (thank you!) and stock from the School Library.
It was expected that additional work be put into these projects in the pupils own time, at home or in the School Library and the end products are OUTSTANDING! 1G1, 1G2 and 1T1 deserve a special mention and a display has been set up in the School Library to showcase their projects. Great work and I hope you all enjoyed researching your chosen country!
Miss Jeffrey
Haddington Library and Tyne and Esk Writers are hosting workshops in March. The workshops are open to all young writers; those aged 8 – 12 have their workshop on Saturday 7th March 2015 and the following Saturday, 14th March 2015, will see 13 – 16 year olds flex their writing talents. Places are limited and can be booked at the public library in the John Gray Centre.
B. Plain

