A visual treat today – we have some talented pupils in Meadowpark who are producing some beautiful work and developing skillsets: concentration, cooperation, planning, organisation, creativity. read more here...Newsletter 17.09.2020
General News
Published: 17 September 2020
Due to the ongoing uncertainty regarding public health and travel, the council has made the difficult decision to cancel all residential school visits to the end of the current academic year. Whilst I know this will be very disappointing for pupils and parents, the safety of our pupils and staff is paramount in reaching this decision.
Full details are available in the letter issued 17 September 2020 from our Head Teacher
Published: 15 September 2020
There has been a confirmed case of COVID-19 within Knox Academy. A detailed risk assessment has been carried out by the school and Health Protection to identify any close contacts.
The school remains open and if your young person has not been contacted then they should continue to attend school if they remain well.
What to do if your young person develops symptoms of COVID-19
Full details and further advice are contained in the letter issued today (15 September 2020) from NHS Lothian from Dr Richard Othieno, consultant in Public Health Medicine.
How to stop COVID-19 spreading
There are things you can do to reduce the risk of you and anyone you live with getting ill with COVID-19.
- regularly wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
- use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available
- wash your hands as soon as you get home
- cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze
- put used tissues straight in the bin and wash your hands.
Published: 12 September 2020
The Mathematics Department are delighted to offer lunchtime Supported Study every Tuesday and Wednesday. Pupils should bring their lunch with them and arrive prompt to get the most out of the available time.
We have scheduled topic specific revision each week which is designed to support pupils to 'pace' their revision as we work towards the important Prelim Exams. This is in addition to the weekly home learning tasks we set.
You can find the calendar of details here.
Also included in the calendar are our excellent '4 Question Challenges' which should support pupils self-assessment of their own learning needs.
Published: 11 September 2020
We are all feeling grateful for decent weather this week and pupils have been enjoying outdoor activities including painting, gardening and mindfulness walks. All classes participate in a daily walk and have been encouraged to extend this walk, or go twice a day and pick up the pace as indoor PE is still not possible in the current climate.
Esk class have been using a tracker to count up their daily and weekly miles to indicate improvements in time and distance. Esk class are gathering this information for the John Muir Award...read more here Newsletter 11.09.2020
Published: 10 September 2020
DofE Scotland (and all at Knox Academy) want to take the opportunity to celebrate the success of young people from Knox Academy in the volunteering, physical and skills sections of their DofE Award. We have been sent our Social Value Certificate (below) outlining the number of hours which our young people have put into these sections in 2019-2020 as well as the impact of their volunteering expressed as a monetary value.
A Tremendous Achievement! Well done to all!
DofE Scotland are hugely proud of the impact of the DofE on young people across Scotland, and indeed the UK. You can find case studies and further information on the Duke of Edinburgh website. This also outlines the adaptations we have made to allow young people to continue with their DofE including the exciting Certificate of Achievement. The Certificate of Achievement is available to all participants who have completed their Skills, Volunteering and Physical sections at all Award levels but haven’t been able to do their expedition and/or residential at Gold because of the pandemic. Any participant who enrols between 1 June 2018 and 31 July 2021 will be eligible for a Certificate of Achievement.
Published: 10 September 2020
These Frequently Asked Questions bring together some of the questions parents and carers have asked since schools started back following the summer break. If you have other questions please look at the NHS Inform website or contact us via the school office at Knox Academy. The school will contact NHS Lothian Health Protection Team if they need help giving you an answer.
The full FAQ document can be accessed as a PDF.
(version 3 updated 10 September 2020)
Published: 04 September 2020
Pupils and staff are getting into their stride this week as a sense of the new normal starts to embed itself: routines, safety measures, timetables and trust are being established to offer reassurance and connection.
A number of young people are still navigating their way which is to be expected and so we are listening and being sensitive to their needs while trying to reassure and instill the sense that Meadowpark is a safe and comfortable place to be where young people can connect with each other and the wider community. Read more here...Newsletter 04.09.2020
Published: 31 August 2020
These last few months have often been challenging, particularly for parents and carers. Now that schools and nurseries have returned the Scottish Government have written to provide some advice where a child or young person in your care presents with symptoms of the common cold or similar bugs during this pandemic.
Please read the full letter from Professor Jason Leitch (National Clinical Director)
Published: 28 August 2020
Another week has flown during which a number of our younger pupils increased their time in school having enjoyed a soft start to their transition. Some were increasing their time with us and others continuing with full days, with some seniors finding their feet back in Knox Academy, and all our pupils have continued to amaze and impress me with their #WhatWeCanDo #WeCanDoIt attitude.
This week has felt like autumn coping with Storm Francis: high winds and heavy rain can deter the hardiest of souls but once again Meadowpark staff and pupils have excelled themselves with limited resources during wet breaks, using their creativity and knowledge of pupils to ensure safety, motivation and stimulation. This has contributed to reassuring pupils that they can rely on routine and consistency from our experienced and dedicated staff. Read more here...Newsletter 28.08.2020
