Staffing

Welcome back to Steven Illingworth, who joins us this week after nearly a year away as acting Head Teacher at Dalkeith High School.

Following Geography interviews on Wednesday, Sophie Coats has been appointed to our one day a week position (permanent).

SQA Examinations

One week left to go and our attendance rates at these have been amazing! Following the end of these, our new timetable for all pupils starts on Monday 2 June.

S2 Careers Inspiration Day – Friday 30 May

Last year we introduced a new careers event for S2 and it was very successful. As a result we will be repeating it next Friday, 30 May.

We have 9 businesses coming into school that morning and S2 pupils will complete sessions with 4 of them during the morning (one each period). They will be set challenges relating to their area of work and be developing some of the key skills required for those industries/ areas of work.

As well as being enjoyable, we hope it will broaden their horizons in terms of the world of work and enable them to recognise (and further develop) some of the core, transferable, skills that are essential to life beyond school.

We are obviously extremely fortunate that these people are willing to give their time to come in and run these sessions and know our pupils will show our school values of ambition, respect and community throughout the sessions and say a huge thank you to them at the end of each session.

Scottish Geography Quiz Competition

On Tuesday two teams of S1-3 pupils went to the Borders to represent Knox Academy at the Scottish Geography Quiz Competition, where they demonstrated excellent teamwork, enthusiasm and geography knowledge. It was a closely fought contest, with Knox A (Zoe Murdie, Poppy Davidson-Kelly and Rory Dickson) topping the tables in the 'Tropical Countries' round and Knox B (Noah English, Oren McGregor and Yve Murdie) excelling at the 'Urban / Settlement' crossword and 'Geography in the News'. These victories got both teams through to the Regional Final, with Knox B leading the competition.  In the regional final both teams performed well, being joint top scorers of the rapid fire round, but it was Knox B's 14/15 score in 'Stars in their Flags' which put them in joint first place at the end. Just one deciding question stood between them and the Scottish Final, but they were pipped to the post by Earlston High School, who now go to the Scottish final at Dollar Academy. What an exciting finish, well done to both teams! - Ms Milne

Edinburgh Marathon Festival

Good luck to all the staff and pupils who are taking part in this event tomorrow to raise money for the Teenage Cancer Trust.  A last minute plea to support their efforts (possibly in the rain too) – please click on this Link. Your donation—no matter how big or small—will directly support teenagers battling cancer. Thank you.

Battle of the Bands Family Activities

On Sunday 25 May 2025, ELJam’s annual Battle of the Bands contest returns to Haddington Bridge Centre.

Bands from all seven ELC high schools will compete for some fantastic prizes including the chance to perform as support acts for three of The Brunton/Haddstock’s commercial concerts.

The event runs 12-5pm and is free to members of the public to pop by and listen.

It is suitable for all the family, with additional activities going on throughout the day:

• 12-4pm open mic session – musicians (Under 25s) can put their name down on the day to perform a song or tune.
• FREE workshops for young people including dance, drama and vocal coaching book here or go to www.thebunton.co.uk/ and search for workshops.
• Pizza available from Mazzoli
• Refreshments

For more information about the Battle of the Bands event & activities visit www.eastlothian.gov.uk/eljam

To book FREE workshops click the links below:

Vocal Coaching, S1 - S6: 10:00am to 10:45am

Introduction to drama, ages 5 to 7 years: 12:15pm to 1:00pm

Introduction to drama, ages 8 to 12 years: 1:00pm to 2:00pm

Dance taster, ages 5 to 7 years: 2:15pm to 3:00pm

Dance taster, ages 8 to 13 years: 3:15pm to 4:15pm

Pupils’ Successes

Bagpiping

Congratulations to William Gold (S3) who came first in his age group in the RSPBA solo piping in Dumfries and Galloway and came 3rd in his section at the RSPBA competition in Livingston. Both were very strong fields and we are very proud of his hard work and dedication to get to this point. 

Future Chef

Congratulations to Haiden Black, at Meadowpark, who was a finalist in the Future Chef competition last week. His lemon meringue pie was spot on and very delicious!

Dates for your diary:

25 April – 30 May – exam leave for S4-S6 pupils  

26-30 May – S3 Work Experience

2 June - New Timetable starts

4 June – S1-S6 sports day

5 June – S3 BGE Graduation Ceremony

!8 June – Evening of Celebration

26 June – end of term – school finishes at 3.25pm

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. E-Sgoil also has some great resources.

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   @knoxacademyHT for the latest information and updates.