Staffing
Interviews are taking place on Monday and Tuesday for the Modern Studies position.
We are currently leeting candidates for the PT Guidance Post.
The PE teaching post closes this Sunday.
S3 Work Experience
The S3 pupils have been busy trying to arrange placements for their work experience. This year it is taking place from 11th – 15th May. Some pupils have found this tricky as, for a variety of reasons, many employers are unable to take school pupils that week.
If you think that you could offer a placement to one of our pupils, we would be very grateful if you could get in touch using this email address workexperience@knox.elcschool.org.uk
Uniform Consultation
We have now started reviewing the responses from pupils, parents/carers and staff and will report back on this in the coming weeks.
School Improvement Planning for Session 2026-27
Thank you to all parents/carers who have taken the time to respond to this (89 so far – so about 14% of our parent/carer group). Sunday 15 March, is the final day to respond. Your views are very much valued and we have used these in previous years to help guide the school’s direction so please do complete it to ensure views are representative.
Rights Respecting Schools (RRSA)
Our Article of focus this week is Article 24 - Health, Water, Food and Environment
Children have the right to the best health care possible, clean water, healthy food and a clean and safe environment to live in. All adults and children should have information about how to stay safe and healthy.
This term we will be collecting for Lammermuir larder, our local food bank in Haddington - all donations should be in before 1st of April before the Easter holidays. All non-perishable items such as tins, packets and jars are accepted. Thanks for your generosity and support as always.
Deaf Awareness
This week's BSL Sign of the week is 'Good morning'. Why not try and use it with your family and friends. Did you know that BSL has regional dialects? Just like accents, signs for the same word can be different!
Pupils’ Successes
Scottish Chamber Orchestra
Yesterday the music department had a trip to the Queen's Hall for an open rehearsal with The Scottish Chamber Orchestra. This was a live orchestral experience with award-winning soloist and BBC radio presenter Jess Gillam (Saxophone). It was designed to inspire creativity and enhance understanding of musical concepts used in the repertoire. One higher pupil wrote the following review:
'It was an amazing opportunity to go and see this as before this point I had never seen an orchestra in person before. The orchestra played really good and it was very enjoyable and interesting to listen to as this is not the type of music I usually listen to. It was especially interesting to see how the musicians and the conductor make the orchestra work. Incredible experience would strongly recommend.' Higher Pupil
Haddstock
Knox Academy was delighted to welcome artist and co-founder of Haddstock, Beki Dover, along to speak to S5 Core students on Wednesday 11th March. The rota class is focussing on our school value of Community so it was brilliant to hear about the origins of Haddstock and about the exciting plans for 2026. Haddstock Music & Arts Festival will take place in our town on 29 -31st May. Beki Dover has offered Knox Academy students the opportunity to volunteer with ushering, shadowing sound engineers etc. This is a fabulous way to build confidence as students interact with the public. All Knox volunteers will receive a free Haddstock t-shirt, lunch on the day and a reference. Please email Beki Dover at haddstock@gmail.com to express you interest in volunteering. www.haddstock.co.uk Thank you (By Mrs Middlemiss)
Events/Trips:
Author Visit -Brian Conaghan vested us today to speak to all S3s.
Life Sciences College Visit (6 March)
This involved S4 learners learning various Life Science skills as a taster for a future career or interest in this area. A mixture of - first aid, moving and handling, health testing and screening, infection control and an NHS practical session. Based at Milton Rd campus at Edinburgh College. This visit helps learners decide and choose courses at school or college to support final future positive destinations.
Edinburgh International Conference Centre Visit (25 February)
S3 Graphics learners recently visited the EICC, the group were treated with a buffet of refreshing healthy breakfast on arrival, and the staff explained their career journeys and what they learnt at school. The main visit theme was to see what Graphics a large venue requires and why they need Graphic Designers on staff, also an interesting tour around the building and behind the scenes look at all that happens at a venue for thousands of visitors, with all the logistics that involves. The class are now developing some promotional graphics and floorplans for an upcoming event.
General Info/Community
Blazers
Even with our uniform consultation ongoing, young people in our senior phase will still be able to elect to wear a shirt and tie. Therefore, if any S5/6 pupils wish to purchase a blazer to wear as part of their uniform, they will be able to do so on Thursday 23rd April from 2-7 pm in the library. Borders Embroidery will be in attendance to help measure sizes.
PTA Update
The PTA is pleased to share that tickets are now available for our Family Quiz Night on Friday 20 March at the Rugby Club, Haddington. Tickets are priced at £5, with children admitted free when accompanied by an adult. The evening promises to be an enjoyable social event, including a raffle and games. To purchase tickets, please contact the Knox Academy PTA at kasupportgroup@ka-net.org.uk.
Dates for your diary:
19 March – Parent Council (including AGM) – 6.30-8pm (school library) – all welcome
20 March – PTA Quiz – Rugby Club
26 March – Spring Concert – 7-9pm (Assembly Hall)
Friday 2 April – Monday 20 April (inclusive) – Easter Break
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
