Children in Need (today)
Our S6 Charities Committee has been great at leading all the preparation for today. They have organised a ‘one-off’ whole school dress down day, with a suggested donation of £1. All S6s are wearing fancy dress and will be visiting St Mary’s Primary school too as part of their fundraising. They have also organised fundraising events during break time – the favourite one being ‘sponge the teacher.’ There will also be a 'Pin the bandana on Pudsey’ (prizes up for grabs!) and a bake sale. They also ran an assembly for S1-S3 yesterday afternoon to explain what the theme of Children In Need is this year – SPOTacular – to ensure that fundraising is fun and that we raise as much as we can to help disadvantaged young people. Our S6 have certainly done an amazing job and I will let everyone know the amount raised in next week’s update. Thank you to all our young people, staff and parents/carers for your donations.
Higher Economics Confernence – Loretto
As part of the Higher Economics course, we took a trip to the Loretto School to take part in the annual Economics Conference, run by the Institute of Economic Affairs. The morning started off with a talk led by Dr Steve Davies, on how productivity related with economic growth, a valuable discussion to help further our understanding of the Higher course. That was followed by Dr. Juan Castaneda’s presentation on how recent high inflation was caused, another relevant discussion for our course. After the final talk, led by Chris Snowdon, on the economics of happiness we enjoyed a lunch provided by the school and ice cream from the nearby Café Luca’s to finish off an enjoyable school trip. (Ian Scott, S6)
Career Ready
The Career Ready charity aims to help prepare young people to succeed in work and life through their school Programme. This year we have 5 pupils in S5 who have been chosen to follow this programme for the next 18 months. Each young person is matched to a mentor from a business organisation who will be a key contact to support and guide them as they develop skills for career success. Regular meetings in school and visits to the mentor’s workplace allows unique access to the world beyond school. In June 2024 the pupils will join the mentor’s workplace for a paid 4-week internship - a potentially life-changing experience - to develop vital workplace skills.
A series of informative and engaging masterclasses are held to develop skills, help manage the pupil’s career understanding and identify pathways. Masterclasses include pupils from many schools across Edinburgh and the Lothians and are led by employers or the Career Ready team. Some masterclasses are virtual events but when held at an employer’s premises, there’s the chance for insights into job and career options in different sectors.
When pupils become a Career Ready graduate, they join thousands of peers, employers, and volunteers who can keep helping them in the future, through the networks they make.
The Career Ready Launch Event is on Friday 17 November 2024, where pupils meet their mentors for the first time, and we are delighted to have mentors from a wide variety of organisations - Enercon, Savills, Charles River and the Scottish Government. Knox Academy, and the programme participants, look forward to building positive relationships with these organisations and can’t wait to get started (By Mrs Ferguson, Social Subject Faculty)
Annual Data Check Forms
Annual Data Check forms were issued to S4-S6 last week, and forms for S3 issued this week.
Parents/carers should review these, and return these as soon as possible. (Knox Academy Office)
Supported Study
An updated Supported Study Timetable has been published on the website and covers all faculties.
Book Swap
This took place on Wednesday 15 November and was very well attended by staff and pupils alike. Many went home excited by the collection of new books they now have to read. Thank you to the English team for promoting literacy at the school and in line with our re-use/recycle approaches.
Event for potential adopters
The council’s adoption team is holding an event for potential adopters on Tuesday 21 November. If you’re considering adoption, the informal event will give you a chance to meet the council’s team and experienced adopters to find out about local support. It is being held on Tuesday 21 November, 6.30pm-9.30pm at the Brunton Hall, Musselburgh. Find out more about adopting in East Lothian or by call the team on 01620 827643.
Ormiston Pump Track
We are keen to better understand the impact that the Ormiston Pump Track has had on the lives of local people across East Lothian. If you have been to Ormiston Park Pump Track, we would love you to complete the Ormiston Pump Track Consultation here. We look forward to hearing from you! (Mark Urwin, Active Schools)
Success Stories
Squash
This weekend, Jamie Pearman (S3) will be playing in the Irish Junior Open which is taking place in Dublin. We wish him all the best in his performance.
Ice Hockey
Harry Hudson (S1) has passed his first trial for selection for the UK select team, which is the stage before GB Ice Hockey team. This is a massive achievement for him and it is a testament to his hard work and dedication. We wish him all the best for the following trials on 18/19th December. These will take place in Glasgow.
Support
Please can parents/carers make an appointment if they wish to speak to a member of Pupil Support or the Senior Leadership Team. Recently we have had an increasing number of parents/carers turning up, without an appointment, wishing to be seen and although we want to see you, we have been unable to do so as we have been teaching or in pre-arranged meetings. By making an appointment with us via the office, or email, we can ensure a time and date where we can meet to support you and your young person. When arriving at the school please sign in with our office team and wait in the foyer until the member of staff collects you. This is an important aspects of our safety procedures at the school – which also applies before/after school and break and lunchtimes. Thank you.
Please also do not hesitate to contact our Pupil Support Team by emailing your young person’s House Team if you would like to discuss any support for your young person or to arrange an appointment to come in to speak to someone. The House team should be the first port of call for anything you wish to discuss.
- Garleton - garleton@knox.elcschool.org.uk
- Lammerlaw - lammerlaw@knox.elcschool.org.uk
- Traprain - traprain@knox.elcschool.org.uk
Dates for your diary:
21 November – S2 Snapshot Report Issued
23 November – S3 Parents’ Evening – 4.30-6.30pm (Knox Academy)
5 December – Parent Council – 6.30-8pm (School library – all welcome)
7 December – S1-S3 Christmas Dance
13 December – S4-S6 Christmas Dance
21 December – Christmas Concert – 7pm
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
Parent Council
The Parent Council has requested a footer on my HT’s update that remains there year round and which offers quick links to remote learning resources, course choices, supported study and careers news. Clicking on these headings takes you straight to these pages.
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.
