For students in N4/N5 French, N4/N5 Spanish, and Higher French, the Modern Languages Department will be offering afterschool revision sessions on Wednesdays. If you are interested in attending, please speak with your French/Spanish teacher.
September 2022
S1 Pupils are welcome to come along to the Music Department every Monday Lunchtime for Guitar Club & Keyboard Club. Both clubs will be led by 3rd Year students.

There will be a meeting in the Food Court Classroom on Friday 30 September at the start of morning interval for any S5/6 boys interested in playing for the Senior football team. If you cannot make the meeting, please see Mr Flood.
This year 2022/23 there is a plan to launch a school magazine. As part of this we are looking for any pupils (all year groups) who would like to contribute to the magazine. While being edited by a team this is being produced for pupils and staff. The magazine is currently being run by S6 pupils. If you do wish to get involved then we would like you to submit a short piece. Topics/articles can be wide ranging and the possible suggestions list below is not exhaustive. Some articles may even be quite small so please do not feel you have to write masses.
Article/page ideas could include: A short story you’ve written, a book, TV series or film review, a celebrity or band profile, a cartoon, a collection of photographs, a favorite recipe, top technology (Gadgets), if you do Duke of Edinburgh we would love to here what you've been up to in a summary of progress so far and plans to get your level of award.
Please come and speak with Mr Clark if you are interested. If you complete something you can send it directly to me here: aclark1@edubuzz.org.uk
If there are any staff who have any experience in magazine editing or wish to contribute or offer any advice to the team please contact Mr Clark.
All pupils who applied for a place on the Duke of Edinburgh's Award, please come to a meeting in Mr Boyle's room next Wednesday (5th October) to make arrangements for the next steps of your DofE journey. Meeting will start promptly at 1:30pm. You are welcome to bring lunch to my room at the start of lunchtime, otherwise ensure you have made arrangements for lunch to allow you to attend at 1.30pm prompt.
The Eco-Committee will be meeting again on Monday 3 October 2022 at lunch time in Ms. Laudi's room (Modern Languages T1.2). Feel free to bring your lunch and new members are always weclome.
This week (w/c 26 September 2022) we celebrate European Week of Languages!
This stems from the Council of Europe’s idea that linguistic diversity is a tool for achieving greater intercultural understanding and a key element in the rich cultural heritage of our continent. In other words, learning languages helps us become more tolerant and open towards other cultures!
Each day in registration we will do different language related tasks and activities.
Tuesday: Music
Music is a powerful way to learn languages and great music comes from countries all over the world!
Here is a video from popular Stromae (French) and his song 'Papaoutai'
Wednesday: Polyglots
Polyglots are people who can speak many languages fluently.
Here is a video of a 7 year old polyglot!
Thursday: Celebrities Speaking Languages
Many celebrities speak second and maybe even third languages! Their ability to speak more languages often helps them further their career.
Click here to learn about 11 celebs who speak different languages.
Friday: Sport & Language
Just like the celebrities we learnt about yesterday, many professional athletes understand how learning languages can prolong their career and give them more opportunities to develop!
Here is a video about Kylian Mbappé and all the languages he speaks
Here is a video of David Beckham giving an interview in Spanish
Come along and play video games at lunch on a Thursday to room M1.11!
Think you can beat Mr Balfour at Smash Bros Ultimate, give it a shot! Think you're good at Super Mario games, why not try some of the absolutely impossible stages made in Mario Maker? Want to try some of the good old GameCube classics such as Mario Kart: Double Dash!! or F-Zero?
See Mr Balfour to sign up in room M1.11 (Computing). First come first serve!
This week (w/c 26 September 2022) we celebrate European Week of Languages!
This stems from the Council of Europe’s idea that linguistic diversity is a tool for achieving greater intercultural understanding and a key element in the rich cultural heritage of our continent. In other words, learning languages helps us become more tolerant and open towards other cultures!
Each day in registration we will do different language related tasks and activities.
Today's language related task: Quiz! See if you can work out which language is being spoken.
Access The Quiz
The latest vacancies are now available from East Lothian Works.
East Lothian Works 15 September 2022
East Lothian Works 23 September 2022
Speak to Mr Flood for more information.
This Halloween there will be a whole school art competition. The theme is anything Halloween or autumnal. The entries will be judged by different members of staff.
There will be prizes for all winners and lots of house points up for grabs!. To get involved please submit any form of art with your name and class on it to Mr Tait (T4) or the CDT base, alternatively email a photo of your art to ka17odale@edubuzz.org
ENTRIES CAN INCLUDE:
- Drawings/Sketches
- Paintings
- Sculptures
- Photographs
The deadline for this competition is Monday 24 October 2022, and there will be winners for junior level and senior level.
Good luck! We look forward to seeing all of your talent showcased!
The Pupil Leadership Team.
We are starting a new COMIC CLUB in the library on Wednesday lunchtimes (from 1.10pm), starting on 21 September 2022. Come along to read, chat about, and draw comics! Give your name to Ms Fry in the library if you're interested.
The next Eco-Committee meeting will take place on Monday 26 September 2022 in Ms. Laudi's room at lunch time. Please bring your lunch along. New members are always welcome!
As we approach the end of September, and weather conditions are cooling can pupils please be reminded of the appropriate PE kit for lessons as some classes continue to be outside:
- Change of bottoms ie. leggings/joggers/shorts
- Change of top ie. t-shirt/vest/jumper/waterproof
- Change of footwear ie. trainers/boots/socks
- Reusable water bottle
Where possible, the PE staff will do our best to accommodate those without kit to ensure you are comfortable for lessons.
Pupils should also be reminded, that after PE you should be returning to full school uniform.
With the first pupil council meeting up and coming, please note the representatives from your year group that you can visit with any suggestions or questions you would like brought up.
S1:
- Ethan English
- Freddy Fendick
- William Nathan
- Beatrix Haydock
- Lilly Darling
- Chloe Doherty
S2:
- Arwen Hopkins
- Hannah Fairbairn
- Logan Stone
S3:
- Maya Borkowski
- Kristen Dick
S4:
- Vacant - Please Email ka17opirie@edubuzz.org ASAP if you would like to join the Pupil Council.
S5:
- Leila Maycock
- Polly McKinlay
- Katy Mead
- Sophie Robertson
S6:
- Pupil Leadership Team
- Owen Williamson
- Ellen Hunter
There will be a meeting of the Poppyscotland team on Wednesday 14 September in M.11 at the start of morning interval. Anyone who has not already volunteered to be part of the team and would like to join is very welcome. Any questions, please see Mr Flood.
To any pupils who would like to be involved in the making of a film about the experiences of LGBT young people in schools in East Lothian. It will be shared on East Lothian social media and in schools and will be premiered at the Knox Academy diversity event early next year. The team are hoping to get short clips of young people talking about the challenges faced by LGBT people and what has helped/ can help make their experience of school more positive.
If you are interested, can you see Miss Stobie asap.
Any of our pupils who completed National 5 or Higher Art and Design last year who would like their folios returned from the SQA can get a parent or guardian to log onto the School Pay site and pay £3.91 to get both their expressive and design folios returned.
The cut-off for payments is Thursday 15th September 2022.
If you have lost your School Pay access or have left school, you may pay in cash but you need exact money.
If you enjoy playing KEYBOARD and would like to learn more then please come along to MRS MARTIN'S classroom on Monday Lunchtimes (from 26 September 2022)
The group will be run by S3 pupils and they will be on hand to provide music, support and advice.
Open to all S1.
If you enjoy playing GUITAR and would like to learn more then please come along to MRS MIDDLEMISS'S classroom on MONDAY LUNCHTIMES (from Monday 26th September 2022)
The group will be run by S3 pupils and they will be on hand to provide music, support and advice.
Open to all S1.
Orchestra will start back on Tuesday 27th September 2022 3:30pm - 4:30pm.
Open to all year groups.
If you get instrumental lessons in school then please see your instructor for sheet music.
If you get instrumental lessons outside of school and would like to join the Orchestra, or if you have any questions please see Mrs Martin in the Music Department.
A Google Classroom has been set up for the Orchestra so keep an eye out for news.
We are delighted that our first Volunteering Fayre since 2019 will take place today. All S3, S4, S5 and S6 pupils will attend the Fayre during the morning. Please take the opportunity to speak with the organisations present and sign up for opportunities. Organisations and pupils will also be speaking during the morning about their experiences. We hope you enjoy the experience and it gives you food for thought about why volunteering matters.
'We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.' - Winston Churchill
As part of the Dunbar Music Festival, there will be a choice of workshops which pupils can sign up for on Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 September 2022. This is an exciting opportunity to learn something new, and the workshops will be led by professional musicians and experts from the music industry. All are free of charge, but it is advisable to get tickets as soon as possible as numbers are limited. All will take place in Dunbar. For full details and information on how to book tickets, speak to your music teacher.
Workshop 1: Off the Record: experts unpack the music industry.
Workshop 2: For singers and jazz fans, Eileen Hunter will teach different styles of singing and how to communicate with accompanying musicians.
Workshop 3: An introduction to fingerstyle guitar playing with award-winning guitarist and teacher Tony Cox.
Workshop 4: For adults and pupils over the age of 11, Dunbar Voices director Moira Morrison will lead an afternoon of harmony singing.
To sign up, speak to Mrs Martin. Further information can be seen here https://www.dunbarmusicfestival.co.uk/creative-workshops-information
Thursday football is cancelled this week due to a whole-staff meeting. It will be back on next Thursday.
Come along to the LGBT+ Allies meeting in Miss Stobie's room today (Wednesday 7 September 2022) @ 13:20. Everyone is welcome!
Miss Stobie
The NHS Virtual Work Experience Programme will be commencing on Sunday 2nd October for those interested in careers in:
Nursing; Midwifery; Paramedicine; Physiotherapy; Occupational Therapy; Dietetics; Radiography; Prosthetics and Orthotics; Speech and Language Therapy; Pharmacy
During the work experience day, students will follow 2 patients from their initial presentation to recovery. They will gain a unique insight into how patients interact with a variety of healthcare professionals and what it’s like to work in an NHS multidisciplinary team.
Students will receive certificates as evidence of having participated in the work experience programme. Those that complete the full 5-month programme will also be awarded Highly Commended References. Students can register individually at any time throughout the 5-month programme using the link below. We recommend booking early to gain as much out of this programme as possible. Places are £10 a session to cover administrative and technological costs.
https://alliedhealthmentor.org/nhs-healthcare-careers-virtual-work-experience/
Considering applying to Cambridge this October? You might be interested in signing up for Cambridge interview webinars.
These sessions are designed for students who are likely to apply to Cambridge this year, and would like to find out more about the interviews. The sessions themselves will be delivered by academics from the university, and will be interactive. They aim to provide attendees with a better idea of what to expect at interview, and how they might be able to prepare.
The events will all take place from 17:00-18:00, on the following dates. There will also be a general interviews overview session at the same time on Tuesday 13th September.
Wednesday 21 September 2022
- English
- Architecture; History of Art
Thursday 22 September 2022
- Computer Science (TBC)
- Law (TBC)
- Psychological and Behavioural Science
Friday 23 September 2022
- Archaeology; Classics
- Maths
Monday 26 September 2022
- Biology; Natural Sciences – Biological
- Human, Social and Political Sciences (TBC)
- Economics
Tuesday 27 September 2022
- Physics; Natural Sciences – Physical
- Philosophy
- Theology
Wednesday 28 September 2022
- History; History and Modern Languages; History and Politics
- Medicine; Veterinary Medicine
Thursday 29 September 2022
- Engineering; Chemical Engineering
- Anglo-Saxon, Norse, and Celtic; Asian and Middle Eastern Studies; Linguistics
- Modern and Medieval Languages
Friday 30 September 2022
- Chemistry; Natural Sciences – Biological or Physical
- Geography; Land Economy
- Music
You can apply individually at the University of Cambridge website.
Access Law is series of virtual events for S5/6 pupils interested in a career in law. More details and links to register are in the flyer.
See Mr Flood if you have any questions.
The latest vacancies are now available from East Lothian Works.
East Lothian Works 2 September 2022
Speak to Mr Flood for more information.
Every Wednesday, bring your lunch to M1.11 (Mr Balfour's room) and learn how to code amongst other things. All are welcome (not just girls) if you have an interest in code. Please speak to Mr Balfour if you wish to attend this.
Hi folks, football will not be on this week due to a staff meeting but it will be back on next week at the 3G from 4-5pm (15 September 2022).
Miss Stobie
On Monday this week, the Eco-Committee held its first meeting of the year. We've already made a good start! If you missed the first meeting, but you'd still like to get involved, we'll be meeting again on Monday 12 September 2022 at lunch time in Ms. Laudi's room. Feel free to bring your lunch along and we look forward to hearing your ideas! If you have any questions, come speak to Ms. Laudi.
S4 pupils that started Bronze Award last school year (2021-2022) please ensure you check your edubuzz email / Google Classroom for information regarding your award
Warhammer and D&D Lunchtime Club
Interested in Warhammer or D&D or want to chat to people who are?
Come along to our lunchtime time club in M1.3 on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
Bring your lunch with you.
(Ms Campbell/Mrs Coyle's maths classroom)
Lil - the sustainable refill shop on the Haddington High Street - is hosting a Thrifty Clothes Swap on Friday September 9 at the Maitlandfield House Hotel. It’s an all ages event with doors opening at 7.30pm (and a Sashiko repair workshop preceding that). Tickets cost £5.00; however, young people can use the discount code HAD-DEPOP at checkout to pay just £2.50. Tickets can be purchased at this link: www.dolilthings.org/miscellaneous/swish
Lil has received funding from the Climate Fringe Fund to put this event on, as fashion is considered the second most polluting industry and 90% of our carbon footprint in Scotland can be attributed to the goods and services we buy – including clothes! The fashion industry is responsible for 10% of global carbon emissions, more than international flights and maritime shipping – combined. For this reason, swapping and wearing pre-loved clothes rather than buying new clothes hugely minimises how many clothes go to landfill and how many carbon emissions are released into the atmosphere!
There is an opportunity to work with Orchard Medical Practice in Haddington. They are looking for a Knox pupil to be part of their Practice Patient Participation Group, which meets 4 times per year at Newtonport Surgery. The main activity of the patient participation group is giving advice and feedback on services provided by the practice. This is a good opportunity for someone to be able to influence change and it also would look good on your CV. The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday 22nd September at 12.30 pm. You would need to be registered at Orchard Medical Practice. If you are interested please see Mr Flood.

