June 2009

Knox News
The Newsletter of Knox Academy
Dear Parents/Carers,

Welcome to the last Knox News of session 2008-9. The summer term has been very busy with a wide variety of activities taking
place in and out of school. This makes for a bumper edition.

At the end of term we will say farewell to the following members of staff:

After over 7 years at Knox Academy, Miss Black (Music and Principal Teacher (Curriculum: Expressive Arts) is leaving to take
up the post of Depute Head Teacher at Grangemouth High School. During her time at the school, Miss Black has developed and
expanded the music department as well as overseeing the increase in extra-curricular music activities (who could ever forget the
Samba Band‟s debut?). As well as being a valued member of the Music Department, Miss Black has been a highly regarded and
effective member of the extended Management Team and has played a role in many whole school initiatives and events. Miss
Black has been a loyal and supportive colleague, her hard work, enthusiasm and commitment will be missed. I am sure you join
me in wishing her every success in her new, richly deserved, and promoted post.

Two members of staff have resigned their posts due to family commitments. Mrs Jones (Geography) is leaving after four years at
the school and Mrs Muirhead (Business Education) after six. Both members of staff have been very successful teachers and have
contributed to the wider life of the school by being part of extra-curricular activities and trips. Certainly Outdoor Education and
Enterprise will miss their input and expertise.

The eight teachers who have been with us for their probationary year will be leaving: Ms R Dawson (English), Ms S Christie
(Art), Ms J Warren (Geography), Mr J Stirling (PE), Ms H Cairns (Business Education) Mr F Haddow (Chemistry) Ms C Fin-
layson and Ms J Kubis (both Mathematics). All are talented teachers and we wish them every success in their careers.

Also, we say farewell to Ms L McDougal, an ex-pupil of Knox, who has been working in the Pupil Support Base for most of this
session. Ms McDougal is returning to university to train as a teacher of English.

I am sure you join me in thanking all of the staff above and wishing them good luck for the future.

Ms G Good (Biology) is taking a 2-year career break and will be spending this time in China, this should ensure another exciting
international link for the school.

This means there will be many staff changes after the summer:

The following permanent appointments have been made: Mr E Williamson (Maths) and Ms C Slowther (Biology). Temporary
appointments are: Ms G Wilson and Ms L Ward (Biology).

All staff will take up their posts in August and I am sure you join me in wishing them good luck. Full details of staffing for next
session will be issued in the August Pack sent to all parents and carers.

On the 12th June we held the Leavers‟ Ceremony to say farewell to pupils leaving from S4 and S5 and, of course, the whole of
S6. We wish all our leavers health and happiness.

Many of our pupils will have a tense time in August waiting for the SQA results. The results should reach pupils in the post on
Tuesday 4 August; no information will be available from the school before that date.

A big thank you to all sections of the school community for another hectic, successful and enjoyable session.

School closes at 12.05 pm on Friday 26 June, the autumn term starts at 8.44 am on Wednesday 19 August.

Best wishes for a relaxing summer.

JB Craig
Headteacher
Page 2 Knox News

J O H N L O C K H ART A WAR D
Many congratulations to Simon Simpson who was nominated for the annual
John Lockhart Young Achiever Award and gained a runner-up prize at the
ceremony on Sunday 24 May in St Mary's Church. The award was started by
the Lockhart family in memory of their son, John, and is presented by
Haddington Community Council to a young person (aged between 5 and 18)
who has worked hard for the community; or has helped another person in the
community; or has had to battle against illness or personal tragedy; or who has
gained personal achievement through sheer hard work. When asked, staff
simply said that Simon “is a star” who has worked hard to achieve the best that
he can in a world that, due to his autism, can be sometimes confusing and
frustrating.
Simon was delighted to get his certificate and the ceremony was part of what
has been for him a very successful Fourth Year at Knox Academy.
We wish Simon well for his Fifth Year.

S Ingham
Depute Headteacher

T H E B R I T I S H B I O LO G Y O LY MP I C S

Earlier this session four pupils from the Advanced Higher Biology class took part in a British Biology
competition. James Turvill, Robert Watt, Hannah Mainstone and Kayleigh MacMillan represented Knox
Academy in this highly competitive event that is open to all UK schools. One of our pupils, Kayleigh
MacMillan achieved a “Highly Commended” award. The content of the competition is based on the A
-Level course which Kayleigh hasn't completed, but using her knowledge from Advanced Higher and per-
sonal reading she managed to perform extremely well. Congratulations go to Kayleigh for doing so well
in such a tough competition.

G Good
Biology Department

R AG B AG T E XT I L E B A N K
Knox Academy has a new textile bank which you can use to recycle unwanted
textiles of any quality. You can donate adult and children‟s clothes, paired shoes, hats, bags, belts, cur-
tains, towels and bed linen (sheets, pillow covers, duvet covers). It is important that the textiles are dry,
clean and in a bag. Please do not donate soiled or wet textiles.

Knox Academy receives £300 for school funds for every tonne of textiles deposited, so get
recycling!!

N Davidson
Business Manager
A U B I G N Y N E WS
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The group of 14 pupils from Aubigny enjoyed good weather during their visit in April. The visitors from
Collège Gérard Philipe (which has taken part in a school exchange programme with Knox Academy over
many years) were hosted by local families and we are very grateful to them for looking after our French
guests so well. As well as visiting the school, they went to Edinburgh Castle and the Bass Rock and they
got together with their Scottish friends for ten pin bowling in Edinburgh. They ended the week with an
evening of Scottish music, hosted by Haddington Twinning Association during which the Twinning
Scholarship was presented. For the first time ever, the Twinning Scholarship was presented to a boy:
Nick Thompson is in Sixth Year at Knox and plans to go on to university after the summer. He hopes to
travel to Aubigny at the end of June and spend a month doing work experience in the primary school and
council buildings there. Mr Hutchinson, Principal Teacher of Modern Languages at Knox Academy pre-
sented the award.

E Elliott
Modern Languages Department

S A M YE L I N G V I S I T

In early March, an excited group of S5 & 6 RMPS pupils boarded a bus destined for Samye Ling, a
Buddhist community situated in Dumfries & Galloway. After the original date being cancelled in Decem-
ber due to adverse weather conditions, we were all doubly excited. After the admittedly long 2 hour
bus ride we rolled up at Samye Ling a little tired to be met by our tour guide for the day, Pende. He intro-
duced himself to us, and we set out to view the numerous sights, from the spectacular main temple,
with its intricate architecture, to the wonderful statues located all around the area. Our first stop was to
go inside the aforementioned temple where various Buddhist concepts and ideas were explained to us.
The long day had meant our stomachs were ruling our heads so we made our way to the not quite so spec-
tacular dinig hall. This was compensated for by the food, which was very tasty, the potatoes in particular.
To follow this we set out again to end our tour, and we saw the remaining sights, including the stupa
where we received a talk from a lay person called Maggie. Sadly soon after it was sadly time to leave this
wonderful place, so we hopped on the bus, where many of us slept the return journey away, rounding off
a terrific day.

Michael McKenzie and Louis Ferguson

S6

“Green Tara” statue in the

grounds of the Temple.
Page 4 Knox News

F O R M E R P UP I L S U C CE SS

Congratulations go to Robbie Elliott who has just been awarded a First Class Honours Degree
in Film, Media and Journalism from Stirling University. Also Julie Francis has graduated with a BA
(Hons) from Edinburgh University in French and Spanish.
We wish them every success in the future.
If you have any news about former pupils, please get in contact with the school to let us know.

S Ingham
Depute Head Teacher

A M N E ST Y I NT E R NAT I O NAL C AM PAI G N N E W S

Patrick Okoroafor, from Nigeria, has spent half his life in detention. He was 14 when he was arrested in
May 1995, tortured - and was sentenced to death at just 16. He was charged with robbery, a crime he has
maintained that he did not commit.

Although a High Court judgement on 18 October 2001 declared Patrick's death sentence to be illegal, null
and void, he is still detained indefinitely in Aba prison, in the Abia region of Nigeria, at 'the pleasure of
the governor'. His long stay in prison has had serious health consequences.

Along with other Amnesty International Groups, the one at Knox Academy took up the campaign to
demand Patrick‟s immediate release. It is not often that we hear that one of our campaigns has made a
difference, however, recently this message was relayed to groups all over the world:

'I thank you all from the bottom of my heart for your efforts and assistance to me.

To be candid, all your mails, cards and pictures have gone a along way to show and
eassure me that your with me in truth and in spirit, and that you're doing your best to
help me regain my freedom. You have giving me hope and shown me a lot of love. When I read some of
your letters they make me so happy that I forget about the deplorable living conditions here in Aba
prison.'

L Adam
RMPS Department

RUGBY ROUND-UP
Knox Academy won the S1 and the Under 15s Preston Lodge 10s tournament on Saturday 2nd May at
Meadowmill Sports centre. The under 15s team then reached the semi-finals of the Gala 7s the next day.
The Haddington Colts team beat Gala in the final of the Jed Forest 7s on Saturday 2nd May. The team
consisted of 6 senior pupils from Knox Academy.

R Couper
Sport and Physical Activity Coordinator
S ET Y O U N G A M BAS S A DO RS ’ C H AL L E N GE
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Kelvin Craig, Gareth Evans, Gabby Jackson, Conor McHugh and Fraser Thomson took part in the Young
SET (Science, Engineering and Technology) Ambassadors Challenge this year, a competition run by
Edinburgh University and open to all schools in the Lothians. The project brief that the team were given
was to select an area of the school and propose a way of making a significant saving in the consumption
of energy.

The project lasted for four months and the team worked extremely hard to produce a detailed report and
model. They were assigned a mentor from Scottish and Newcastle Ltd; Mr Darren Goodwin, who
attended many of their team meetings and supported the team throughout the project. On Friday the 8th
May they returned to Edinburgh University for the final, where they presented their work to judges.
Competition was fierce, but the team was brilliant and won the first prize of £1000 for Knox Academy.

The team will now go forward to the CREST Awards, a Scotland wide competition.

A Leggatt
CDT Department

IT’S A S M AL L W O R L D !
Dear Ms Craig,

I was at my mother‟s in North Berwick last week and she showed me an article in the Courier
about Knox Academy pupils Tom MacGill and James Turvill. It also mentioned Hazel Leslie in
Namibia. As I saw her only three weeks ago I thought you would be interested in how she is getting
on. I've also attached a picture of her at work.

She is working in a remote rural school in northern Namibia which provides a high quality education to
children who for economic reasons would otherwise miss out on education. As you would expect of
Hazel she is an outstanding volunteer and a real credit to Knox Academy. She has a real get up and go
attitude and is certainly not lacking in initiative and imagination. Also an excellent teacher and with her
project partner is in the early stages of putting on what to me seemed a very ambitious production of Peter
Pan.

We look forward to having Tom and James overseas with us next year. Tom is going to a project called
Bana ba Metsi (you can Google it!) in the Okavango, northern Botswana. This is a truly remote but
inspiring project working with boys at risk. When James makes a final decision his placing almost
certainly will be in South Africa.

Best regards

John Fraser
(Overseas Director)
Project Trust
Page 6 Knox News

H E L P N E E DE D
'The Knox Academy Parent Council are recruiting for a new clerk. The post requires someone to attend
Parent Councils, take and prepare minutes (eight meetings a year) and deal with the low volume of
correspondence received by the group. Payment is based on a per meeting rate of approximately £40.
For further information contact Tim Holden via forum@knoxparents.org.uk or through the school
office.

Tim Holden
Chair

D R E S S C O DE - A P RI ORI T Y F O R S E S SI ON 2 0 0 9 -2 0 1 0
This is just to remind parents that pupils are expected to wear the School Dress Code at all times. Please
could you ensure that your youngster has the appropriate clothing for the school day:
Years 1 to 6 inclusive:

· White collared shirt (boys shirts should be tucked in)

· School tie (to be worn at the neck)
· „V‟ neck sweater or fleece (plain – navy or black). No other colours allowed
· Smart black trousers from waist to toe. (No jeans/cargo or hipster trousers.)
· Smart black skirt
· Black shoes (no trainers)
· Shorts may not be worn other than PE in classes
· Headwear may only be worn in school for religious or health reasons
· Jewellery should be kept to a minimum and be discreet
· Accessories should be in dress code colours only eg bags, scarves and hats
· Belts should be black or navy only.

Years 5 and 6:
All pupils are expected to wear the dress code as described above and a navy blazer with the school crest.
Christmas leavers are not required to wear a blazer but may do so if they wish.
Prefects:
Prefects are expected to wear blazers with the school crest and braiding at all times.
Outdoor Garments:
Outdoor garments may not be worn in class.
Extremes of Fashion:
In general terms, we would expect all our young people to maintain a sense of decorum. By way of
example, we would not expect to see bare skin/midriffs or shoulders. As in previous years, we will
continue to tackle areas of concern with sensitivity and on an individual basis.
If pupils do not wear Dress Code they lose points from their Pupil Points total and subsequently lose
points for their House. Parents will be informed in writing if your son/daughter is regularly infringing the
School Dress Code rules and we do ask for your support in ensuring that the pupils of Knox Academy
look smart and business-like.

Management Team
C I T Y O F E D I NBU RG H T RA MP OL I NE C LUB
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Knox Academy S1 pupil Caitlin Russell took part in her first Scottish
Gymnastics National Grading Competition at Bells Sports Centre Perth, on Sun-
day 26th April 09. She represented City Of Edinburgh Trampoline Club where
she has been a member now for 3 months, whilst also training with the Knox
Academy School Team.

Caitlin competed in Club H Under 15, alongside another 31 competitors from across Scotland, finishing
in an outstanding 8th Place. We hope she will continue to have great success in competition in the future.
If her score remains one of the top ten scores in the country throughout the rest of the season she will be
invited to compete in this years Scottish National Championships.

KATC were finally able to purchase their new training “hoodies” in April this year. This was due to the
fundraising carried out for the British Heart Foundation, which permitted the sweatshirts to be subsidised.
They are embroidered with the Knox logo and team members‟ names on the front and printed team name
on reverse navy and sky blue - the schools main colours. The members now can travel to competitions in
style wearing their matching team sweatshirts - making them look even more professional!

L Jeffrey, City Of Edinburgh Trampoline Club

(www.cityofedinburghtrampolineclub.co.uk)

P 7 T R A N SI T I O N S P ORT S ’ E V E NT

169 children from 9 primary schools attended Knox Academy‟s Primary 7 Sports Transition event on
Monday 25th May 2009. The event, organised by the Active Schools team of Rory Couper (Sport and
Physical Activity Coordinator – Knox Academy) and Suzanne Laing (Active Schools Primary –
Haddington Cluster), was held to try and make the experience of moving up to secondary school a little
less daunting for the primary pupils. With help from the PE staff at Knox Academy, local rugby develop-
ment officers and a group of 16 third year pupils, the primary pupils had the opportunity to take part in
tag rugby and rounders.

Clarissa Washington-MacKay, of primary 6/7a at Kings Meadow, was the winner of the logo design that
all the pupils from the associated primaries took part in before the event. The logo, along with the slogan
„keep fit and active‟, appears on the commemorative t-shirts and water bottles that each of the pupils
received at the end of the event. A special thank you to the Knox Academy Enterprise Group for
sponsoring the water bottles.

One parent‟s feedback was that her son “had a fantastic time”, “made new
friends” and was now “much more relaxed about the visits in a couple of
weeks” as part of the full induction process.

R Couper
Sports and Physical Activities Coordinator

Clarissa‟s winning logo

Page 8 Knox News

A C T I V I T I E S ’ W E E K : P ARI S AND AUBIGNY

Our first stop in France was our twin town, Aubigny-sur-Nère, where we reunited with our French
correspondants and toured round the town, experienced the local foods and spent a day as a pupil at the
Collège Gérard-Philipe, as well as visiting the local chateau where we were welcomed by the Maire and
the Aubigny Twinning Committee. On the last night there, we sampled the traditional meal and dance and
said a sad farewell to our French friends and Aubigny
The next morning we were on our way to the capital. After a quick stop to drop off our luggage at the FI-
AP, the centre where we were staying, we went to visit the Eiffel Tower. Our exciting day was finished
off with a visit to the famous Sacré Coeur and a tour round the artist quarter in Montmartre. Another trip
on the metro next morning took us to one of the most famous buildings in the world, Notre Dame. We
then went to the Louvre to see the Mona Lisa and the Musée d‟Orsay. An evening cruise on the Seine let
us view all the beautiful sights of the capital as well as the illuminated Eiffel Tower. The next morning
everyone woke up early for the day in Disneyland. Indiana Jones and Space Mountain were two of the
rollercoasters we went on, though a certain boy chickened out! On the final night there the hotel
organised a disco. We got up early (yet again) on the last day, to visit the Fragonard perfume museum
before heading back to Scotland.
France was an amazing experience and we would love to go back. We miss the French pupils we met and
strongly recommend the trip to anyone considering going next time. Thanks to our teachers
Mr Hutchinson and Mrs Elliott for taking us. C‟était super!

Sheree McAlpine and Samra Subsic

S3

U N I V E R SI T Y A P P L I CAT I O N S

There is a new event coming up for parents taking place on Wednesday 2nd September at 7.30pm.

The UCAS evening is designed to give parents and pupils information and will involve a wide range of
outside experts.

Speakers that have been invited so far include Edinburgh and Queen Margaret Universities, LEAPS
(Lothian Equal Access for Schools), SAAS (student finance) and Careers‟ Scotland.

Information will be sent home with pupils nearer to the time.

We look forward to seeing you at this evening and hope that this means that parents feel more involved in
the university application process.

H MacLeod
PT (Curriculum) Support for Pupils
A C T I V I T I E S ’ W E E K : I T L AY
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We‟d all been eagerly anticipating the Italy trip, but it definitely exceeded our expectations (which,
incidentally, were extremely high). Even the journey wasn‟t bad, although everyone was relieved when
we finally reached the first hotel.
On the first day there, we drove to Lake Garda visiting Limone and Malcesine, both towns by the lake.
On the second day, we paid a call on Romeo and Juliet in their home city of Verona. On our way
through, we stopped to take a look inside the Coliseum. We were scheduled to see the Villa Pisani later
in the day, but due to popular demand, we travelled up a mountain in a cable car. It was only sixteen
degrees at the top, which was freezing compared to what it was at the bottom. The peak was covered in
snow, which lead, inevitably, to a snowball fight.
A particular favourite was the water park, Caneva World on the third day, after Movie Land, where we
did our best to terrify the teachers by luring them onto various rides. The fourth day brought with it a
tour around Villa Sandi and a shopping opportunity in Treviso. Late that evening we had the disco,
which ended the day brilliantly and exhausted everyone.
The next day was spent near our hotel in Lido. A Britain‟s Got Talent event was held on the roundabout
(congratulations to William for winning) following which we stormed the shops and the beach. On the
final day, we invaded Venice. Having fulfilled our daily requirements for sightseeing, we were brought
back to the main square and instructed to regroup in several hours. Needless to say that, as with all the
other occasions we were let loose, the main part of our time was spent hunting ice cream.
Boarding the boat again, we headed to some of the other islands in the lagoon.
In the hotel, we ended the quiz that had been going on the last few evenings (Glum Chums and Sprouts
won) and packed.
The whole trip went amazingly, if a little too quickly. I‟d happily go back.

Liska Crofts 3T2

D R AM A N E W S
Belting it out!
Congratulations to Mhairi McCall who has been awarded a place at Drama School to study Musical
Theatre. Mhairi will start her studies in Glasgow in the summer and I‟m sure we will see her in the West
End in the not so distant future belting out our favourite show tunes!

Performance News
The Higher Drama pupils gave an outstanding performance in both their evening performance and final
acting exam. The pupils performed scenes from Classic texts and Contemporary Scottish plays to packed
audiences. Scottish Actress Norma Kinnear attended the evening production and stated „I have never in
my life seen such amazing young talent in one room, they were all fantastic and I enjoyed watching each
and every scene‟ The feedback from the audience was fantastic and I would like to thank the pupils for all
their hard work and commitment over the past year.

J Campbell
Drama Department
Page 10 Knox News

A C T I V I T I E S ’ W E E K : O CE A N Y OU T H T RUST

On Monday 18th May 12 pupils accompanied by Mr Doig and Miss McPhee travelled to Oban to join
the 72ft round the world racing yacht Alba Endeavour owned by the sail training organisation Ocean
Youth Trust Scotland. After introductions, stowing the week‟s food onboard and a safety brief we took
the boat across the bay to the marina at Kerrera where we stayed for the night. This allowed the crew to
learn about leaving and arriving in a harbour. It also gave everyone on board a chance to get used to
their surroundings before going to sea.
On Tuesday morning we set sail for Vatersay in the Outer Hebrides. The sun was shining and we had a
good sail but we decided to stop at Rum and drop anchor for the evening as it was getting quite late.
The next morning the crew were given shore leave to explore Rum. They were driven to the pier by
Miss McPhee in the dingy. Back on board, we got the boat ready to go to sea and set sail heading for
Kyle of Lochalsh. Before bedtime the pupils who had chosen to work towards completing the RYA
Competent Crew syllabus were given a talk on various aspects of the course and then set about learning
some knots.
On Thursday we headed for Loch Ceann Traigh south of Arisaig where we planned to have a beach
BBQ. We got up early on Friday morning leaving Loch Ceann Traigh by 6am. The weather was fan-
tastic with the wind behind us as we headed towards Tobermory. The pupils were very excited to see
Tobermory having been singing the Balamory theme tune since we left Knox! By the time we got there
it was a very hot and sunny day and a relaxing few hours were spent enjoying the atmosphere and the
ice cream.
On Saturday we had a long lie as breakfast was at 8am. We then cleaned the boat thoroughly and had
out final debrief where we shared our favourite moments and certificates were given out. As well as the
customary Ocean Youth Trust certificates 7 members of the crew also achieved their competent crew
certificates which is the second step on the RYA syllabus.
I would like to thank Mr Doig for all his help with this trip, Mr McFarlane for driving the bus, the sea
staff on Alba Endeavour and of course the pupils for all their hard work and for making it such a mem-
orable trip.

S McPhee
History Department

A R M Y C A DE T P I P E B A N D
Three pupils attended the Army Cadet Force‟s piping and drumming workshop in Inverness during the
Easter holidays as part of the Lothian and Borders Band. Cadet Rory Turvill, Cadet Niamh Davis,and
Cadet Gavin McDougall enjoyed a week of intense instruction before taking part in the various parades.
They were among two hundred teenage cadets who marched smartly out of Cameron Barracks, Inverness
testing their skills on the pipes and drums.
The highlight of the week was the hundred strong parade of the massed pipes and drums in Dingwall on
Friday reviewed by Janet Bowen Lord Lieutenant of Ross-shire and Beating Retreat on Saturday at
Inverness where Alex Graham, Deputy Provost of Inverness took the salute. Brigadier Mike Wharmby
OBE, General Secretary of the Army Cadet Force Association had travelled from London to join with
civic dignitaries at both events.
But for the Lothian and Borders Band there was a special award –they were judged “Best Band” at Camp
and awarded a Pipers Quaich Trophy .

Cadets
A C T I V I T I E S ’ W E E K : S P ORT S
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Activities week, 18th- 21st May 09, saw 26 youngsters from Knox participate in the In- school Sports
Package.
A range of sporting activities including, badminton, basketball, rugby, hockey and football were
delivered in school by East Lothian Sports Development Officers.
On Wednesday the group took a short bus trip to Meadowmill Sports Centre where they were able to
use the centre‟s facilities and equipment and have a go at Wheelchair Basketball and Archery.
City Of Edinburgh Trampoline Club provided specialist instructors who offered Trampolining,
Gymnastics, Athletics, Assault Course, Cheerleading, and multi-sports. They also held a mini
Trampoline competition on the last day where the youngsters showed off their newly learnt routines to a
judging panel of teachers to compete for medals.

Results:
Level 1: Laura Dick 1st, Heather Mathias-MacIntyre 2nd, Sam Chmylowskyj 3rd
Level 2: Sarah Gellatly 1st, Finlay Baird 2nd, Jack McCaldin 3rd
Level 3: Lewis Chalmers 1st
All participants were presented with a Sports‟ Award certificate for their hard work over the week. Well
done to all involved and thanks to all staff involved for their help in making the week a success.

Miss Jeffrey and Miss Gordon

Geography and PE Departments

RMPS N EWS

Massive congratulation go to Katie Archibald in 2TY who has been selected as a finalist for this year‟s
Learning for Life Values Poster Programme. Katie received a prize and attended a prestigious ceremony
at the Scottish Parliament to celebrate her success. (Part of Katie‟s winning entry is on page 17)

The Learning for Life Values Poster Programme is designed to help young people identify and examine
the core values and qualities needed for a successful life, whilst completing their own poster. The
Learning for Life website (www.learningforlife.org.uk) provides ample resources for inspiration along the
way, making it a rewarding personal project for each pupil. The programme was piloted in Scotland, with
over 12,000 students from 80 Scottish schools participating during 2007-2008, and is in the process of
extending to schools throughout the UK during 2008 and 2009.

The Values Poster Programme started in 2005. The programme enables students to reflect on human qual-
ities such as enthusiasm, courage, honesty, generosity, trust, and perseverance. Students complete a spe-
cially designed poster template with a personal reflection section that helps them pull their themes to-
gether. Quotations and figures are selected so that no one viewpoint is privileged and the website is struc-
tured around four main themes:-

01 Personal Development making the most of yourself

02 Principles for Successful Living making the most of your life
03 Developing Resilience making the most of adversity
04 Relationships with Others making the most of your friendships

L Francis
RMPS Department
Page 12 Knox News

F O O T BAL L F O CU S

As the end of the season approaches, Knox Academy footballers are having some success while playing
for their club teams.
Darren Handling (1G2) was selected to represent the Hibernian U13 team in a tournament in Milan from
the 21st-25th May.
Calum Marr (1T1) and his Tynecastle U13s team, won the Scottish Cup final beating Albion BC 2-0 in
the final.
Johnny Bisset (3T2) and the Tynecastle U15s team played Linwood Rangers on Sunday 10th May in the
Scottish Cup Final. They won 3-0. This concludes a fantastic season that has seen them winning the 1st
Division League and triumphing in a grand total of 5 Cup Finals.
Haddington Athletic U17s team beat Edinburgh City 5-3 to lift the Edinburgh Prison Officers‟ Social
Cup. The team consists of 8 Knox Academy pupils and Ally Brown 5L1 scored in the final. Other
players involved were; Aaron Imrie 5G2, Mathew Risk 5L1, Kieran Morrison 5G1, Michael Davidson
5L1, Grant Lavin 5T2, Mark Barlow 5T1 and Stuart Rodger 5L2.
The Haddington Athletic U14s team beat Edinburgh City to win the David Innes Cup 3-2.

R Couper
Sport and Physical Activity Coordinator

S C OT L A N D C AP S
Megan Richardson and Hannah Laing (both 3G1) were selected to represent Scotland at the Badminton
Under 15 Quadrangular International in Dublin in April. Scotland managed to get the bronze medal
from the team event on the Friday.
On Saturday and Sunday the girls were involved in the individual events, where they got through to the
semi-finals in the girls‟ doubles but sadly were knocked out by England No1's.
Megan also won through to the semi-finals of the girl‟s singles, again being knocked out by England's
No1.
For the girl‟s first cap, they did very well and will hopefully develop and go on to have more success.

Rory Couper
Sport and Physical Activity Coordinator

S C OT T I S H S CH OO L S ’ F I E L D A ND T R AC K C H AMP I O NS HI P S

Knox Academy had two participants at this year‟s annual Track and Field Championships held at
Grangemouth Stadium on Friday 12th June and Saturday 13th June. Kimberly Smith 2L2 competed in the
100m and 200m but sadly did not manage to make the finals. Fiona Cleat 4L2 competed in 100m, 200m
and 300m hurdles and managed to reach the finals of the 300m hurdles and picked up the bronze medal.

Rory Couper
Sport and Physical Activity Coordinator
Awards’ ceremony Page 13

A WA R DS ’ CEREMONY
S1 MERIT CERTIFICATES S2 MERIT CERTIFICATES
Katie Archibald 1T3 Tony Bissoonauth 2G2
Callum Baptie 1L2 Lauren Fairgrieve 2T1
Amie Cowan 1T3 Sarah Hall 2G2
Abbey Ellis 1G1 Ailish Kelly 2L1
Megan Freckleton 1G3 Euan King 2L2
Matthew Moore 1L1 Torquil MacLeod 2G1
Jaimee Pickard 1G3 Louise McKay 2G2
Martin Pryde 1L2 Benjamin Nisbet 2G1
Gemma Sandie 1G3 Louise Paxton 2T1
Kirsty Steven 1T3 Beth Revuelta 2T3
Kirsty Wallace 1G1 Abbie Scott 2T3

S3 SUBJECT PRIZES
Hannah Baxter 3G3 Art & Design
Sophie Christman 3L1 Craft & Design
Julia Cockburn 3G3 Latin
Jordan Currie 3L3 The Alex Inglis Prize for Geography
Racheal Denholm 3L3 Hospitality
David Edgar 3G2 Graphic Communication
Connor Forsyth 3G1 Business Management
Michael Lemmon 3G1 Computing
Scott McLoughlin 3G3 Physical Education
Evie McGregor 3L2 The Isobel Inglis Prize for Biology
Hannah Mitchell 3T2 Modern Studies
Graeme Morton 3G3 Drama
Sarah Muir 3L2 Classical Studies
Catherine Muir 3G1 Administration
Douglas Pate 3L2 The Isobel Inglis Prize for Physics
Racheal Paul 3G3 History
Megan Rogers 3L2 French
Megan Rogers 3L2 Italian
Megan Rogers 3L2 The Kirby Prize for Mathematics
Katie Watson 3G1 Music
Katie Watson 3G1 The Isobel Inglis Prize for Chemistry
Katie Watson 3G1 English

CADET MEDALS PERSONAL ACHIEVEMENT JOHN LOCKHART AWARD

Kayleigh McMillan 6T Megan Wilson 2L1 Simon Simpson 4L2

Lee McClung 5T2 Bruce Halloran 5L1
Page 14 Knox News

A WA R DS ’ CEREMONY

S4 SUBJECT PRIZES
Holly Betts 4T2 The Alex Inglis Prize for Geography
Ryan Bissoonauth 4G2 Music
Fiona Cleat 4L2 Business Management
Fiona Cleat 4L2 McGregor Prize for Biology
Rhona Duff 4T1 Computing
Andrew Gilmour 4G2 McGregor Prize for Chemistry
Campbell Hastings 4G2 History
Amy McBirnie 4T2 Administration
Anna McKay 4T2 Italian
Anna McKay 4T2 English
Aileen McKnight 4L1 Religious Studies
Gregor McMillan 4L2 The Kirby Prize for Mathematics
Gregor McMillan 4L2 Graphic Communiation
Gregor McMillan 4L2 McGregor Prize for Physics
Gregor McMillan 4L2 French
Gregor McMillan 4L2 Latin
Rosie Noon 4T1 Art & Design
Jack Ramage 4L1 Modern Studies
Melanie Smith 4T2 Craft & Design
Jordan Stewart 4L2 Physical Education
Rachael Weir 4T2 Hospitality

FRASER & ISOBEL SPOWAGE PRIZES FOR

OUTSTANDING WORK IN ADVANCED HIGHER
Kerri Bissoonauth 6G2 French
Lee Brown 6G1 Modern Studies
Alexander Champion 6T Art & Design
Jennifer Gilmour 6L English
Hannah Gray 6G1 Religious, Moral & Philosophical Studies
Thomas Hurst 6G2 Geography
Ciara McKay 6T Music
Kayleigh McMillan 6T Mathematics
Kayleigh McMillan 6T Physics
Kayleigh McMillan 6T Chemistry
Kayleigh McMillan 6T Biology
 Page 15

A WA R DS ’ CEREMONY
S5/6 SUBJECT PRIZES
Kimberley Alexander 6T Administration
Stephen Barcroft 5G1 Graphic Communication
Mark Barlow 5T1 Mathematics
Mark Barlow 5T1 McGregor Prize for Physics
Mark Barlow 5T1 French
Marnie Coull 5L2 Physical Education
Roddy Coull 5T1 Modern Studies
Thomas Gates 5G1 Computing
Rachel Gaughan 6T Business Management
Zoe Green 5T2 Religious, Moral & Philosophical Studies
Mia Heath 5T1 Art & Design
Emma Lynas 5L2 English
Alice Mainstone 5T2 History
Stuart McInnes 5L1 McGregor Prize for Chemistry
Alexandra Muir 5L1 McGregor Prize for Biology
Alexandra Muir 5L1 The Alex Inglis Prize for Geography
Stuart Rodger 5L2 Music
Rachel Scott 6T Accounting
Sarah Simpson 5L1 Drama
Nicholas Thompson 6L Classical Studies

ACHIEVEMENT IN DRAMA
Mhairi McCall 6G1

BEST DRAMATIC SCENE

Jack Fraser 6L
Fiona Rodger 6L

BEST GYMNAST & GAMES PLAYER

Jesse Smith 6L
Marnie Coull 5L2

KERRY JAWORSKI TROPHY FOR HOCKEY

Holly Taylor 1T2

YOUNG COACH OF THE YEAR

Aidan Lindsay 5T1

ALICE BURNETT TWINNING SCHOLARSHIP

Nicholas Thompson 6T
Page 16 Knox News

A WA R DS ’ CEREMONY

S2 AUBIGNY TWINNING PRIZE

Tony Bissoonauth 2G2
Sarah Hall 2G2

MICHAEL GODEK PRIZE FOR GUITAR

David Ryan 4T1

SET CHALLENGE
Kelvin Craig 2T1
Gareth Evans 2T1
Gabrielle Jackson 2G2
Conor McHugh 2G2
Fraser Thomson 2T3

ENTERPRISE AWARD
Charlotte Wilson 6L

ANGELA WOODWARD PRIZE FOR EXCELLENCE IN BUSINESS EDUCATION

Kimberley Alexander 6T

SERVICE TO THE SCHOOL

Ciara McKay 6T
Kayleigh McMillan 6T
Karl Park 6T
Debbie Redpath 6T
Charlotte Wilson 6L
Philip Wareham 6G1

KERR MACFARLANE PRIZE FOR SERVICE TO THE SCHOOL

Debbie Redpath 6T

PLATINUM CERTIFICATES
Anya Singh 2L2 Katharine Archibald 1T3
Scott Weir 1T1 Kirsty Steven 1T3
Matthew Mitchell 1T3 Catherine Dodson 1T3
Steven Sinclair 1T3 Eve Swinton 1G1
Molly Ferguson 1T2 Kirsty Wallace 1G1

GEORGE ALEXANDER DUX MEDAL

Mark Barlow 5T Mark Barlow
 Page 17
R EFLECTION

Writing this poster has made me think a lot about life. I was looking at a story about if you only had 1
month to life? What would you do? I thought, am I really living my life as I want to live it? Or am I
taking advantage of my good luck and not using it to its full potential? It made me think „what would I
like to do with my life?‟ and when I thought about it, I did not know what I wanted. I can‟t really imagine
myself being full satisfied having children and a husband like most people want. I love reading a lot and
recently I have been reading a lot of books that make me think. One of them was the Diary of Anne
Frank. Her famous quote „I want to go on living after I die‟ was the thing that made me think the most. I
realised that I didn‟t just want to die and have given nothing to the world, a fading memory of a grumpy
old lady. I want to be remembered long after I die and do something to make a difference so that I will be
remembered in history, part of the story of mankind. But what would I do? I still had no idea of what I
wanted to be, northing, nada! I spent ages thinking over this and worrying about my future. I wanted a
plan, some purpose in life, and a goal to achieve – something to aim for. I could do whatever I wanted to,
but I didn‟t have anything to do! I got really bored with school because I didn‟t have anything to work
towards. Everything seemed so repetitive and dull. I was then reading some quote and stories for
Learning For Life and found this quote „You can‟t wait for inspiration. You have to go after it with a
club.‟ I realised that there was no point me sitting around and waiting for some inspiration on what to do
with my life. I should just get our there, and live my life as best I can, making opportunities for myself
along the way. I realised that I needed to work hard to get where I could, to do something amazing. Like
Thomas A. Edison said „Genius is one percent inspiration, ninety-nine percent perspiration.‟ Some of the
stories I read as part of Learning For Life were great too. Learning For Life has made me think about life
and how I am so lucky to have what I have. I have only included a few stories and quotes but I read many
more and even though I have not used them in this project I will remember them in the future if I ever feel
glum or down.

Katie Archibald (2TY)

I N F O R M AT I O N N E E DE D

In an effort to try and communicate more effectively with more parents we are really keen that you keep
us up to date with your contact details. If anything changes e.g. your email address, mobile „phone
number, please get in contact so that we can update our records.
Thank you.

Senior Management Team

ABSENCES

If your youngster is absent from school, please remember to send them back with a note. Please also
check their bags to see that they have handed in notes. There are still a number of absences that have
not been accounted for in writing and will therefore be recorded as “N” for “Unreasonable Excuse” or
“T” for “Truancy”.

S Ingham
Depute Head Teacher
 W E’ R E O N T H E W EB AT
T h e N e w s l e t t e r o f W W W. K A - N ET. O RG. U K
K n o x A c a d e m y

Pencaitland Road
Haddington
East Lothian
EH41 4DT

Phone: 01620 823387

Fax: 01620 823186
Email: knoxacademy@knox.elcschool.,org.uk

Dates for the Diary:

Wednesday 19 August
Wednesday 19 August
Friday 28 August
Wednesday 2 September
Thursday 3 September
Tuesday 8 September
Wednesday 9 September
Thursday 10 September
Tuesday 15 September
Tuesday 22 September
Thursday 1 October
Tuesday 6 October
Wednesday 7 October
Thursday 8 October
Tuesday 13 October
Wednesday 14 and
Thursday 15 October
Thursday 15 October and
Friday 16 October
Friday 16 October
Tuesday 27 October
Pupils Resume
S1 Induction Day
S1 and S6 Photographs
S6 UCAS Evening
Higher Education Conference
S3 Live „n Learn Seminar
Parent School Partnership Meeting (6.15pm)
S6 Live „n Learn Seminar
S1 Settling In Evening (6.30pm)
S5 Live „n Learn Seminar
Expressive Arts Evening (6.00pm)
HPV Injections (S2/4/5 Girls)
Parent School Partnership Meeting (6.15pm)
S1 Live „n Learn Seminar
P7 Parents‟ Evening (6.00pm)
AH Drama Event (6.00pm)
Interhouse Games
Term Ends
Pupils Return

K A SG N E WS

FESTIVAL NEWS
A very successful day was held at Teas in the Park during the Haddington Festival Week. Over £400 was
raised.
The Duck Derby also took place during the Festival Week with the following winners:
1st Prize £50 Mrs McFern
2nd Prize £25 Mrs McKenzie
3rd Prize £15 Rhiannon Durie
Thanks to all who gave their help and support with these events.
KASG