handbook 2011 12

Successful Learners • Conf dent Individuals • Responsible Citizens • Effective Contributors • Successful Learners • Conf dent Individuals • Responsible Citizens • Effective Contributors • Successful Learners • Conf dent Individuals • Responsible Citizens • Effective ContributorsKnox Academy

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Contents

Welcome 2

Knox Academy 3

Staff List 2010/2011 4

School Staffing Structure 5

School Dress and Kit 6

School Holidays 7

School Day 8

Attendance 8

Assessment and Reporting 14

Support for Pupils 16

Careers Provision 20

Discipline 21

School Community and Beyond 23

Parents 25

Useful Telephone Numbers 27

Extra Curricular Activities 28

Sporting Activities 31

Outdoor Education 31

Index to Appendices 34

Administrative Information 50


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Handbook 2011/12

WelComeIt gives me great pleasure to introduce the 2011-2012 Knox Academy Handbook.The school is a six-year comprehensive, offering a wide curriculum of certificate courses and an extensive choice of cultural, sporting and outdoor activities. Pupils are encouraged to develop a variety of interests and abilities in order to fulfil their potential. The school aims to arm pupils with the skills needed for them to take their place in the community, employment or further and higher education.

This Handbook provides information regarding the structures that are in place to ensure a caring and orderly environment in the school enabling pupils to develop into confident and capable young adults. If the Prospectus does not answer all your questions, please contact the school to seek clarification or further information. Also, parents are encouraged to visit the school; please contact the school office to arrange an appointment.

Partnership with parents is an important part of Knox Academy and I look forward to meeting you at parents’ evenings, school functions or on an individual basis. This Handbook is one element of our communication with parents and I commend it to you.Very best wishes,

J B CraigHeadteacher

As we approach the end of our time at Knox Academy, we are at the stage of considering our future plans and the transition we will make into the wider world. However, part of preparing for the future is to think about the past, and with us this mainly comprises of our time at Knox Academy, and looking back, we realise how Knox Academy has prepared us well for what is to come. Not only have we had opportunities academically, but in many other areas, preparing us with a well rounded education.

Thinking back to 2005 when we were in Primary 7, the thought of the transition from a small primary school to a large secondary like Knox Academy was certainly somewhat daunting. But the transition process Knox Academy organises could not have been more appropriate, providing everyone involved with a smooth and easy transition to a whole new way of learning.

A typical day at Knox Academy is not just about what goes on inside the classroom but a mix of lessons, extra-curricular activities and social opportunities. Knox Academy is a school that realises that teaching and learning should not just be a classroom activity, and pupils are very much encouraged to make the most of the school day, taking advantage of the many clubs and groups. Whether your child is interested in sport, music or drama, you can be assured that they will find something that appeals to them. Knox Academy also offers a wide range of excursions and residential trips that are open to all pupils offering experiences that are not only educational, but also extremely enjoyable.

Knox Academy also promotes how important the views of the pupils are in the running of the school, and every pupil gets the chance to be elected for the School Council – an experience that can be very valuable. Groups like the School Council help promote a positive ethos and build up a real community spirit within the school.

Knox Academy is a modern school that has many excellent facilities thanks to a large-scale regeneration project that took place just before we arrived here. These, together with the teaching staff provide an excellent environment for learning and provide every pupil with the best education possible.

Our time at Knox Academy has been an extremely enjoyable experience, and one that has provided us with not only a great education, but also the skills that will allow us to go on and reach our goals in later life. We leave Knox Academy with only good things to say, and we have no doubts that the education provided here will always be of the same standard that we have been so lucky to experience.

A Gilmour Head BoyR Szymoszowskyj Head Girl


Handbook 2011/12Successful Learners • Conf dent Individuals • Responsible Citizens • Effective Contributors • Successful Learners • Conf dent Individuals • Responsible Citizens • Effective Contributors • Successful Learners • Conf dent Individuals • Responsible Citizens • Effective Contributors

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Knox ACAdemy

Knox Academy, Haddington, is the descendant of a medieval grammar school and was dedicated to John Knox at the end of the 19th century.

It is a non-denominational and co-educational school whose roll (at September 2010) was 825.

Knox Academy has an extensive campus and the recent major refurbishment and rebuild have provided a combination of new and remodelled facilities. These facilities are accessible to all pupils. Facilities include a Drama room and Seminar rooms as well as social areas for the pupils. All classrooms and the Library are connected to the Internet and Intranet.

The school has extensive playing fields and new sports facilities featuring a full-size Games Hall and Gymnasium. For swimming lessons PE classes have use of the Aubigny Sports Centre in the town.

The Cluster Primary schools are King’s Meadow Primary School, St Mary’s Roman Catholic Primary School in Haddington and Yester Primary School in Gifford.

Aims of the School (under review)

1. To offer each pupil the highest possible standard of education through a balanced, appropriate curriculum, providing opportunities for pupils to achieve at the highest levels.2. To help each pupil to develop skills and increased knowledge and understanding in preparation for adult life.3. To develop a positive atmosphere in which each pupil enjoys and values learning and reaches their

full potential.4. To promote positive attitudes, personal responsibility, self-discipline and respect for others.5. To create a secure, caring environment where everyone is trusted and valued.6. To develop a genuine partnership between all staff, pupils, parents and the local community.7. To promote loyalty and pride in the school community.8. To promote the professional development of staff.9. To continue to improve the examination results of the school.

enrolment

Preparation for the enrolment of pupils from P7 begins in the autumn preceding their entry to secondary school. An open evening for P7 parents and pupils is held in October. The actual date of the Open Evening is sent to our cluster primary schools and announced in the local press. Any parent unable to attend the Open Evening should telephone the school office to agree a mutually convenient time to visit the school and speak to a member of the school’s Management Team. In June preceding the new session in August there is a parents’ evening and pupils transferring pay a two-day visit to the school, following their timetables and meeting teachers.

Normally children attend the catchment area school known as the district school. Pupils in the Cluster Primary Schools will automatically transfer to S1. Parents wishing to enrol their child at Knox Academy from outwith the catchment area should follow the procedures given in the information which will be sent out to their home address when their child is in P7. Admittance for pupils outwith the catchment area is subject to vacancies being available. It should be noted that attendance at a non-district primary does not mean transfer to the attached secondary school. The school is always willing to provide information and discuss any problems or difficulties with prospective parents.


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Handbook 2011/12

stAff list 2010/2011Head teacher Art & design Home economicsmrs J Craig ms J edgar miss K Hossack (Hod) mr K milne ms R stewartdepute Head teachers ms A Gallacher mr m duddin ms K Hay learning supportmrs s ingham ms C Rainger (Hod)mr J young Biology mrs A Hubbard miss C slowther Business manager miss l Ward mathematicms B skirrow dr G Wilson mrs l mcinnes (Hod) mr R Barclay (Pt)Admin team Business education mr m Reidmrs J Allan mr R flood (Hod) mr f taitmrs f forrest mr C dempster mr e Williamsonmrs C Harkes mrs d ferguson mr s Wrenmiss C irvine mr A mcfarlane mr C Blairmrs R Johnston mrs m Weir Chemistry modern languages ms J mcintyre (Hod) mr P Hutchinson (Hod)Auxiliary – medical dr f dickinson mrs A Cochranemrs m Ball mr A Jappy musicAuxiliary – General Classics mr K Johnstonmrs d Rae miss l Adam (Pt) miss e orrmrs H Jackson Computer studies Physical educationsports Co-ordinator ms C Barrass mr R Greenaway (Hod)mr A lambert mr J young miss J duff (Pt) mr K macdonald (Pt)school librarian drama mr J Clellandmr B Plain mr J Campbell MissEWhitfield Physicstechnicians mr J taylor (Hod)ms l Anderson english mr P doigmrs P macGregor mr d swinney (Acting Hod) mr J Grantmiss A Patterson mr o edwards mr m Halliday Religious educationlaboratory Assistant mr m mcGeehan mrs l montgomerymrs s Robb mrs m maxwell mr l Woolley ms Z machen mrs s inghamfes Premises manager mr l thomas Geography technologymr A Aitken mrs C Barber miss A leggattmr G Brunton mr m duddin ms s moore miss l Jeffrey ms A morsonGuidance staff mr K macdonald –Garleton (Acting) History/modern studies sen Auxiliariesms J easson - lammerlaw mr s illingworth (Hod) mrs s Gilliesmrs s Grant – traprain miss K Anderson mrs e little miss K Bulloch mrs A mcBirniePupil support Base miss s mcPhee mrs J mcKenziemiss l stevenson (Pt)

PT Curriculum (Expressive Arts): Miss J Duff (Acting)PT Curriculum (Social Subjects): Mr S IllingworthPT Curriculum (Technology & IT): Mr R FloodPT Curriculum (Communication & Literacy): Mr D Swinney (Acting)PT Curriculum (Support for Pupils): Ms H MacLeod

HOD = Head of DepartmentPT= Principal Teacher



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sCHool stAffinG stRuCtuRe

HeAdteACHeR

dePute HeAdteACHeRHeAd of House,

GARleton


lAmmeRlAW


tRAPRAin

5 Principal teachers(Curriculum)

1 Principal teacher(support)

4 Principal teachers(Guidance)

9 Principal teachers/Heads of departments

1 Principal teachersubject/Cross

Curricularteachers

44

FACULTY & MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE 2010-2011

J Craig (Head Teacher) MANAGEMENT, LEADERSHIP, QUALITY ASSURANCE AND CURRICULUM

Framework for Learning Inclusion & Equality Achievement & Attainment Learning for Life Learning for Life Learning for Life

M Duddin Depute Ethos

S Ingham Depute Pupil Support

J Young Depute Attainment

B Skirrow Business Manager

R Flood PT Curriculum Technology & IT

Pending PT Curriculum Science

J Duff (Acting) PT Curriculum Expressive Arts

D Swinney (Acting) PT Curriculum Communication

S Illingworth PT Curriculum Social Subjects

Pending PT Curriculum Numeracy

Office Reprographics School Library Medical

Areas: Computing Business Ed Technology

Areas: Biology Chemistry Physics Science

Areas: Art Music Drama

Areas: English Mod Lang Classics LSSN

Areas: Geography History Modern Studies RME

Areas: Guidance Inclusion Support Base

Areas: Mathematics

H MacLeod PT Support Support for Pupils

Areas: PE Home Econ

Health & Well Being


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sCHool dRess And Kit

All pupils are expected to comply and maintain a high standard of appearance. The support of parents in this regard is appreciated

Years 1 to 6 inclusive:• White collared shirt (long or short sleeves)• School tie.• “V” neck sweater or fleece (Navy or black only. No adornment)• Black trousers or skirt (no jeans)• Black shoes (no trainers)• Shorts may only be worn in P.E.• Headwear may only be worn in school for religious or health reasons.

Years 5 & 6All pupils are expected to wear the dress code as outlined above and a navy blazer with the school crest. Christmas Leavers are not required to wear a blazer.

PrefectsPrefects are expected to wear blazers with the school crest and gold braiding.

Extremes of FashionIn general terms, pupils are expected to maintain a sense of decorum. Bare midriffs or shoulders are unacceptable.

Outside ActivitiesPupils involved in such activities are expected to dress formally (shirt and school tie)

Health and Safety• Pupils will be requested to remove ties in practical subjects when the wearing of them

might breach Health and Safety regulations e.g. during a science experiment.• To participate fully in PE and sport pupils need gym shoes, shorts, t-shirts and football/

rugby/hockey boots if possible.

Assistance with Provision of Clothing and FootwearThe Council operates a scheme of provision to ensure that a pupil is sufficiently and suitably clad to take full advantage of the education provided. Families in receipt of Income based Job Seekers’ Allowance or Income Support and Employment and Support Allowance will qualify for such a scheme. Other cases may be considered in the case of exceptional personal circumstances. Parents who wish to apply for the scheme should complete an application form, which is available from the Department of Education & Children’s Services, Pupil Support, John Muir House, Haddington, EH41 3HA.

Valuables

Pupils are asked to hand money and/or valuables to PE Staff during PE. At other times, they should hand their valuables to the school office for safekeeping. The school cannot guarantee total security.



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sCHool HolidAyseAst lotHiAn CounCil

department of education & Children’s servicesschool session dates – 2011/2012 – approved by Committee

staff Pupils

teRm 1Staff resume In-service day 1 Monday 15 August 2011

Staff only In-service day 2 Tuesday 16 August 2011

Pupils resume Wednesday 17 August 2011

Autumn Holiday Schools closed Monday 19 September 2011

All resume Tuesday 20 September 2011

Mid-term All break Friday 14 October 2011

Staff Resume In-service Day 3 Monday 24 October 2011

Pupils resume Tuesday 25 October 2011

Term ends Thursday 22 December 2011

teRm 2Staff resume In-service day 4 Monday 9 January 2012

Pupils resume Tuesday 10 January 2012

Mid-term All break Friday 10 February 2012

All Resume Monday 20 February 2012

Term ends Friday 30 March 2012

Good Friday Schools closed Friday 6 April 2012

Easter Monday Schools closed Monday 9 April 2012

Spring Holiday Schools closed Monday 16 April 2012

teRm 3TERM 3

All Resume Tuesday 17 April 2012

May Day Schools closed Monday 7 May 2012

All resume Tuesday 8 May 2012

Victoria Day Schools closed Monday 21May 2012

Staff resume In-service day 5 Tuesday 22 May 2012

Pupils resume Wednesday 23 May 2012

Term ends Friday 29 June 2012

The above timetable allows for staff and pupil attendance as follows;

The start date for session 2012/2013 for pupils has been provisionally identified as Wednesday 15 August 2012.

Pupils Staff

Term 1 85 88

Term 2 54 55

Term 3 51 52

total 190 195


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sCHool dAy

mondAy to tHuRsdAy

Registration 0844 – 0850

Period 1 0850 – 0950 Period 2 0950 – 1050

interval 1050 – 1105

Period 3 1105 – 1205 Period 4 1205 – 1305

lunch 1305 – 1400

Period 5 1400 – 1500 Period 6 1500 – 1600

fRidAy

Registration 0844 – 0850

Period 1 0850 – 0950 Period 2 0950 - 1050

interval 1050 – 1105

Period 3 1105 – 1205

end of school

AttendAnCe

Good school attendance means that a pupil does not miss important work and thus is more likely to achieve his/her full potential and ultimately gain better results at the end of his/her school career.

The legal requirements are as follows: -Parents are responsible for ensuring that their child attends school regularly. In cases of unsatisfactory attendance, the Headteacher will call on the Child & Family Support Worker (Attendance) to visit the home and discuss the problem with the parents. If such unsatisfactory attendance persists the Headteacher, following discussions with the Child & Family Support Worker (Attendance) and other agencies will decide whether the case should be referred to the Reporter.If a pupil is absent, parents are asked to telephone the school to outline the reason for the absence as soon as possible and also to send a letter on the pupil’s return.

school Roll 2010/2011 (sept 2010)

s1 - 142

s2 - 163

s3 - 141

s4 - 152

s5 - 126

s6 - 101



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The then Scottish Executive issued guidelines in 2003 relating to school attendance and absence. The main change relates to family holidays during term time. The guidelines state that the majority of family holidays taken during term time should be categorised as unauthorised absence. However, it is acceptable under exceptional circumstances for schools to authorise a family holiday during term time. A family holiday classified under the ‘authorised absence’ category should not include such reasons as:

• The availability of cheap holidays• The availability of desired accommodation• Poor weather experienced during school holidays• Holidays which overlap the beginning or end of term• Parental difficulty obtaining leave (with local judgement applied in cases where evidence is

provided by the employer that it cannot accommodate leave during school holidays without serious consequences).

Punctuality

It is obviously very important that pupils are on time for school as lateness not only causes disruption to lessons but also does not set good work standards. If a pupil is unavoidably late for school parents are asked to send a note with the pupil or telephone to explain the reason. Pupils arriving in their Tutor room after the 8.44am bell will be recorded as late.

The parents/carers of pupils whose lateness is causing concern will be contacted in order to pursue an early resolution to the problem.


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infoRmAtion foR PARents And PuPils: s1/2CouRses:

Period length is 60 minutes.s1

Currently S1 pupils follow a weekly timetable that comprises:

Languages and Literacy: English, Modern Languages and Classics: 6 periods (2x2hour blocks; 2x1hour

blocks)Mathematics and Numeracy: Mathematics: 4 periods (4x1 hour blocks)Sciences: Science: 3 periods (3 x1hour blocks)Social Subjects: Geography/History/Modern Studies: 3 periods rota (1x2hours, 1x1hour) RMPS 1 periodExpressive Arts: Art/Drama/Music 3 periods (3x1hour)Technology: Design and Technology ICT 2 periods per week (2x1hour)Health and Wellbeing: Physical Education 2 periods ACE AM* 3 periods (1x3hour)

* The 3 periods on Friday morning: PSD (Guidance)/Home Economics/International Dimension/Dance

s2

Currently S2 pupils follow a weekly timetable that comprises:

English, Mathematics 4 periods each subject Science 3 periods French, Physical Education 2 periods each subject Social Education 1 periodModern Studies 1 periodReligious and Moral Education 1 period Challenge Course 1 period

The remaining subjects operate on a rota basis as follows:

History/Geography 2 periods for half of the year per subject Music/Art/Drama 3 periods for third of the year per

subject.Home Economics/Design and Technology/IT 3 periods for third of the year per

subject

Please refer to page 40 for further information regarding Curriculum for Excellence.



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s3 and s4

Currently each pupil will have the opportunity to take eight subjects at Standard Grade or equivalent certificated by the Scottish Qualifications Authority. In order to ensure a balanced curriculum, there are certain restrictions on course choices. Currently, English and Mathematics are compulsory; all pupils must study at least one science, one social subject and all pupils are encouraged to take a subject with a technology bias and a language. Standard Grade programmes use a wide variety of teaching methods. Every pupil will undertake a course in Personal and

Social Development, which is aimed at increasing the awareness of pupils about life and work outwith the school community. This includes a work experience placement in S4. Pupils will receive one period of core Physical Education and RME. Currently there is provision for pupils to attend pre-vocational courses at College.

The curriculum choices that were available to S3 for 2010-2011 are shown in the Appendices. Courses and course choices are subject to continuous review and revision.

s5 and s6

Courses offered in the Senior School may change according to demand and resources. All courses in the senior school are National Qualifications. Pupils successfully completing a course in S5 should consider taking a more advanced course in S6. All fifth year pupils are expected to study English and have a full timetable of five courses.

The Scottish Qualifications Authority certificates all courses.

All pupils in S6 are expected to broaden their experiences by undertaking a work placement, community service or service to the school (assisting younger pupils etc.).

The majority of pupils complete a sixth year before entering Further or Higher Education; training or employment. In session 2010-11, 66% of leavers entered Further or Higher Education.


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Religious and moral education

There is a statutory requirement to provide religious education and religious observance. RME deals with the development of the person in relation to self-awareness, relationships with others, and the understanding of different beliefs, values and practices. As such, it makes an important contribution to the development of pupils in preparation for adult life.

Religious education involves understanding the beliefs, values and practices of Christianity and other world religions. Pupils are encouraged to develop understanding of, and respect for, people of different faiths and people who adopt a non-religious stance for living.

Moral education is the process whereby a person develops responsible attitudes towards others and the skill of moral judgement about what is right and wrong. Pupils will learn to appreciate common values such as honesty, liberty, justice, fairness and respect for others. However, they will not be told what to think: RME aims to develop the thinking skills that will enable the individual to make up their own minds on religious and moral issues.

Parents do have the statutory right to have their children withdrawn from RME, and should contact the school if they have any concerns.

Religious observance

Religious observance should provide opportunities for the school community to reflect on, and develop, a deeper understanding of the dignity and worth of each individual and their contribution to the school and wider communities. In recognition of Scotland’s Christian heritage, schools are encouraged to use the rich resources of this tradition when planning religious observance. Many school communities contain pupils and staff from faiths other than Christianity or with no faith commitment. This should be taken fully into account in supporting spiritual development. It is of central importance that all pupils and staff can participate with integrity in forms of religious observance without compromise to their personal faith stances.

At present school assemblies are the most common vehicle for delivering religious observance. There should be a clear distinction between assemblies devised for the purpose of religious observance and assemblies for other purposes such as celebrating success. Religious observance might include opportunities for class, year, stage or whole school observance as well as involvement by pupils and others, including school chaplains, in planning and presentation. There is a statutory provision for parents to withdraw children from participation in religious observance. This right should always be made known to parents and their wishes respected. Parents should be provided with sufficient information on which to base a decision.

Where a child is withdrawn from religious observance, schools should make suitable arrangements for the child to participate in a worthwhile alternative activity. In no circumstances should a child be disadvantaged as a result of withdrawing from religious observance.

For more information please refer to: Curricular 1/2005 Provision of Religious Observance in Scottish Schools (http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications)

Additional Classes

Extra classes operate at lunchtimes and after school in a number of departments to support pupils in their studies. These tend to be informal and are very popular with the full ability range.



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HomeWoRK

Homework is a key part of the teaching and learning process. It reinforces skills and knowledge from the classroom and helps the pupils develop learning skills outside the school environment.

All pupils at Knox Academy are provided with homework ‘planners’.

We would like to stress the importance of parents supporting the school policy, in showing interest, and in ensuring that homework is done efficiently, thoroughly and regularly. Copies of our current Homework Policy are available on request from the school.

Parents are asked to encourage pupils who are learning a musical instrument to practise regularly.

Please inform the school if your son/daughter is having any problems with homework or meeting deadlines.

Study/Learning Skills Seminars are regular features of our study support for pupils.

frequency/Amount of Homework :-

s1/2: approx 15-30 minutes per homework task set.s3/4: approx 30-60 minutes per subject per week.s5/6: up to 2 hours per subject per week.

Homework should help pupils to:-

• revise/learn/practise;• test the understanding of a subject;• apply knowledge to a varying range of tasks;• promote self confidence, and • highlight any difficulties they are experiencing.


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Handbook 2011/12

Assessment And RePoRtinG

Assessment

Various forms of assessment are used at school. Assessments done during a course or at the end of a particular section of work help the pupils and Staff to identify areas of strengths and weaknesses in specific skills or areas of knowledge. Thus, Staff can discover where extra support is needed and pupils can develop confidence in their abilities. Assessments at the end of a course indicate exactly what a pupil has achieved or mastered in a specific subject.

As the pupil progresses through the school, school examinations move more towards preparation for external examinations. In S5/6, National Qualifications courses include end of unit assessments.

Many subjects include internal assessment of coursework, which counts towards the final grade awarded. Details of pupils’ achievements are passed on to us from the Primary Schools. These are used in Mathematics to allocate pupils to their initial classes and to identify next steps. In English the classes in S1 are mixed ability.

The school holds a central record of all examination performances and certificates gained. A computerised administration system is operated and parents are advised of the contents of these records under the terms of the Data Protection Act. Pupils in the senior school are helped to compile a file of progress. This includes a record of all personal achievements, qualifications, work experience and individual plans and targets.

RePoRts

A full report on a pupil’s progress and achievement is sent home once a year. Progress reports are also issued once a year. Parents and carers are asked to sign and return a reply slip each time, and are encouraged to make any comments they wish. Parents and carers should feel free to contact the school at any time if they are concerned about their son or daughter’s work, and would like a progress report.

In S1 and S2 the report describes a pupil’s attainment in each subject.

In S3-S4 subjects are broken down into a number of elements, which reflect areas of knowledge, or skills, which are assessed at Standard Grade, and an indication of a pupil’s achievement is given for each element.

In S5 and S6 an attainment grade is given which is based on assessments.

Also reports give parents an indication of pupils’ motivation and attitude. They offer advice and suggest ways forward.

Early warnings for academic concerns are raised for any pupil at any point in the session.



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PARents’ eVeninGs

During the course of a session Parents’ Consultation Evenings are held that give an opportunity for parents to talk with class teachers. Advance notice of these meetings is given in the Calendar sent home each August. Notice of the dates are to be found in the Knox News and on the school website, and nearer to the date, letters are sent home with the pupils. Parents’ Evenings in S2 and above are normally attended by members of the Careers Service whose advice can be most helpful in the complex field of qualifications, courses and employment for school leavers. Additional information evenings provide details about moving from P7 to S1; ‘settling in’ in S1 and Course Choice Information for S2-S6.

PResentAtion foR exAminAtions: CuRRent ARRAnGements

Pupils are presented for Standard Grade Examinations or equivalent in the subjects studied in S3/4 at the end of S4. Each pupil is presented at levels appropriate to his or her ability. In Standard Grade pupils can gain awards at Credit, General and Foundation. Grades 1 and 2 are Credit, 3 and 4 are General, 5 and 6 are Foundation and a 7 is awarded if a pupil fails the assessment but has regularly attended classes. The Standard Grade Certificate indicates the level of achievement in each element of the course and an overall award.

Arrangements are made to support pupils with special needs when sitting examinations.

Pupils will sit National Qualifications examinations in S5 and S6. These examinations are designed to give more coherence and continuity for S5 and S6 pupils. Additionally, some National Qualifications courses are being adapted for pupils in S3 and S4.

All curriculum choices which are shown in the appendices are the options currently available and may change according to changes in roll, staffing or policy. Current courses may not be available when a pupil enters S1, and options presently offered at later stages may not still be provided when a pupil reaches these stages in due course. For S5 and S6 classes, it may not always be possible to pursue all subjects from Standard Grade through to National Qualifications examinations levels.

s1 September Settling-in Evening December Progress Reports issued April Parents’ Consultation Evening June Full written Reports issued

s2 December Progress Reports issued April Parents’ Information Evening (for S3 choices) April Parents’ Consultation Evening May Full written Reports issued June Coursing Interviews

s3 January Progress Reports issued January Parents’ Information Evening April Full written Reports issued

s5/6 November Progress Reports issued December Parents’ Consultation Evening March Full written Report issued March Parents’ Information Evening (for S6 choices) March/April S6 Coursing Interviews

s4 October Progress Reports issued October Parents’ Consultation Evening January Full written Reports issued March Parents’ Information Evening (for S5 choices) March Coursing Interviews


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exAminAtion Results And sCHool leAVeR destinAtions

At Knox Academy we aim to encourage and support pupils to achieve their full potential in the National Examinations. Our results are pleasing and remain above local and national levels. We are not complacent, setting ourselves challenging targets and constantly reviewing our study support.

However, examination results reflect only a part of the school’s provision and achievements. At Knox Academy we pride ourselves on offering a rich and diverse range of educational experiences for our youngsters. We continue to build on a long history of success in sport, music and the arts.

The Knox News is used to communicate our pupils’ successes to the school and wider community.

For details of results and leaver destinations please see Appendices.

suPPoRt foR PuPilsWhilst support for pupils is a whole school responsibility, certain aspects of support are managed by the Health and Wellbeing Faculty.

GuidAnCe

Guidance at Knox exists to support the general aims of the school in creating a positive ethos of achievement and expectation and to ensure that all pupils receive sympathetic help to achieve their full potential and equip them for life in the community and beyond.

Guidance team

Support Co-ordinator – Mrs S Ingham (Depute Headteacher)Principal Teacher (Support): Ms H MacLeod - Support for PupilsKnox Academy operates a vertical house system. Each of the three houses has a House Head and one Principal Teacher of Guidance.

Garleton Mr J Young Depute Headteacher Mr K MacDonald PT (Acting) lammerlaw Mrs S Ingham Depute Headteacher Ms J Easson PT

traprain Mr M Duddin Depute Headteacher Mrs S Grant PT

PT (Curriculum) Social Subjects has a particular responsibility for S6 pupils.



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In addition Ms L Stevenson as Principal Teacher Guidance (Inclusion) works with all three houses to promote the school’s positive approach to inclusion of all pupils.

Pupils are arranged in Tutor Groups for registration according to their house. Pupils will generally remain in the same house throughout their school career to enable them to build up a relationship with their Guidance teacher.

As well as Parents’ Consultation Evenings, there are information evenings for Parents before S2, S4 and S5 pupils make decisions about subject choices. There is also a UCAS information evening for parents of senior pupils. This is usually held in October.

Aims of GuidAnCe teAmGuidance Staff aim:

• To ensure a smooth transition from primary to secondary school.• To provide a point of contact for all pupils and their parents/guardians.• To monitor the progress of each pupil’s social, personal and intellectual development.• To communicate information to parents/guardians concerning their child’s progress.• To liaise closely with the Learning Support Department, subject teachers and the Support Base, to respond to the

special needs of every pupil, and where necessary to formulate detailed individual education programmes.• To liaise closely with outside agencies to support pupils in school.• To record information on all pupils.• To develop and deliver an appropriate programme of Personal and Social Education, encompassing social,

moral, careers and health education.• To encourage pupils to be aware of their own development, to set targets and make informed decisions.• To support inclusion of all pupils.• To communicate and promote the policies of the school e.g., anti-bullying, school conduct, dress code.

PuPils WitH AdditionAl suPPoRt needsAll East Lothian schools offer a range of supports for children and young people with additional support needs. There are a number of additional services within the Authority that offer enhanced support to pupils with additional support needs.

Provision and resources are accessed through the local authority’s processes of resource allocation and Staged Assessment and Intervention, in consultation with professionals, the child or young person and their family.

The Council’s Policy document “Framework for Meeting Additional Support Needs” provides a framework for full and effective inclusion of pupils with additional support needs

A range of specialist provision is available to meet the learning and development needs of all children. A range of provision is available from outreach staff who work with pupils with literacy difficulties, English as an additional language, who have long term absence due to ill-ness, visual or hearing impairment and pre-school pupils with additional support needs. Three Cluster Team Co-ordinators (each one operating across two clusters) can provide information, advice or support to individual schools/teachers in respect of Support For Learning issues. East Lothian Inclusion Service (ELIS) offers a range of provision for children and young people with social, emotional and behavioural difficulties.

eAst lotHiAn eduCAtionAl PsyCHoloGy seRViCeEducational Psychologists are part of the Department of Education and Children’s Services within East Lothian Council. They make regular visits to all nursery, primary and secondary schools in the authority.

What do Educational Psychologists do?

Educational Psychologists work collaboratively with other professionals, parents and carers, to help children and young people overcome barriers to learning. They support school staff to enhance learning environments, to ensure they are effective for all children and young people, whatever their learning needs.


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How does an Educational Psychologist become involved with my child?

If you have any concerns about how your child is getting on at school, the first thing to do is share them with school staff. If staff feel that an Educational Psychologist may be able to help, they will contact their link Educational Psychologist for a consultation or invite them to a staged assessment meeting in school. If the Educational Psychologist is going to become formally involved with your child, then parental permission for this will always be sought. You are also welcome to contact the Educational Psychology Service directly if you would prefer.

You can find out more at our web pages on the East Lothian Council website or you can contact on Telephone: 01620 827944 or write to East Lothian Council Educational Psychology Service, John Muir House, Haddington, East Lothian, EH41 3HA

Asl Act 2009• Promotes involvement of a child and young person with additional support needs and their parents/carers

in the decision making process.• The views of the child/young person and parents/carers will be recorded in the Co-ordinated Support

Plan.• The child or young person and parents/carers should play a key part and could have a supporter available

at meetings. (see Code of Practice)• Permits young people or parents/carers to make a reference to a Tribunal – they can attend or have the

opportunity to put their views to the Tribunal if a Hearing is called. • Parents of pupils with additional support needs can make an application for Dispute Resolution – they

should contact the Inclusion and Equality Team to discuss how to apply.• Common Ground Mediation promotes collaboration among parents, children, schools and educational

services. To use this service parents can contact the Inclusion and Equality Team for further information.

leARninG suPPoRt And AdditionAl suPPoRt needs

Currently, the Learning Support has two full-time teachers and four Support for Learning Assistants. The Learning Support staff support pupils with additional support needs to gain access to the curriculum. They do this by working in class alongside subject teachers and by the direct teaching of individuals and small groups within the Department.

To back up this support, they work closely with Guidance teachers and with visiting specialists and relevant outside agencies. They also liaise with primary schools regarding pupils’ individual identified learning needs so that these can be addressed when they transfer to secondary school. However, if you have any concerns that your child might require additional support, please contact the Learning Support and Additional Support Needs staff so that we can further assess your child’s particular needs.Please contact Ms C Rainger (PT LSSN) for any further information.

fuRtHeR suPPoRt

The school aims to offer support and assistance to youngsters who find the academic and social demands of life in the school and community overwhelming at times. We operate a Pupil Support Base that offers a supportive environment for pupils experiencing difficulties.

The New Community Schools Initiative has funded the cluster with a Child and Family Support Worker to support pupils and families. East Lothian Inclusion Service (E.L.I.S.) offers a range of provision for children and young people with social, emotional and behavioural difficulties.

The school may also enlist the knowledge and advice of other professionals where youngsters are exhibiting significant learning, social, emotional or behavioural difficulties (see page 52).



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equAlity And diVeRsity

The Disability Discrimination Act 1995 makes discrimination against disabled people unlawful. It covers employment, recruitment, education, and access to goods, facilities, services and premises.

East Lothian Council is commited to delivering high quality and inclusive services to the people living and working in East Lothian. We aim to:

• encourage a positive and proactive approach to ensuring that our services focus on the needs of individuals in the community

• promote anti-discriminatory practice in all areas of our work and employment practice

We know that people in our community experience discrimination and disadvantage because of their personal/life circumstances or because services are failing to meet their specific needs. As such, our work is focused on groups which are more likely to experience discrimination on a consistent basis due to their:

• race • disability • gender • age • sexual orientation • religious belief

To help us deliver our commitment to equal opportunities there is an overarching equal opportunities policy. This is supplemented by specific equality schemes covering race, disability and gender.


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CAReeRs PRoVision

The provision of careers information and advice is an important part of the Guidance programme at all stages from lower to upper school and is co-ordinated by the PT Support (Support for Pupils). An extensive Careers Education programme is a major component in Social Education for all year groups and is supported by the Careers Advisor who also interviews all school leavers.

There is an excellent Careers Library with up to date information covering a wide range of Careers. Much of this information can now be accessed using information technology resources.

In addition, pupils have access to a wide range of other experiences/resources to help them plan and set targets. These start in S1 but are most heavily concentrated in S4-S6, and include such things as Work Experience, Mock Interviews, C.Vs, Progress Files and visits to Higher Education Institutions, to name but a few. Parents are invited to consult with the appropriate Guidance teacher on any aspect of Careers.

Careers Scotland draw up an annual plan, agreed with the school, which details Careers provision for the school year.

The Careers Service offers advice, guidance and information to pupils on future careers plans, ranging from employment and training to further and higher education. In order to do this, the Careers Advisor works closely with the school Guidance staff and is available to all pupils in the school but concentrates mainly on pupils in the middle or upper school (S4-S6). Most of the work carried out in the school by the Careers Advisor is via individual and group interviews, and these are offered to all senior pupils. The Careers Advisor also provides a time in school when any pupil can call in to discuss careers. For those pupils who intend to seek employment and/or training, vacancy details are displayed on the Careers Service vacancy board in school. The Careers Advisor attends the Coursing days for S2, S4 and S5.

The School Careers Advisor this session is Ms J Lawson who is available in school for a day and a half every week.

The Careers Advisor can also be contacted at:

Career Scotland CentreSuite 4Adam Ferguson HouseEskmills ParkStation RoadMusselburgh EH21 7PQTel: 0131-665-3120



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disCiPline

Code of ConduCt:

Pupils are expected to co-operate with Staff in the processes of teaching and learning and to avoid behaviour which will bring discredit on themselves, their family or the school. It is hoped that parents and carers will work in co-operation with the school to ensure that these expectations are met. The school has an agreed code of conduct that is displayed in every classroom.

Code of Conduct

1. Show consideration for others. Respect them, their work and their property. 2. Come to school properly equipped for work. 3. Arrive on time. 4. No eating or drinking in class. 5. Remain quiet and pay attention when the teacher is speaking. 6. Be courteous at all times.

Work hard and do your best always,and, remember, the teacher is in charge.

sAnCtions

Emphasis is placed on good class management and effective teaching which will contain and prevent most types of misbehaviour.

When a pupil is not responsive to the instructions and verbal warnings of the teacher, use can be made of a range of sanctions which includes (a) issuing a misdemeanour slip (b) detention at lunchtime or after school on Friday (c) sending a disruptive pupil to a colleague’s room for the duration of the lesson, (parents are informed by letter at the discretion of the relevant Depute Headteacher); (d) referral to the Head of Department/Depute Headteacher.

The Pupil Points System is just one element of encouraging an ethos of achievement in the school and promoting the well established house system within Knox Academy. Points are awarded to pupils for a wide variety of achievements whether this be a positive referral in class, representing the school at local, county or national level or passing a dancing or music exam, whatever the achievement we want to know about it.Pupils also lose points for misdemeanours, late coming, not wearing Dress Code and not brining PE kit. The onus is then on the pupil to try and make up their points.Pupils start with 100 points and those who drop below 75 are not allowed to take part in end of term activities and may not be allowed to go on excursions or attend other social events run by the school.

We aim to consult and involve parents at an early stage if there is cause for concern regarding a pupil’s behaviour. This is done by inviting parents into school to discuss the problem.

Parents are informed of serious misbehaviour and indiscipline by letter from a member of the school’s Management Team. In the most intractable or serious cases, pupils will be excluded from school.

On behalf of parents the Parent Forum holds a watching brief over general discipline and school life.

We rely on parental support in helping us maintain good discipline. Parents should contact the school directly if they are concerned about some aspect of our discipline.


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Anti-BullyinGPolicy under review

Bullying is defined as -

“the misuse of power by one or more people intentionally to harm, hurt or adversely affect the rights, needs and feelings of another, or others.”

General Aims

It is a primary aim of the school that we should combine high personal and social standards with a friendly atmosphere and mutual tolerance in which all boys and girls of all ethnic and cultural backgrounds, of all religious persuasions and of varying levels of ability are welcome.

Pupils of Knox Academy have the right to attend school without being harassed in any form. The aim is for a caring ethos in which everyone can learn and develop in a safe environment. The school strives to create and maintain the climate within which pupils feel valued, secure and happy.

The school has an Anti-bullying Policy as part of East Lothian Council’s policy and procedures.

Incidents of bullying are recorded as part of that policy. The school aims to create an ethos where bullying is eliminated by using pro-active strategies e.g. buddying, peer support, social skills training. The anti-bullying co-ordinator in the school is Mrs S Ingham, Depute Headteacher.

A.B.E.L (Anti-Bullying East Lothian) is an East Lothian organisation that offers support for parents and pupils. This is located at Brunton Hall, Musselburgh. Tel 0131 653 4525.

We wish to stress that instances of bullying are not common in our school, but it would be complacent of us not to acknowledge that it can and does occur. By acknowledging bullying, and by confronting it in our School Assemblies, Social Education programme, and in the classroom itself, we hope to deal with the problem more effectively and thereby make school life more enjoyable for all.

Pupils are asked to look for help from someone they can trust (a teacher, friend or relative), whenever they feel others are harassing them in any way. We also encourage pupils to share any worries and fears they may have with you.

Bullying in school can best be tackled if parents, teachers and pupils all work together to find a solution. Please do not hesitate to contact the appropriate Guidance Teacher or Depute Head Teacher with any concerns.

A full copy of the Knox Academy Anti-Bullying Policy is available from the school office.



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sCHool Community And Beyond

sCHool And CommunityThere are Community Education classes in the school during the evenings and information about the vocational and leisure subjects available can be obtained from the Continuing Education Unit, Court Street, Haddington (827606).

It may be possible for adults to attend certain courses with senior pupils during the day. All enquiries should be made to the Headteacher.

eduCAtionAl exCuRsionsEducational excursions are designed and planned in accordance with East Lothian Council’s comprehensive guidelines.

CultuRAl & Community deVeloPmentEast Lothian Council Services can facilitate enhanced learning opportunities for children through the provision and support of: -• School Library Service• Instrumental Music Instruction• Drama Provision/Theatre• Educational Visits to Museums/Projects• Study Support and After School Activities• Sport

The Service is committed to facilitating access to the widest range of creative and learning opportunities.In addition the school has a wide range of cultural activities which link with the local community for example a ecology and charity events and School Concerts.

sPoRt And PHysiCAl ACtiVity CooRdinAtoRThe implementation of full time Sport and Physical Activity Coordinators has been in place within East Lothian since 2005. Increasing the number of pupils engaged and participating fully in physical activity, both in curriculum and extra-curricular time and providing access to new and more diverse activities for all pupils are 2 of the main aims. Ensuring sustainability of opportunities is also a key objective, as is developing stronger links with community and local primary school sport.Should you wish to volunteer to help or have any questions please contact Mr A Lambert through the school.


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sCHool CounCil

Elected representatives from all year groups attend a School Council chaired by the Headboy/Headgirl. Any pupil can submit agenda items and minutes of the meetings are distributed and discussed.

enteRPRise in eduCAtion

At Knox Academy we strive to prepare our young people for the challenges that lie ahead in the increasingly competitive workplace by providing pupils with access to a wide range of opportunities geared to ensuring that they develop the necessary skills and attitudes.

Our Enterprise in Education strategies include speakers from the world of work and the more formal activities of Work Experience, Work Shadowing, Vocational Experience, Young Enterprise and Senior Conferences.

A 1 day Core Skills Conference for S3 pupils is one example of our Enterprise in Education programme. This looks at all aspects of business, including communications, problem solving and working with others. Seminars are run by business leaders and pupils take an active part in all activities.

New activities in recent sessions have included a Pro-share Investment Challenge, and a successful S1 Enterprise Challenge.

Contact: R Flood.PT (Curriculum): Technology & IT



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PARents

PARent foRum & PARent CounCilThe Scottish Schools (Parental Involvement) Act 2006 encourages and supports more parents/carers to become involved in their children’s education

The main aims of the Act are to:

• Help parents become more involved with their child’s education and learning.

• Welcome parents as active participants in the life of the school.

• Provide easier ways for parents to express their views and wishes.

To help achieve these aims, all parents automatically become members of the Parent Forum at their child’s school and are entitled to have a say in what happens at the school.

As members of the Parent Forum parents have a say in selecting the Parent Council (the representative body) to work on behalf of all parents at the school.The role of the Parent Council is to:

• Support the school in its work with pupils.

• Represent the views of all parents.

• Encourage links between the school, parents, pupils, pre-school groups and the wider community.

• Report back to the Parent Forum.

The new Parent Council has been recognised in law from August 2007. For more information on the Parental Involvement Act or to find out about parents as partners in their children’s learning please contact the school or Val McIntyre at the Department of Education & Children’s Services on 01620 827228 or [email protected] or visit the Parentzone website on www.parentzonescotland.gov.uk or East Lothian Council website on www.eastlothian.gov.uk

For further information about the Knox Academy Parent Forum and Parent Council go to www.knoxparents.org.uk

Members of the Parent Council are:

Mr T Holden (Chair), Mr I Smith, Ms K White, Mrs V Cole, Mr A Greathead, Mr M Wylie


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Knox ACAdemy suPPoRt GRouPKASG is Knox Academy’s Parent Teacher Association and was formed to organise social/fundraising events for parents, staff and pupils. The money raised pays for equipment around the school that will enhance each pupil’s education. Any parent interested in becoming involved with KASG is invited to any of the meetings. KASG appreciate any help received. Events planned in previous years include:

Christmas Dance: December Duck Race: February Teas in the Park: May

School Contact: M Ball

unACCePtABle BeHAViouR

East Lothian Council does not tolerate physical or verbal abuse towards staff. Such abuse is a criminal offence and may lead to prosecution.

ComPlAints PRoCeduResMost complaints can, and should, be resolved locally. If you have cause for concern, the first person to approach will normally be the Headteacher. A leaflet on resolving issues is available from the school office which gives information on the procedures to be followed should you remain dissatisfied.



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useful telePHone numBeRsAll based at Education & Children’s Services, John Muir House, Haddington, EH41 3HA.

Executive Director of Education & Children’s Services Don Ledingham 01620-827596Head of Education Richard Jennings 01620-827572Head of Children’s Services Alan Ross 01620-827881Quality Improvement Manager, Inclusion & Equality Sheila Ainslie 01620 827572Principal Psychologist Leisa Randall 01620-827587Business Manager Richard Parker 01620-827494Principal Inclusion & Equality Officer Fraser Parkinson 01620-827961

Parental Involvement Act (Parent Forums/Councils) Val McIntyre 01620-827228Free School Meals and Clothing Grants, EMAs,

Pupil Placement, Home to School Transport Policy Fiona Brown 01620 827415 Education & Children’s Services Reception 01620-827631School Lets Frances McInnes 01620-827811

Service Development Manager, Development Gill McMillan 01620-829910Team (Planning)

All of the undernoted are based at Randall HouseResource Team Manager (Children’s Services) Robert Swift 01620-827237Service Manager (Children’s Services) Marion Wood 01620-827881Integration Team Raymy Boyle 01620-829909

Scottish Government Education DepartmentVictoria QuayEDINBURGH,EH6 6QQTelephone Number 0131-556-8400


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extRA CuRRiCulAR ACtiVities

Examination results reflect only a part of the school’s provision and achievements. Extra curricular activities play an important part in the life of the school and enhance pupil education. All pupils are encouraged to participate in such activities which are organised by teaching staff who invest additional time on a voluntary basis. As can be seen from the activities listed below, there is a wide range of pursuits catering for individual preferences and interests. It should be pointed out that some activities currently available cannot be guaranteed in future years, since the pattern of activities depends on the changing expertise and interests of staff and pupils. Over the years, Knox Academy pupils have achieved many honours and there have been noteworthy individual achievements in sport and in the arts.

Knox ACAdemyextRA CuRRiCulAR timetABle

2010Activity Open to Time

MondayPupil Librarians All Break & LunchWind Band All 1.20-1.55pmOrchestra All 4.00-5.00pmS1/2 Rugby S1&2 Boys/All girls 4.00-5.30pmBoys' Football S1/2 Boys 4.00-5.00pmBoys' Football U15 Boys 4.00-5.00pmTable Tennis All 1.20-1.55pmMaths Club S1 1.20-1.55pmMaths Drop-in All LunchtimeMaths Drop-in All 4.00-4.30pmMaths Drop-in All 1.05-1.30pmGeography S3/4 4.00-4.30pm

Administration S5/6 4.00-5.00pmCDT & Graphic Communication All Lunchtime

French/Italian Drop-in S4/5 Pupils LunchtimeDebating Club All LunchtimeTap Dancing S1-S6 1.15pm-1.45pmBiology All from 1.20pmCommedia Del 'arte mask workshops S1 4-5pm

TuesdayYouth Theatre S1-S6 4.00-5.00pmPupil Librarians All Break & LunchJunior choir S1/2 1.20-1.55pmSoul Band/Big Band All 1.20-1.55pmBadminton All 1.20-1.55pmBrass Band All 4.00-4.30pmPantomime S6 4.00-5.00pmBasketball All 4.00-5.30pmHockey S1-4 Girls 4.00-5.15pm

Standard Grade Administration S3/4 4.00-5.00pmComputing S3-6 4-5pmMaths Drop-in All 1.05-1.35Eco Club All from 1.20pmTheatre Arts workshops All 4-5pmDesign and Technology Drop-in All LunchtimeComedy Club S1-3 LunchtimeWednesdayPupil Librarians All Break & LunchGuitar Group All 1.05-1.30pmLower Strings Group All 1.05-1.30pmPhysics All from 1.20pmSenior Choir S3-6 4.00-4.45pmPupil Librarians All Break & LunchTrampoline Club All 4.00-5.30pmS1/2 Rugby S1/2 Boys/All girls 4.00-5.30pmCredit Maths S3/4 4.00-5.00pmMaths Drop-in All 1.05-1.30pmRS/RMPS S3-6 LunchtimeHospitality S3/4 1.25-1.55pmDrama Standard Grade S3/4 Lunchtime

Location Contact

Library Mr PlainMus.1 Mr Robb/Mr ThorneMus.1, Mus. 2, Social Area Mr Johnston/Ms OrrPlaying Fields/Haddington RFC Mr Lambert/K MunroPlaying Fields/Aubigny Astroturf Mr Williamson/Mr BlairPlaying Fields/Aubigny Astroturf Mr McFarlaneSmall Gym Mr Lambert M.8 Mrs McInnesMr Wren's room Mr WrenMrs McInnes' room Mrs McInnesMr Reid's room Mr ReidT1.5 Geography Department

Business Studies Department Business Studies DepartmentCDT Department CDT Department

M1.7Modern Languages Department

T2.3 Mr EdwardsDance Studio/Hall Mr CampbellBiology Department Biology DepartmentDrama studio 2 Miss Whitfield

Drama Studio Mr CampbellLibrary Mr PlainMus. 1 Mr Johnston Mus. 2 Mr ThorneGames Hall Mr ClellandMus. 1 Mr Robb Drama Studio 1 Mr CampbellGames Hall Thomas MunroAubigny Astroturf Miss Ward/D Hogarth

Business Studies Department Business Studies DepartmentComputing Department Mrs BarrassMr Barclay's room Mr BarclayBiology Department Biology DepartmentDrama studio 2 Miss WhitfieldT3 CDT StaffT1.3 Ms Anderson

Library Mr PlainMus.1 Mr CoadyMus. 2 Ms HairT1.9 Mr. DoigMus. 2 Ms Orr/Mr JohnstonLibrary Mr PlainGames Hall Miss JeffreyPlaying Fields Mr Lambert/K MunroMr Tait's room Mr TaitMr Reid's room Mr ReidRME Department RME DepartmentHomeEconomics Department Ms HossackDrama Studio Mr Campbell



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F1 in Schools S2 LunchtimeArt Club S1 1.30 - 1.55ThursdayPupil Librarians All Break & LunchS6 Club S6 LunchtimePhysics All from 1.20pmFootball 5s S3-6 4.30-5.30pmJewellery Club All LunchtimeFootball 5s S1/2 LunchtimeBadminton All 4.00-5.00pmPercussion Group All 4.00-4.45pmHistory Help All from 1.20pmAmnesty International All from 1.20pmMaths Drop-in All 1.30-1.55pmModern Studies All LunchtimeGlee Club All LunchtimeHistory Drop-in All Lunchtime

Standard Grade Business Management S3/41.25-1.55pm & 4.00-5.00pm

English Drop-in S4-6 LunchtimeSweeney Todd Rehearsals S2 - S6 4pm - 5pm Biology All from 1.20pmSweeney Todd production team All 4-5pmFridayString Orchestra All 12.20-1.20pmTrampolining All 12.10 onwards

Design and Technology Miss Leggatt/Mrs FergusonT2.7 Miss Gallacher

Library Mr PlainGames Hall Mr CouperT1.8 and T1.10 Mr. Grant / Mr. TaylorAubigny Astroturf Mr FloodDesign and Technology Mrs MooreGames Hall Mr ClellandGames Hall Mr Clelland/M MitchellMus. 2 Mr SwansonT1.3 Ms AndersonRME 2 Ms AdamM.9 Mrs McInnesT1.4 Miss BullochDrama Studio 1 Mr Campbell T1.2 Miss McPhee

Business Studies Department Business Studies DepartmentEnglish Department Mr SwinneyDrama Studio 1 Mr Campbell Biology Department Biology DepartmentDrama studio 2 Miss Whitfield

Social Area Ms TurbayneGames Hall Ms Jeffrey


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musiCAl ACtiVities

There is an extensive programme of extra curricular activities in the Music Department. These activities are the basis of the Christmas and Spring Concerts.

The school has 3 choirs - Senior Choir, S3&4 Girls’ Choir and Junior Choir. These choirs are open to all pupils in the appropriate year group. There are no entry auditions.

There are also 7 instrumental groups - Brass Band, String Group, Guitar Group, Orchestra, Percussion Group, Wind Band and Soul Band. These groups are open to all pupils with the appropriate playing skills, whether or not they have tuition in school from one of the school’s instrumental instructors.

Complete details of how to join, rehearsal days and times, etc., for each choir or group are displayed on the Music Department notice board.

Contact - Ms E Orr or Mr K Johnston - Music Department



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sPoRtinG ACtiVities

Knox Academy has an extensive programme of sporting activities. Clubs and practices take place at lunchtimes and after school. Saturday morning and after school matches are arranged for rugby, football, hockey and basketball. Teams are entered for competitions in other sporting areas such as volleyball and badminton.

Senior pupils have the opportunity to gain basic coaching certificates in several sports. Many pupils play a sport at school, district and international levels.

Initial contact for sporting activities is via Mr A Lambert (Sports & Activities Coordinator). Any parent interested in assisting with extra-curricular sports should also contact Mr A Lambert.

outdooR eduCAtion

Outdoor Education, by definition, is any educational activity that takes place outside of the classroom. The school offers a number of outdoor education opportunities for pupils in all year groups. These include Activities Week, the Outdoor Education challenges and the MAAP Programme, Teambuilding Weekends and Overseas Expeditions.

The school works with a number of outside agencies and the East Lothian Outdoor Education Service based in unit 3, Musselburgh Racecourse Complex, Balcarres Road, Goosegreen Road, Musselburgh, East Lothian, EH21 7SR to deliver its outdoor programme including East Lothian Outdoor Education Service, The Young Explorers Trust and the John Muir Award.

Contact - Mr A Lambert- Sports and Physical Activities Co-ordinator


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eCo-sCHoolsThe school promotes care for the environment on a local, national and global level. In 2004 we gained our bronze eco-school status and are working towards our Green-Flag status. Environmental education permeates the whole curriculum and is an important aspect of many subject areas including Geography, Home Economics, Computing, RMPS and Social Education. Pupils have taken part in a number of conferences, including the first youth Eco-parliament in Berlin and the first East Lothian waste summit. The school has an Eco-school Group which consists of both staff and pupils, who encourage care for the environment, within the school local community.

Contact – Mr M Duddin, Depute Head Teacher



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ACtiVities montHThe month of June has been identified as the time for an Activities’ Month for pupils in S1-S6. Pupils have the opportunity to take part in a variety of alternative activities. All S1-S3 pupils are expected to take part. Activities include foreign trips, sporting activities, cultural visits and craftwork. All S1 pupils take part in an enterprise activity which is supported by businesses in the community.

Contact - Ms J Duff PT Curriculum: Expressive Arts (Acting)

euRoPe - AWAReness, exCHAnGes And linKs

There are several opportunities for pupils to extend their European awareness. These include: -

* various trips run by a variety of departments to several European destinations

* Alice Burnett Twinning Scholarship

* European Week of Languages

* Links with schools in several European countries: France, Italy, Sweden, Finland, Romania, Austria and the Netherlands.

We have retained the International Award from the British Council for a further three years until 2011.This is in recognition of our outstanding work in developing the International Dimension throughout the curriculum.


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index to APPendiCes

Page 35 Senior Management Remits.

Page 40 Curriculem for Excellence

Page 41 Knox Academy Leaver Destinations; Budgeted Running Costs; Attendance & Absence

Page 42 Knox Academy Examination Results; Minimising Overall Absence

Page 43 East Lothian Council Leaver Destinations; Budgeted Running Costs; Attendance & Absence

Page 44 East Lothian Council Examination Results; Minimising Overall Absence

Page 45 National Leaver Destinations; Budgeted Running Costs; Attendance & Absence

Page 46 National Examination Results; Minimising Overall Absence

Page 47 Choice of Courses for pupils entering Third Year, 2010

Page 48 Choice of Courses for pupils entering Fifth Year, 2010

Page 49 Choice of Courses for pupils entering Sixth Year, 2010

Page 50/59 Administrative Information:- Transport Meals Higher School Allowances Health & Safety Emergency Arrangements Communication with Parents Employment of Children Consulting with Pupils Discipline/Sanctions



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mAnAGement teAm Remits 2010/2011

Head teacher (J Craig)

• Overall responsibility for the school as defined in the National Agreement• Responsibility for the day-to-day running of the school• Identified duties as part of the Management Team

Specific Duties: -

• DSM • Finances• Staffing, including appointments

• Head of Curriculum:Curriculum development: implementation of a Curriculum for ExcellenceCross-curricular developmentAssessment if for Learning

• Learning and teaching

• Head of Discipline

• Complaints co-ordinator

• Overall responsibility for School Development Planning• Overview of Department Handbooks• Overview of Faculty Links• Overview of website• Overview of communication with parents• Communication with external agencies

• Management of the Cluster Group

• Overview of achievement, attainment and progress, including monitoring pupils’ progress

Management Team Representative on the following school groups: SRGFinance Committee CDG Learning and Teaching PSPSchool representative on the following East Lothian groups:

HTs’ Management Group

Cluster Management Group

Head teachers’ representative on the following groups: Sport and Education advisory GroupJCG


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mAnAGement teAm Remits 2010/2011

Business manager (B skirrow)

• Responsibility for Support Services within the school• Responsibility for the application and administration of personnel policies and procedures• Assistance with the day-to-day running of the school• Identified duties as part of the Management Team

Specific Duties: -• Manage support services throughout the school:• Provision of administrative support and reception services• Administration of pupil records• Provision of school returns, statistical information and performance Indicator data to SEED, the

Council and other external agencies• Data protection and Copyright• Freedom of Information requests

• Financial Management• Budget preparation, monitoring and reporting• Overview of GP Fund• Convene Finance Committee• Purchasing • Personnel • Administration and record keeping• Appointments’ procedures • Co-ordinate School Diary and Calendar • Health & Safety: Administration• Staff Absence Cover• Accommodation and maintenance of timetable• SEEMIS• Overall responsibility for all aspects of SQA administration• Support website development and maintenance• Production of Staff Handbook• Overall responsibility for the Awards Ceremony• Communication with external agenciesManagement Team representative on the following school groups: Health and Safety Committee Absence Cover Group Finance Committee SEEMISSchool representative on the following East Lothian groups:

Business Managers’ Group Long Term Absence Co-ordinator

Assisting Staff: -• Senior Clerical Assistant• School Librarian• Medical Auxiliary



Knox Academy

Handbook 2011/12

37

mAnAGement teAm Remits 2010/2011:

depute Head teacher (m duddin):

• Head of House (Traprain)• Overall responsibility for pupils in Traprain• Deputise for the Head Teacher• Assistance with the day-to-day running of the school, including absence cover • Identified duties as part of the Management Team

General Duties:• Monitoring school dress code• Co-ordination and supervision of the discipline within the school• Communication with external agencies• Management of the use of public areas

Specific Duties: • Overall responsibility for S1-S6 pupils in Traprain• Discipline• Attendance and punctuality• Dress code• Achievement and Attainment• Tracking Progress

• Managing department (Biology)

• Faculty Link (Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Science)• School Development Planning; Faculty responsibility: 8.3 Management and use of resources and space for learning• Overall responsibility for the timetable• SQA: curriculum/subject liaison and advice • Internal examinations: (including presentation and accommodation)

• Health and Safety (including Fire Drills)• Overview of pupil transport arrangements• Overall responsibility for NQTs, probationary and student teachers• Parents’ Evenings• Overall responsibility for Staff Development and Review; PRD arrangements• Overall responsibility for International links• Retirement exit strategy

Management Team Representative on the following school groups: Health and Safety Committee Absence Cover Group School representative on the following East Lothian groups:

Staff Development Co-ordinators SQA Co-ordinators International Education Working Group

Assisting Staff: • Guidance Staff (Traprain)


Handbook 2011/12

38


Handbook 2011/12


depute Head teacher (J young)

• Head of House (Garleton)• Overall responsibility for pupils in Garleton• Deputise for the Head Teacher• Assistance with the day-to-day running of the school• Identified duties as part of the Management Team


Specific Duties:

• Overall responsibility for S1-S6 pupils in Garleton• Discipline• Attendance and punctuality• Dress code• Achievement and Attainment• Tracking Progress• Faculty Link (Mathematics)• School Development Planning: Faculty responsibility: 1.1 Improvements in performance• Overview of Assemblies• Overview of excursions• Enrolment• Assistance with the timetable• ICT: Equipment and use in the classroom, including SCHOLAR• Overall responsibility for assessment and reporting• SEEMIS: implications for school procedures• Co-ordinator of Raising Attainment Strategies, including:• Mentoring• Support for Study• Easter Revision Classes• Target Setting• Lunchtime Clubs• Statistical analyses (results, standardised testing etc)

Management Team representative on the following school groups: SRG SEEMISSchool representative on the following East Lothian group:

Tracking and Monitoring

Assisting Staff:

• Guidance Staff (Garleton)• Principal Teacher (Curriculum): Technology and ICT



Knox Academy

Handbook 2011/12

39


depute Head teacher (s ingham):

• Head of House (Lammerlaw)• Overall responsibility for pupils in Lammerlaw• Deputise for the Head Teacher• Assistance with the day-to-day running of the school• Identified duties as part of the Management Team


Specific Duties: • Overall responsibility for S1-S6 pupils in Lammerlaw• Discipline• Attendance and punctuality• Dress code• Achievement and Attainment• Tracking Progress

• Managing department (Support for Pupils)

• Faculty Link (Health and Wellbeing: Support for Pupils, Home Economics and PE)• School Development Planning: Faculty responsibility: 2.2 Success in involving parents, Carers and Families• Child Protection Officer• Equality and Fairness• Anti-bullying Co-ordinator• Overview of whole school attendance and punctuality, including Tutors• School Development Planning, Audit and School Evaluation• Assistance with the timetable• Production of Curriculum Information Booklets, Prospectus and Knox News• PRStaff representative on the following school group: PSP

School representative on the following East Lothian groups:

Cluster Management Group

Behaviour Strategy Group Literacy Strategy Group

Assisting Staff: • Guidance Staff • Principal Teacher (Curriculum): Communication and Literacy• Heads of Departments: Home Economics and PE• Principal Teacher (Curriculum): Technology and ICT


Handbook 2011/12

40


Handbook 2011/12

CuRRiCulum foR exCellenCe:

The Scottish Government initiative, Curriculum for Excellence, is a review and overhaul of theprovision of life long learning in Scotland. This will provide a coherent experience for youngstersfrom age 3-18.

The initiative will develop the pupils to be: Successful Learners, Confident Individuals, ResponsibleCitizens and Effective Contributors (The Four Capacities).

The curriculum will cover eight areas: • Expressive Arts • Religious and Moral Education • Health and Wellbeing • Sciences • Languages and Literacy • Social Studies • Mathematics and Numeracy • TechnologiesEach pupil will be entitled to the following: • Coherent curriculum from 3-18 • Broad general education • Senior phase • Developing skills for learning, life and work • Achieve to the highest levels they can • Positive destinationPrinciples for Curriculum Design: • Challenge and enjoyment • Breadth • Progression • Depth • Personalisation and choice • Coherence • Relevance

Levels: Level: Stage:

-Pre-school and P1 Early -To the end of P4 First -To the end of P7 Second -S1-S3 Third and Fourth -S4-S6 and college Senior Phase



Knox Academy

Handbook 2011/12

41

INFORMATION FOR PARENTS 2010

SECONDARY SCHOOLS

School: Knox Academy Id No.: 210 - 5555930

Leaver Destinations Number Of Pupils Leaving In School Year 2009/2010 And Percentage With Destination

As: Total Number of Leavers (=100%) 135 Higher Education 46 Further Education 20 Training 3 Employment 19 Other Known 11 Not Known 1

Key to symbols: Percentages for schools where the number of leavers is greater than 0 but less than 5 have been replaced by asterisks (**) because they could be misleading or lead to identification of individuals. The symbol (##) indicates that the data are not available or comparable with other years because the school has recently opened or merged with another school, or is temporarily closed.

Budgeted Running Costs For Financial Year 2010-2011 School Roll at September 2009 829 Total School Running Costs at April 2010 (£) 5,297,024 Cost per Pupil (£) 6,390

Key to symbols: The symbol ## indicates that the data are not available.

Attendance And Absence For School Year 2009/2010 Stage

S1 S2 S3 S4 S5 S1-5 Total Number of Possible Attendances (Pupil Half Days)

56,668 47,486 52,800 50,300 41,091 248,345

Percentage Authorised Absences

4.2 4.5 5.0 5.1 3.6 4.5

Percentage Unauthorised Absences

1.1 1.5 2.0 3.9 3.1 2.3

Key to symbols: Asterisks (**) have been inserted instead of figures for some schools and categories:

Counts and percentages based on data for more than 0 but fewer than 5 pupils, because they could be misleading or lead to the identification of individuals.

In other cases, it is not possible for the school to have any data for the category, for example, cases where the relevant year group roll figure is zero.

The symbol (##) indicates that the school has recently opened or merged with another school and this information is not available.


Handbook 2011/12

42


Handbook 2011/12


SECONDARY SCHOOLS


Estimated S5 January Roll As A Percentage Of The S4 Roll In September Of The Previous Session

2007/2008 2008/2009 2009/2010 66 75 76

Examination Results (within Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework)

(2009/2010 results are pre-appeal) Percentage of the relevant September S4 roll achieving:

By end of S4

5+ @ level 3 or better 5+ @ level 4 or better 5+ @ level 5 or better 2007/ 2008

2008/ 2009

2009/ 2010

2007/ 2008

2008/ 2009

2009/ 2010

2007/ 2008

2008/ 2009

2009/ 2010

97 96 97 82 84 83 42 46 51

Percentage of the relevant September S4 roll achieving: By end of S5


2008/ 2009

2009/ 2010

2007/ 2008

2008/ 2009

2009/ 2010

2007/ 2008

2008/ 2009

2009/ 2010

50 46 50 36 28 36 18 14 21


3+ @ level 6 or better 5+ @ level 6 or better 1+ @ level 7 2007/ 2008

2008/ 2009

2009/ 2010

2007/ 2008

2008/ 2009

2009/ 2010

2007/ 2008

2008/ 2009

2009/ 2010

47 44 40 35 33 27 27 25 19 Key to symbols: Counts and percentages for year groups which contain more than 0 but less than 5 pupils are replaced by asterisks (**) because they could be misleading or lead to identification of individuals. The symbol (##) indicates that the data are not available or comparable with other years. Possible reasons for this include: the school has recently opened or merged with another school; S5 and S6 results for S1-S4 schools; S4, S5 and S6 results for S1-S2/S3 schools; cases where the relevant year group roll figure is zero.


SECONDARY SCHOOLS


Minimising Overall Absence Absence recorded

(2008/2009) Average number of half days absence

per pupil

Absence recorded (2009/2010)

Average number of half days absence

per pupil Absence 25.0 23.4

Where schools have 9 openings per week, please note that all local authority and national figures are based on 10 openings per week, and so are not directly comparable. Key to symbols: The symbol (##) indicates that the data are not available or comparable with other years. For Information:

Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) levels: Level 7 CSYS at A-C; Advanced Higher at A-C Level 6 Higher at A-C Level 5 Intermediate 2 at A-C; Standard Grade at 1-2 Level 4 Intermediate 1 at A-C; Standard Grade at 3-4 Level 3 Access 3 Cluster; Standard Grade at 5-6



Knox Academy

Handbook 2011/12

43

INFORMATION FOR PARENTS 2010 SECONDARY SCHOOLS

Education Authority: East Lothian Leaver Destinations

Number Of Pupils Leaving In School Year 2009/2010 And Percentage With Destination As:

Total Number of Leavers (=100%) 1,054 Higher Education 37 Further Education 24 Training 5 Employment 21 Other Known 13 Not Known 1


Budgeted Running Costs For Financial Year 2010-2011 School Roll at September 2009 5,831 Total School Running Costs at April 2010 (£) 37,009,410 Cost per Pupil (£) 6,347




349,492 370,110 367,374 359,891 281,865 1,728,732


4.7 5.4 6.1 6.2 5.6 5.6


1.2 1.7 2.2 3.8 2.8 2.3






Handbook 2011/12

44


Handbook 2011/12


SECONDARY SCHOOLS

Education Authority: East Lothian Estimated S5 January Roll As A Percentage Of The S4 Roll

In September Of The Previous Session 2007/2008 2008/2009 2009/2010

65 68 74



By end of S4


2008/ 2009

2009/ 2010

2007/ 2008

2008/ 2009

2009/ 2010

2007/ 2008

2008/ 2009

2009/ 2010

94 95 96 81 84 83 39 38 38



2008/ 2009

2009/ 2010

2007/ 2008

2008/ 2009

2009/ 2010

2007/ 2008

2008/ 2009

2009/ 2010

41 45 45 25 27 26 10 12 12



2008/ 2009

2009/ 2010

2007/ 2008

2008/ 2009

2009/ 2010

2007/ 2008

2008/ 2009

2009/ 2010



SECONDARY SCHOOLS

Education Authority: East Lothian Minimising Overall Absence



per pupil








Knox Academy

Handbook 2011/12

45


SECONDARY SCHOOLS

National Data Leaver Destinations

Number Of Pupils Leaving In School Year 2009/2010 And Percentage With Destination As:

Total Number of Leavers (=100%) 54,097 Higher Education 36 Further Education 27 Training 5 Employment 19 Other Known 13 Not Known 1


Budgeted Running Costs For Financial Year 2010-2011 School Roll at September 2009 302,921 Total School Running Costs at April 2010 (£) 1,695,802,434 Cost per Pupil (£) 5,598




20,375,279 20,601,741 21,076,798 20,825,660 15,739,991 98,619,469


5.3 6.2 7.0 6.4 5.8 6.2


1.5 2.2 3.0 3.5 2.8 2.6






Handbook 2011/12

46


Handbook 2011/12


SECONDARY SCHOOLS

National Data Estimated S5 January Roll As A Percentage Of The S4 Roll

In September Of The Previous Session 2007/2008 2008/2009 2009/2010

65 67 72



By end of S4


2008/ 2009

2009/ 2010

2007/ 2008

2008/ 2009

2009/ 2010

2007/ 2008

2008/ 2009

2009/ 2010

91 91 92 76 78 78 34 35 35



2008/ 2009

2009/ 2010

2007/ 2008

2008/ 2009

2009/ 2010

2007/ 2008

2008/ 2009

2009/ 2010

39 41 43 22 23 24 10 11 11



2008/ 2009

2009/ 2010

2007/ 2008

2008/ 2009

2009/ 2010

2007/ 2008

2008/ 2009

2009/ 2010



SECONDARY SCHOOLS

National Data Minimising Overall Absence



per pupil








Knox Academy

Handbook 2011/12

47

CHOICE OF COURSES FOR PUPILS ENTERING S3 IN AUGUST 2010

A B C D

Standard Grade

English Mathematics Geography History Modern Studies Religious Studies

Biology Chemistry Physics

Intermediate 1 Biology*

Chemistry* Physics*

SUBJECT CHOICE English Mathematics

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Pupils must choose one subject in each of the Columns A-D (above). 2. Also, pupils must choose 4 subjects from the following boxes (below). 3. It is strongly recommended, although not compulsory, that pupils choose at least one subject from each of the Language, Technology or

Other lists. 4. If a pupil does not choose French, a letter must accompany the choice form from the parent/carer providing a reason for this, and a

further meeting with the Guidance Teacher may be required. 5. Please indicate 2 RESERVE choices in the boxes below, in priority order – these boxes must be completed otherwise

the form will be returned to the pupil. 6. Return this form to your Guidance Teacher no later than Thursday 6 May 2010. Thank you.

E – LANGUAGE F – TECHNOLOGY G – OTHER

Standard Grade

French Latin

Administration Art & Design Craft & Design Computing Studies Graphic Communication Physics

Art & Design Biology Business Management Chemistry Classical Studies Drama History Hospitality* Modern Studies Music Physical Education

Subjects marked * are Intermediate Courses (Levels 1/2): please see the Course Choice Booklet for details.

4 SUBJECTS CHOSEN FROM COLUMNS E, F AND G

1 2 3 4

SIGNATURE (PUPIL): _____________________________________________________________ SIGNATURE (PARENT/CARER): _____________________________________________________________ DATE: _____________________________________________________________

Class

RESERVE CHOICES

1 2

CONCERNS

CAREER INTENTION


Handbook 2011/12

48


Handbook 2011/12

CHOIC

E OF

COURS

ES F

OR

PUPI

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S5 I

N A

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Knox Academy

Handbook 2011/12

49

CHOIC

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AdministRAtiVe infoRmAtion

HeAltH, sAfety & WelfARe:

transport:

The Council’s current policy is to provide home to school transport for those pupils attending the District School who live more than two miles from that school.

Bus passes are issued where public transport exists and contract transport is arranged where there is no suitable public transport. Where there are vacant seats on contract buses, these may be made available to pupils who are not normally entitled to free transport on a “grace and favour basis” but must be applied for each session. These can be withdrawn should the seat be required for pupils who qualify for this provision.

Travelling expenses are also met in the case of any pupil whom the Council requires to attend a school other than the district school provided the pupil meets the distance qualification. Where appropriate, free travel is provided for pupils receiving special education.

Consideration may also be given to requests for assistance with travel in exceptional circumstances, e.g. where the road between home and school is deemed dangerous by the Council (through consultation with the Police Road Safety Department) and where there is no public transport available.

Parents who choose to send their children to a school other than the district school will not receive assistance in relation to travel to and from school.

meals:

The Food Court offers a variety of food at lunchtime and pupils may purchase a meal or snack.

Example prices: Meal Deal £2.00, Filled Baguette £1.30, Salads from £1.30, Home Baking 60p and Drinks from 22p.

Snacks are available at interval and before school.

Arrangements are made to accommodate those who wish to bring a packed lunch.

Under the Council Committee for Education policy, children in attendance at schools under the management of the Council are entitled to free school meals if their parents are in receipt of Income Support or Income-based Jobseekers’ Allowance Income or Child Tax Credit (but NOT Working Tax Credit) with an annual income of less than £16,040 or Child Tax Credit AND Working Tax Credit with an annual income of less than £6,402. No other children are eligible for free meals..

East Lothian Schools operate a cashless catering system whereby pupils can bank money onto their young Scot Cards.

Further information and an application form can be obtained from the school or from the Pupil Support Division, Department of Education & Children’s Services, Inclusion & Equality, John Muir House, Haddington, EH41 3HA.



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educational maintenance Allowances:

EMA’s have been available since August 2004, for young people aged 16, planning to continue their education in school. It is a weekly payment of up to £30.00 paid directly to pupils from low-income families who stay on after the end of their compulsory schooling. Application Forms are available from the School Office or from Pupil Support Division, Education & Children’s Services, Inclusion & Equality, John Muir House, Haddington.

Health and safety:

The Education & Children’s Services Department has prepared statements of safety policy for all areas of its responsibility in accordance with the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. School staff are fully instructed in their responsibilities in this respect, and safety regulations apply to aspects of school life, both on and off the premises. It is expected that pupils will behave responsibly and comply with all safety requirements. The support of parents in promoting good practice in health and safety matters is of great importance to the school.

security:

In the interests of security all Knox Academy staff are expected to wear ID badges and all visitors to the school display visitors badges. The 1% of our pupils who, for one reason or another, do not conform to our dress code standard are required to carry a note from senior management. We appreciate the support from pupils and parents/guardians in maintaining the dress code.

school & Community:

The school takes its role in the community very seriously. Pupils are encouraged, through an emphasis on Citizenship and Personal and Social Education, to think very carefully about their place in and contribution to the community and wider society.

Knox Academy is part of the East Lothian Learning Partnership. The East Lothian Learning Partnership, ELLP, is concerned with the communities of East Lothian, and all of the people in those communities.The East Lothian Learning Partnership is concerned in part with life long learning: learning is something we all do, all the time. There really is no downside; it can be fun, improve your social life, you can discover things about yourself, your home area, learn skills to get a first job, train or retrain for a different one, or improve pay and prospects in your existing career. ELLP is equally concerned with the wider issues of community involvement, planning and development, active citizenship, inclusion and youth issues.ELLP has its own website(www.ellp.net). If you visit the site, you can find out more about the organisations that make up the partners in ELLP. Partners fall into broad categories: from statutory bodies, like East Lothian Council, the lead partner, to further education colleges, New Community Schools, Universities and voluntary organisations.On the website, there is also background information about ELLP, current and archive news features, funding sources, policies and strategy. ELLP hosts learning festivals to promote learning in the community, and also arranges training for partner organisations internally.A key aim of ELLP through its own website is to bring together the providers of learning opportunities in East Lothian, and use the power of a single, central point to widen awareness of the great diversity of learning opportunities, and increase uptake. If you want to contact ELLP,


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email [email protected], or write to us at:East Lothian Learning Partnership John Muir House Brewery Park Haddington East Lothian EH41 3HA

medical Care:

Parents are asked to notify the school if their son/daughter has any special medical condition or requirement and give the school the name of their General Practitioner. We also ask for an emergency contact in addition to the parent in case a child becomes sick in school. The school has a medical auxiliary but no one is allowed to administer any medication without the prior written consent of the parent.

If a pupil becomes unwell in school he/she should tell a teacher who would notify the school office, who will contact the Medical Auxiliary. If a pupil needs to be sent home, the parent or other identified person will always be contacted first. Usually the parent is asked to collect the child from school. In serious cases the school will contact the General Practitioner or the ambulance service. Every effort will be made to simultaneously contact the parent/guardian so that they can accompany the child to the surgery or hospital.

the school Health service:

Throughout your child’s years at primary and secondary school, a team of specialist Health Service and Education Department Staff will be seeing him or her from time to time to make sure that he/she benefits as much as possible from all that school has to offer, and to help prepare him or her for life after leaving school. The School Health Service is part of the Community Child Health Service and has direct links with those who carry out health checks on children before they start school.

Many different services are provided. The School Health Team takes the issue of maintaining confidentiality seriously at all times. The staff involved make every effort to work closely with parents and with others who are caring for your child, both at school and other branches of the Health Service.

From August 2000 there was a change in the School Nurse Programme for Vision Screening carried out in Secondary Schools. The Lothian University Hospital NHS Trust change affected routine vision screening of all pupils at S3 level. This decision was made by the Vision Link Group at Community Child Health following a Study of S3 vision screening which showed that very few cases of vision defects were picked up on screening and most of those were of a minor nature that did not affect their vision. The School Nurse still offers vision screening at S2 to those pupils where there are concerns about their vision, and those who meet the selection criteria.

Some of the staff concerned and the parts they play are as follows: -

school nurses are involved with health promotion and education, prevention of ill health, immunisation and health surveillance. The attention of the School Doctor is drawn to any possible problems and parents and the family doctor are informed if any further action is considered necessary.



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A Health Assistant may help the School Nurse. The school nurse acts as an important link between home and school. She visits the school regularly and liaises with teachers to find out whether any pupil has a health need that requires to be addressed. The School Nurse can link with other members of the health team, in the community or in hospital, concerned with a child’s health.

The Nurse reviews the notes of all children in Primaries 1 and S2 as well as those of all new entrants to East Lothian.

Parents are also asked to complete a health questionnaire about their child at Primary 1, 7 and S2. The school doctor is trained in community paediatrics and is part of a team of doctors, including a consultant community paediatrician, for your area.

The school doctor will be pleased to see you and your child at a mutually convenient time if you are concerned about his/her health or general progress at school.

With your consent, the school nurse also carries out immunisations to protect against various diseases:

Age 12-13 Testing for resistance to tuberculosis and immunisations (BCG) where required.

Age 13-14 Booster immunisation against diptheria, tetanus and polio.

The audiometric team, who check children’s hearing, will not visit the school to check pupils hearing. Instead they will provide a local clinic based, appointment only service for all school aged children requiring a hearing assessment. These include:

- All children who are due to have a routine re-test as a result of being found to have a hearing loss at a previous test in school or as a pre-school child.

- All school age children newly referred for assessment, either Primary 1 or other years.- The school medical officer will inform schools of the result of any assessment.

The speech and language therapist can provide assessment and, if necessary, treatment, if you, a teacher, your GP or the school doctor feels that your child may have a speech or language problem.

Any enquiries concerning the provision of dental services should be made to the Director of the Community Dental Service, 16 Duncan Street, Edinburgh, EH9 1SR (Telephone 0131 667 7114).

We hope that the School Health Service can, together with yourselves, contribute to your child’s overall well-being and development. Please do not hesitate to arrange through the Headteacher to see the school doctor or school nurse if you want any more information.

Administration of medical ProceduresAll members of staff who have agreed to be trained in the administration of specific drugs to pupils suffering from all epileptic seizure or a severe allergic reaction and who are required to apply specific drugs to those pupils will be covered by East Lothian Council’s Public Liability Policy.

oCCAsionAl And emeRGenCy ARRAnGementsWhen a school closure is planned, for example, for the in-service training of Staff, parents are informed in advance.East Lothian Council is responsible for liaison with the bus contractor and the cluster primary schools affected. In winter blizzards the Highways Department advises the bus contractors on the condition of the roads and the contractor arranges with the school for early release of country pupils as appropriate.


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RoAd sAfetyIn East Lothian there are currently almost 15,000 Nursery, Primary and Secondary school pupils. In 2007, 32 school age children were injured on East Lothian’s roads, eight seriously. Nearly 35% of all pedestrian casualties occurred (2007) to children in the 5-15 year age group. East Lothian Council working with Lothian and Borders Police and other agencies are committed to reducing the numbers and severity of road casualties. They have identified a number of important initiatives to help reduce the number of road casualties. these will require a notable change of behaviour by everybody, particularly from drivers in built-up areas.

These initiatives aim to reduce the number of car journeys to and from school by pupils, parents and staff to: • Encourage children to walk or cycle to school, thereby improving the safety for the pupil on the journey to school. • Provide pupils and parents with appropriate training to allow them and their children to journey to and from school safely.• Improve pedestrian safety in and around school. • Raise awareness amongst pupils, parents, and staff of the wider health and environmental problems associated with increase car use.• Improve the local environment for everyone by reducing pollution, congestion and addressing safety issues around the school.

The school asks you to review your current or intended mode of travel of travel to and from our school and consider whether or not it should be changed or modified to help the school, pupils, staff and other parents to achieve our aims and reduce the number of child casualties.(Statistical source: Road Casualties Scotland 2007)

CommuniCAtion WitH PARentsThe Children (Scotland) Act 1995 amended the definition of “parent” in the Education (Scotland) Act 1980 to “parents includes guardian and any person who is liable to maintain or has parental responsibilities in relation to, or has care of, a child or young person.”Effective communication between school and parents is vital. This can be difficult when parents separate or divorce. If parents are separated or a divorce was granted after November 1996 both parents will retain parental responsibilities, unless the court has specifically removed those responsibilities. In relation to placing requests, appeals against certain educational decisions and access to pupils’ records both parents will normally have equal rights. Even if a divorce was granted prior to November 1996 the parent without custody may not have lost all rights to information and to be involved in decision-making. The above definition may also give others rights.

Schools will therefore request the names and addresses of both parents at the time of enrolment and at the annual update of data. The parent(s) with whom the pupil resides will automatically receive all communications from the school. If a parent lives away from the family home they will, when the school is first informed of their address, receive a Recorded Delivery letter enquiring whether or not they wish to receive information about their child’s education. If no reply is received it will be assumed they do not wish to be kept informed and there will be no further communication unless a request for information is subsequently received. If they wish to be kept informed they will receive copies of all communications regarding the pupil including copies of reports and notification of Parents’ Meetings. The parent with whom the pupil resides will be informed that this is happening.

The school is dependent on the parent with whom the pupil resides supplying the appropriate information i.e. the address of the parent not living in the family home, details of Court proceedings prohibiting that parent’s involvement in the child’s education or any other relevant documentation.



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Parents/Guardians should note that children could only be collected from school by the parent. If someone else is to collect the pupil the school should be informed in advance with whom they reside unless the parent/carers have authorised an alternative arrangement.

imPRoVinG CommuniCAtion WitH PARents – infoRmAtion fRom tHe sCottisH PARent teACHeR CounCilThe Scottish Parent Teacher Council is the national organisation for Parent Teacher Associations and Parent Associations in Scotland and runs an independent helpline service for all parents. You can contact the Scottish Parent Teacher Council by phone/fax on 0131-226-4378, bye-mail on [email protected] or write to SPTC, 53 George St, Edinburgh, EH2 2HT.

ContACt WitH PARents• In emergencies parents will be contacted as soon as possible by telephone.• Parents’ Evenings are held to discuss progress by year groups. Parents will be notified by

hand-delivered letter and issued with a brief guide.• In all cases of serious indiscipline, non-attendance or lack of individual progress, parents will

be invited to visit the school to discuss the problem at an early stage. The pupil’s Guidance Teacher or the appropriate Depute Headteacher usually makes the initial contact with parents. It is hoped that parents will see these contacts as a means of helping pupils improve and make progress in their studies and their social life in the school. Without parental co- operation the Guidance Staff can achieve little which is positive and we hope to forge a strong bond between the Staff and the parents. In emergencies the Senior Staff can see parents without appointments as circumstances permit, but there are obvious advantages if parents would telephone the school office (Haddington 82 3387) to arrange a mutually convenient time for full discussion.

• Knox News is issued four times during the session to keep parents informed on a range of issues.

tRAnsfeRRinG eduCAtionAl dAtA ABout PuPilsThe Scottish Government and its partners collect and use information about pupils to help to improve education across Scotland. This note explains why we need this information, how we use it and what we do to protect the information supplied to us.

Why do we need your data?In order to make the best decisions about how to improve our education service, Scottish Government, education authorities and other partners such as the SQA and Careers Scotland need accurate, up-to-date data about our pupils. We are keen to help all our pupils do well in all aspects of school life and achieve better examination results. Accurate and up-to-date data allows us to:

• plan and deliver better policies for the benefit of all pupils, • plan and deliver better policies for the benefit of specific groups of pupils, • better understand some of the factors which influence pupil attainment and achievement, • share good practice,• target resources better. Data policyInformation about pupils’ education is collected in partnership between the Scottish Government and Local Authorities through the ScotXed Programme which aims to help schools and Local Authorities by supporting efficient collection, processing and dissemination of statistical information. The Scottish Government then provides analysis of the data to support research, planning, management and monitoring of education services as well as to produce National Statistics publications.


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Education data within Scottish Government is managed effectively by secure systems and is exploited as a valuable corporate resource, subject to confidentiality restraints. As part of its data policy, Scottish Government will not publish or make publicly available any information that allows individual pupils to be identified, nor will data be used by Scottish Government to take any actions in respect of individuals. Data is held securely and no information on individual pupils can or would be made publicly available by Scottish Government.

The individual data collected by Scottish Government is used for statistical and research purposes only.

Your data protection rightsThe collection, transfer, processing and sharing of ScotXed data is done in accordance with the Data Protection Act (1998). We also comply with the National Statistics Code of Practice requirements and other legislation related to safeguarding the confidentiality of data. The Data Protection Act gives you the right to know how we will use your data. This note can give only a brief description of how we use data. Fuller details of each individual ScotXed survey, including the purpose of each and the published data, can be found on the ScotXed website (www.scotxed.net).

Scottish Government works with a range of partners including HM Inspectorate of Education, Careers Scotland and the SQA. On occasion, we will make individual data available to partners and also academic institutions and organisations to carry out research and statistical analysis. In addition, we will provide our partners with information they need in order to fulfil their official responsibilities. Any sharing of data will be done under the strict control of Scottish Government, which will ensure that no individual level data will be made public as a result of the data sharing and that these data will not be used to take any actions in respect of an individual. Decisions on the sharing of data will be taken in consultation with relevant colleagues and individuals within and outwith Scottish Government.

ConcernsIf you have any concerns about the ScotXed data collections you can email the Senior Statistician, Peter Whitehouse, at [email protected] or write to The ScotXed Support Office, Area 1B, Victoria Quay, Leith, EH6 6QQ. Alternative versions of this page are available, on request from the ScotXed Support Office, in other languages, audio tape, Braille and large print.

emPloyment of CHildRenPupils under the statutory school leaving age can only be employed within their term of the byelaws on the Employment of Children. These regulations do not permit the employment of children less than 13 years of age, and for those over the age there are limits in the hours and type of employment that are allowed. Parents and employers must both complete an application form for an employment permit before the employment begins. Forms are available from the School Office. Further details can be obtained from the School office or the Department of Education and Children’s Services (Inclusion & Equality).

PRofessionAls VisitinG sCHool/infoRmAtion sHARinG And ConfidentiAlitySchools can call on professionals from a number of different agencies/services for help and advice. These include the Integration Team, Education Welfare Officer, Educational Psychologists, East Lothian Inclusion Service, Pupil Support Division, School Medical Services, Careers Advisor, Social Workers and Community Police.



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Provision is also made for pupils which includes outreach staff for literacy difficulties; English as an Additional language; providing education for long term absence due to ill health; visual/hearing impairment and pre-school pupils with additional support needs. Formal referral to any of these agencies/services would only take place with the consent of parents/guardians. There will however be occasions when issues may be discussed inconfidence without formal referral and therefore without such consent. If parents are concerned about this they should contact the school for further information.

In Secondary Schools individual pupils experiencing difficulties may be discussed at multi-agency meetings. These are attended by relevant professionals. All matters discussed in these meetings are understood to be strictly confidential. Parents are normally invited to these meetings.

CHild PRoteCtion PRoCeduResEdinburgh and Lothian, including East Lothian Council, have issued the “Inter-Agency Child Protection Procedures”. The procedures promote a high level of inter-agency co-operation when working with children who may be in need of protection. Training is available for all staff in East Lothian Council to ensure that their skill and commitment is used effectively in identifying and protecting children who have been abused or may be at risk of abuse. The Procedures will further encourage the partnership that exists between the Department of Education and Children’s Services, Health and the Police in East Lothian and will help towards building a partnership with parents in carrying out our duties and responsibilities to East Lothian children and young people.

ConsultinG WitH PuPilsUnder the Children (Scotland) Act 1995 the views of children should be taken in to account when major decisions are being made which will affect their lives. Generally children over 12 are presumed in law to have a view but younger children may also be mature enough to have a view and should be given the opportunity to express it. While schools may not be bound by this they do consult with their pupils and the methods used should be included in the handbook. This could include formal consultation through Pupil Councils, pupils co-opted to Parent Councils, questionnaires, suggestion boxes, review and planning meetings, as well as arrangements to consult with individual pupils at appropriate times (subject choice, exclusions etc).

teAm teACHWe pride ourselves in East Lothian on providing a safe learning environment for our pupils. Sometimes, some of our children may get anxious or agitated – we will do our best to help pupils to calm down using communication skills, distraction techniques and removing triggers where possible.

However, there may be times when children need more help to calm down – this may require staff physical support to ensure the pupil’s own safety, the safety of other pupils and staff, or that property is not seriously damaged. This can require physical interventions. In East Lothian Council, we have adopted the Team Teach approach to manage challenging behaviour. Most of our teaching and non-teaching staff have been trained in the use of this approach.

All incidents where children need to be held to help them to calm down are recorded in school and parents are informed as a matter of course. Children who are likely to need help in this way will have an individual Behaviour Management Plan that will be discussed with you and consistently followed by all school staff. We will also ask you to share this information with other people/agencies supporting your son/daughter, e.g. transport, respite, link family, etc.

If you have any questions about how we manage behaviour at school, or about the Team Teach approach please contact the Head Teacher.


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disCiPline/sAnCtionsexclusion of Pupils from school Attendance for disciplinary ReasonsEast Lothian Council, Department of Education and Children’s Services acknowledge the vital partnership between schools and parents for support, behaviour and guidance of pupils.

Pupils’ views must be taken into account in accordance with the principles of the UN Convention 1989 and the Children (Scotland) Act 1995 provides for the rights and responsibilities of pupils to be exercised in accordance with the age, maturity and understanding of the pupil. The Council is also bound by the policies contained in Circular 2/99.

In implementing the Council’s guidelines and procedures Head Teachers and other Agencies must take into account the child’s best interests. The education and welfare of the individual pupils has to be given the highest priority in any balance the Headteacher requires to make between the needs and safety of the school as a whole and the needs of individual pupils.In this respect, the Secondary School Headteacher shall be advised by a representative of the Pupil Support Team at the earliest opportunity. The Head Teacher will be expected to take this advice into consideration and to advise the Pupil Support Team of the outcome.

The Council is committed to supporting the Head Teacher in doing everything possible to ensure good behaviour and effective attendance at school. Where there is indiscipline, Headteachers must use all means at their disposal to bring about improvements in behaviour and this must include extensive contact with parents and other agencies, seeking their support.

Four criteria will be used to judge indiscipline: whether the effective education of the pupil is possible given the indiscipline, whether the level of disruption to the education of other pupils is such that serious action must be taken to prevent this, if there is behaviour which is dangerous to pupils and/or staff or as a last resort, if the parent/carer is unwilling to co-operate with the school. N.B. It is not appropriate to exclude a pupil for failure to attend school, as this does not meet either of the above criteria.

temporary exclusionUnder delegated power the Head Teacher may exclude a pupil for a maximum of 5 working days. The aim of such Temporary Exclusion is to allow a cooling-off period during which the school, the pupil and the parent can consider and develop strategies that will help to bring about improvements in behaviour. Crucial to the success of any strategies is the willingness of parent, pupil and school to work together. Every effort is made to welcome parents as active partners in the process of improving behaviour, whilst recognising that changing behaviour is not easy and will require extensive and extended support. In East Lothian, the Department of Education & Children’s Services has delegated the power to exclude a child from school attendance to the Director of Education & Children’s Services, who has in turn, delegated to Headteachers the power to exclude for a period of up to 5 days. Where the proposed period of Temporary Exclusion is longer than 5 days, the decision reverts to the Director of Education & Children’s Services. Under delegated power a Headteacher is acting on behalf of the Council in any decision on Temporary Exclusion.



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It must be emphasised that the delegation of power is to the Head Teacher, or in his/her absence to the teacher nominated to represent him/her. Therefore, only the Headteacher, or if absent his/her representative, may sign letters dealing with Exclusion matters. Headteachers ensure that a record is kept detailing incidents of pupil’s difficult behaviour and assessments of progress.

exclusion (Removal from the Register)A Headteacher may recommend Exclusion (Removal from the Register) to the Director of Education & Children’s Services when he/she has serious doubts as to the ability to continue the pupil’s education in the school. A Headteacher may not remove such a pupil’s name from the roll unless the Director has agreed to its removal and the pupil is on the roll of another school. Temporary Exclusion continues until the pupil is on the roll of another school. Where the Headteacher wishes to recommend Exclusion (Removal from the Register) and is supported in that recommendation by the Director of Education & Children’s Services, the Headteacher of the excluding school will actively help the Director of Education & Children’s Services to arrange for the admission of the pupil to another mainstream school where this is indicated.

ACCuRACy of infoRmAtionThe information in this Prospectus is accurate at the time of compilation, but it is subject to changes in roll, staffing and resources in future years.


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