Pupil Post

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Archive Letters

KNOX NEWS - DECEMBER 2012
Published: Thu 20 Dec 2012

The latest edition of Knox News is now available for viewing and downloading on this website in the News section: News > Knox News.

If you require a paper copy and cannot access the website, please contact the school office on 01620 823387.

S3 COURSE LETTER - DEC 2012
Published: Wed 12 Dec 2012

Dear Parents/Carers,

As promised – here is an update as regards the S3 curriculum and an explanation of the narrowing down of the curriculum in each of the Faculties.  We are asking pupils to personalise their learning a bit more in preparation for the choices that they are going to make in March.

However, it should be noted, that even if a pupil chooses not to take a subject between January and May, that does not mean that they cannot choose to take it as a subject in S4 (all pupils should have reached a level of proficiency that would allow them to pick up a subject that they studied up until December of S3.  It must be noted, though, that in such a case a pupil would possibly be recommended for a National 4 course).

The pupils are working towards making their final choices, and recommendations from departments and faculties will come out nearer to March.  However, I thought it would be helpful if I started to familiarise you with the nature of the exam courses that will be available to most youngsters next session.  Pupils will be recommended to sit subjects at either National 4 or National 5.  National 4 is vaguely comparable with General Level at Standard Grade and will be internally assessed – there will be no final exam.  Assessment will be done in school, throughout the course.  This will be demanding as pupils will have to ensure that they are keeping up with the classwork, additional coursework and internal assessments to ensure that they reach the required standard.  National 5 will be externally assessed and is roughly equivalent to Credit Level at Standard Grade.  I hesitate to use the comparisons from Standard Grade as it is a bit like comparing apples and oranges – the “Nationals” are one-year courses whereas Standard Grades are two-year courses.

Pupils will be given the chance to opt for up to eight subjects in S4.  For some pupils, eight subjects might be too onerous and therefore we are looking at options for general courses e.g. to enhance literacy and numeracy skills, opportunities for regular, weekly work experience, and outdoor education and teambuilding courses e.g. Princes’ Trust Award,  and ASDAN awards.  There should be something to suit every pupil’s ability and aptitudes.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank parents and carers for their support at this time of transition.  It is never easy being the first group through any new system, but rest assured that we have done everything that we can to ensure that your youngster gets the best possible preparation for S4.

I wish you all the best for the festive season and 2013.
 

Yours,

Sarah Ingham
Head Teacher

Please find below a summary of the options that S3 pupils have been given:

 

Subject/Faculty

Time Allocation

Options

Mathematics

2 hours

None

 

Communication & Literacy

(English, French, Latin)

4 hours

Within the existing timetable pupils will choose either to focus on continuing their study of French, or will opt for taster courses in Italian/European Language and Cultural study.  Latin will be available in addition.  Further personalisation and choice in English courses will be available in March

Expressive Arts

(Art, Drama, Music)

4 hours

Already chosen in August 2012 – 3 hours for “major” and 1 hour for “minor”.

Technologies

2 hours

Choice in Technology between Design and Manufacture and Practical Woodworking Skills. Continue with computing.

Science

(Biology, Physics, Chemistry)

4 hours

Choose 2 sciences @ 2 hours each (pupils who wish to take 3 sciences in S4 should speak to Mr Taylor)

Social Subjects

(RMPS, History, Geography, Modern Studies, Business Education)

6 Hours

Choose 3 Social Subjects to be studied for 2 hours per week.

Health and Wellbeing

(PE, SE and HE)

5 Hours

No change.  It is a policy of the Scottish Government that pupils take part in 2 hours of physical activity per week, leaving 3 hours to be divided between SE (covering the statutory requirements of Personal and Social Education) and Home Economics.

 

Programme for pupils to make their choices in S4:

  • 5th February S3 Parents’ Information Evening
  • 21st February S3 Reports Issued
  • 27th February S3 Parents’ Consultation Evening
  • 4th & 6th March S3 Coursing
  • 8th March Course Choice Deadline
  • 3rd June  New Timetable begins

SCHOOL DRESS CODE LETTER
Published: Tue 11 Dec 2012

The following letter will be issued to pupils via "pupil post" at registration...

 

10 December 2012

Dear Parents and Carers,

Following a consultation on the Dress Code I have decided to make the following amendments to the extant rules.  The changes have been made following the suggestions of parents, staff and pupils.  37% of pupils responded, 30% of staff and roughly 1.5% of parents responded.
 

This Dress Code will come into force on the 8th January 2013.  I hope that you will be as supportive of this as possible.  As ever, if there is going to be a situation where your youngster cannot wear Dress Code for whatever reason, please write to me at the school so that we can come to some arrangement that does not result in your child being penalised.

 

  • Skirts and trousers must be made of dense black material and that if trousers are made of denim that they are not obviously jeans.  Please ensure that these are black in colour, not faded black, navy or grey.
  • Skirts must reach at least 2cm below the pupil’s middle finger when their arms are at their sides.
  • Any form of footwear, including trainers, is acceptable as long as they are black with no other colours (not even piping or eyelets or fur) the only exception to this will be wellington boots on days when it is raining or snowing.
  • Girls must wear shirts/blouses that have button at the neck.
  • Ties are to be worn at the neck.
  • Knitwear (sweaters, cardigans, waistcoats and tank tops) or sweatshirts must be black and may not have logo that could not be covered by the palm of the pupil’s hand.  Black hoodies are acceptable but must be such that a pupil’s tie can be seen at the neck and any logos must be able to be covered by the pupil’s hand.  Knitwear can also be navy but sweatshirts/hoodies must be black.  The school will sell knitwear, hoodies and fleeces that have the school badge on them.
  • Pupils not wearing black knitwear/sweatshirts must accept that they will be asked to remove these during class time.
  • Strappy tops worn over shirts by girls are not acceptable.
  • All accessories must be black (belts, scarves etc).
  • Stud earrings only, necklaces to go inside shirts and no bangles. 
  • If a member of staff requests that a pupil removes any accessory or item of outerwear because of health and safety concerns the pupil must comply.
  • A stock of suitable sweaters will be kept at school for pupils to borrow if they come to school inappropriately dressed.
  • If possible pupils who come to school inappropriately dressed will be asked to go home and change.
     

Yours faithfully,
Sarah Ingham

 

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S2 PROGRESS REPORTS
Published: Fri 7 Dec 2012

Owing to an issue with our Management System, the S2 Progress Reports due out this week are going to be delayed.  Further information will follow in due course.

As is always the case, if parents/carers have any particular concerns at this time they should contact their child's Guidance Teacher.

J Young