HARD-WORKING pupils have refused to let the coronavirus pandemic derail their plans for a memorable last year at school.

Covid-19 led to a number of restrictions for youngsters, with many spending part of their final year working from home.

Bethany Ross and Kaci Smith were elected head pupils at Knox Academy and have worked alongside deputes Tom Riddell, Katie Moore and Amelia Hockey as the senior leadership team.

Both head pupils had set out goals that they hoped to achieve over their final year at the secondary school and were pleased to say that they had largely been successful.

Bethany acknowledged the pandemic had presented challenges.

She said: “I think it has been quite difficult.

“Covid has taken quite a big impact on us with home learning and reduced classes at school.

“It has been difficult motivation for us and a lot of people have struggled this year to get into the groove of things but, with exams, we are getting back on track.”

The 18-year-old, who is studying Advanced Higher biology, chemistry and geography, and Kaci took on the role nearly a year ago.

Kaci told the Courier that, despite the challenges of the pandemic, she felt that they had worked well together.

She said: “I have really enjoyed the role as head pupil. I have enjoyed working as a team with a really supportive group of young leaders.

“With Covid, there has been a lot of things that could not happen.

“S6 previously have had a common room, a New York trip and we lost the Christmas dance.

“We also feel that, with Covid and not being able to have trips, we have not had the experience to bond together like other years have had.”

Each year, potential head pupils draw up a manifesto with issues that they would like to address.

Items included starting up more lunchtime clubs and to strengthen the connection with neighbouring Knox Academy Meadowpark and the wider community.

Both Bethany and Kaci, 17, told the Courier how they had enjoyed their role and that they would now be involved in the process to find their successors.

Bethany offered some advice to those entering their final year at the school.

She said: “Just make sure they are getting support from their peers and working as a team.

“That has been really enjoyable, working together to improve our common goals.”

Previously, Sue Cook, headteacher at Knox Academy, praised the departing leadership team for their efforts.

She said: “The last few years have been a challenging time for them all and they have coped admirably with the ups and downs associated with this.

“They will have lots of memories of their time at the school and many of the friendships they will have made will last a lifetime.

“As they venture into the next phase of their lives, all here at Knox Academy would like to wish them all the very best for their future.

“We hope they will keep in touch with us and let us know how they are progressing.”