Staff at King James Academy in Royston have launched a 'mammoth' bid to return to face-to-face teaching after the senior site was damaged by Storm Henk.

The storm caused flooding to the main senior site teaching block, along with considerable damage to the roof and cladding.

Year 11 pupils have been able to return to the classroom, with Years 7 to 10 continuing to work from home.

Meanwhile, people and businesses in the community have rallied around the school in support.

Headteacher Lisa Plowman said: "We have had to work hard to ensure that the visits to spaces around the locality are relevant and meaningful in terms of curriculum learning as well as fun and engaging for learners.

"This week we have students of all secondary year groups in bases across the town, some onsite, others at Fearnhill School, Shepreth Wildlife Park, St. John the Baptist Church, the Old School Rooms and the Town Hall.

"Without the support of our local community this would not be possible."

Staff have been faced with the logistical challenge of minimising disruption to on-site learning for Year 11s, while enabling some face-to-face learning to take place for all secondary year groups.

Miss Cann, head of English and associate assistant headteacher, has redesigned learning for Years 7 and 8 to ensure that they can continue to develop their core English skills, which has involved pupils undertaking the Royston Town Heritage Trail.

Deputy head of the school Mrs Watson said: "Our staff have really come together to re-order aspects of the curriculum in order to respond with agility to the current situation.

"This is a significant undertaking, the academy as a through-school has done much work to develop its approach to curriculum continuity from Years 5-11, and this is now having to be reviewed in order to ensure that children are not further disadvantaged."

Ms Plowman and the King James leadership team are hoping to be able to provide clarity soon on when new temporary buildings will be available for use.

"I will continue to fight for better facilities, buildings and conditions for the staff and students of King James," Ms Plowman said.

SUGGESTED READING

"Our children and community deserve so much more. I couldn’t have asked more of my staff.

"There is an irony that there is a national drive to improve the workload of teachers in schools, and I am unable at present to support this as I continue to have to ask staff to do more.

"I am truly privileged to work with such a dedicated group of professionals across all key stages who have pulled out all the stops to do everything that they can to support our young people."