Staff and pupils at King James Academy in Royston have been looking at creative ways to learn face-to-face after the school building was damaged by Storm Henk.

Earlier this month, the storm caused flooding to the main senior site teaching block, as well as considerable damage to the roof and cladding.

Royston Crow: Damage to the school building at King James AcademyDamage to the school building at King James Academy (Image: KJAR)

The problem has been compounded by ongoing roof repairs to fix leaky classrooms on the junior site, which had already seen several classes relocated to temporary facilities.

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

This week, a group of Year 7 pupils swapped home learning for a day trip to Shepreth Wildlife Park.

Royston Crow: Electrical equipment was damaged by Storm HenkElectrical equipment was damaged by Storm Henk (Image: KJAR)

The children spent the morning working with the Shepreth education team, along with King James teachers and support staff, and learnt about the history of the wildlife park and its role in conservation.

Pupils also learnt more about the endangered species that are cared for at Shepreth, along with the global issues of habitat loss and palm oil production.

Royston Crow: Damage caused by Storm HenkDamage caused by Storm Henk (Image: KJAR)

A school spokesperson said: "This is a true example of partnership working - where a local community business has stepped up and offered support in circumstances beyond the school’s control.

"We are so very grateful for so many in the local community who have offered their support.

"Next week will see many of our students attending face-to-face learning based in various places throughout the week, including the church, Old School Rooms, Town Hall and Fearnhill Academy.

Royston Crow: King James Academy in Royston experienced 'truly shocking' damageKing James Academy in Royston experienced 'truly shocking' damage (Image: KJAR)

"Whilst this provides a much improved offer and welcome respite from online learning, it is far from what our children deserve."

The school is hoping to soon have definitive answers to their questions about the next steps.

This week the school published a site plan of temporary buildings that will enhance the provision available on the current site, with improved break out and welfare facilities.

Royston Crow: Flooding within the school buildingFlooding within the school building (Image: KJAR)

The spokesperson added: "The Academy Trust continues to work closely with a variety of external organisations including The Department for Education, loss adjusters, insurers, project management team and IT specialists.

"The support of local and county councillors should not be underestimated. Their support of the school has been wonderful.

"It was disappointing that in our most recent discussions with the Department for Education, the local authority were not represented and did not attend.

"However, Ms Plowman has today been approached by the leader of the council, Richard Roberts, who will be visiting the academy later this term.

Royston Crow: Flooding within the school buildingFlooding within the school building (Image: KJAR)

In the meantime, staff and pupils plan to continue to look for creative methods and locations to provide face-to-face learning.

Shortly after the storm, North East Herts MP Sir Oliver Heald visited the school to inspect the damage, and praised headteacher Lisa Plowman for her efforts.

Sir Oliver approached Jonathan Duff, regional director of the Department for Education, who promised to help get children back in the classroom as soon as possible.

The school was also visited by county councillor Fiona Hill and district councillor Matt Barnes, who described the damage as "truly shocking".

King James Academy is part of the Diamond Learning Partnership Trust, who have been advocating for the school and offering support.

The school spokesperson thanked everyone in the community who has reached out to help or offer sympathy.