Bespoke 'learning village' opens at North Somerset school
The school has had to open it because of a type of concrete known as HACC - which meant 22 classrooms has to close at the start of term
Now the half term holidays are over, lessons for pupils at one school in North Somerset are looking a little different - now a bespoke 'learning village' has opened.
Just days into the new school year back in September, 22 classrooms had to close because of safety issued with a type of concrete known as HACC.
It's not related to the national RAAC crisis, but presented the team at Clevedon School with the same kind of issues - meaning a number of rooms and learning areas had to shut, after being deemed unsafe.
The closure followed an inspection of the school estate - which saw the 60-year-old main tower block found to have major structural weaknesses.
The weakening HACC has meant a total of 22 classrooms, offices and storage space have been taken out of use - which represents over a quarter of the buildings space at the school, which has about 1350 students aged 11 to 18.
In a bid to make sure pupils are still taught in-person, they took 'creative measures' - including larger spaces as classrooms... and the installation of a huge marquee in their field, now branded the 'learning village'.
Clevedon School's headteacher, Jim Smith, said: "I think the staff have really enjoyed being in one base, and having a classroom to teach in.
"The students have also enjoyed the excitement of having the main promenade, which has 10 classrooms on each side. I think they've also enjoyed them discovering their new rooms and having a place to learn in once again.
"It really does feel like a new chapter for us. As staff, early on Monday morning, we took the opportunity to almost relaunch the school. To have the stability back for us has been exceptionally well-received, and there was a sense of celebration that we've got the buildings built, and open, and that lessons have taken place successfully.
"One of my favourite quotes from one of our students told me, 'Sir, it's like glamping!' which is a really fun way to think about it."
Last month, when the school confirmed it was suffering from HACC issues, Jim said: “I would like to take this opportunity to praise our school community for the way they have approached their learning this week. In difficult times they have, in the spirit of our school motto, been kind and brilliant.”
Chief Executive Officer Andrea Arlidge added: “Futura Learning Partnership and the school are working with the Department for Education, North Somerset Council and industry experts to make sure we make the best decisions for our staff and students about both short and long-term solutions.”
The school have confirmed talks with the Department for Education are ongoing, as they look into remedial and long-term solutions into the issue.
In connection with RAAC, the school has confirmed they had a separate survey by engineers in May 2023 and received the all-clear.
Read more: RAAC concrete discovered in Somerset - as MP calls for schools to get in touch