A global education programme for the next generation of digital architecture, engineering and construction professionals.
The award-winning ‘Design Engineer Construct’ Learning Programme was created a decade ago by UK social business ‘Class Of Your Own’ (COYO).
Our focus on excellence in teaching and learning coupled with our commitment to bring together schools, universities and industry has resulted in the development of some incredible young talent for the digital age.
As Design Engineer Construct’ launches in schools around the world as a highly respected, STEAM focused curriculum, it is attracting significant support from some of the biggest names in industry.
We look forward to welcoming you on this unique and exciting journey…
DEC news
COYO CEO, earns Honorary Degree from Heriot Watt University
Our very own Alison Watson MBE, CEO of Class of Your Own and driving force behind Design Engineer Construct!, has been recognised with an Honorary Degree.
Alison received a Doctor of Engineering from Heriot-Watt University on Tuesday, 10 December, for her immense contribution to the sector and for forging new links between industry, academia and young people.
Alison has worked tirelessly, since 2012, to develop the ground-breaking accredited learning programme Design Engineer Construct! (DEC). As a result, many more young people are gaining real-world experience and developing highly desirable specialist skills in areas including structural engineering, surveying, architecture and civil engineering.
Alison has partnered with Heriot-Watt University in developing and delivering DEC since its inception in Scotland.
After receiving her Honorary Degree, Alison said: “It’s been a pleasure and a privilege to work with the wonderful staff and students at Heriot-Watt University. Scotland is a special place with special people who have a solid respect for innovation and determination. Some of my challenges have seemed enormous, however the support of the University has been constant and I owe a debt of gratitude to colleagues who have shown me such respect, kindness and faith.
COYO and Virgin Hyperloop One forge partnership for learning
The past year has been extraordinary at Class Of Your Own. We’ve been working closely with Bentley Systems, Topcon Positioning Systems and Virgin Hyperloop One to develop a new curriculum focused on ‘Future Infrastructure”.
The first exciting project challenged teams from four DEC schools to design a Hyperloop Station in their own towns, and then in a show-stopping finale, adapt their projects for a site in Singapore.
Students presented to top-class judges, including Virgin Hyperloop One’s Harj Dhaliwal, Managing Director, Middle East and India. The team chosen to represent the UK’s young engineering talent were then flown to Singapore to present at Bentley’s ‘Year In Infrastructure’ and meet real life engineers working on amazing projects around the world.
But the relationship with Virgin Hyperloop did not stop there. Last week, COYO CEO Alison Watson met again with Harj and his team to formally agree a partnership to support more young people coming into the sector through the further development of the programme to aid learning and research.
The FUTURE HYPERLOOP accredited programme will be available for schools everywhere from September 2020, just in time for the World’s greatest show on Earth… Expo 2020.
The COYO Teacher of the DECade is…
This year, to celebrate COYO’s tenth anniversary, we began our search for our ‘Teacher of the DECade’.
We wanted to champion the impact a great teacher has on young DEC learners across the UK and beyond; a teacher who has inspired their students to aspire to a career in what we consider to be the greatest industry in the world.
Well, we’ve had some really terrific entries and it’s been so rewarding to read about their efforts and ambitions. It’s been SO DIFFICULT to choose a teacher that represents all that is great about DEC and education for a modern, Digital Built Environment.
But choose, we had to, and we’re delighted to announce the Teacher of the DECade is…
Samantha Morcumb of Atrium Studio, Ashburton in Devon.
Samantha’s entry had the WOW factor, demonstrating a broad range of skills, competencies and aptitudes. She epitomises what an extraordinary teacher a DEC teacher is!
© Class of Your Own Limited. All rights reserved.
COYO is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff, and others providing services on behalf of COYO, to share this commitment