A packed out lecture hall at RICS HQ saw the construction industry wowed by the presentations of three schools as part of the ‘Big Launch’ of Class of Your Own.
The event, aimed to raise the profile of Class of Your Own and the Design Engineer Construct!® qualification, attracted over 100 senior leaders across industry.
Delegates at the event said they were “inspired”, “humbled” and “blown away” by the presentations delivered by Clacton Coastal Academy, Graveney and Compton schools, who took the audience through their ideas and work in designing eco-classrooms.
The programme Design Engineer Construct!® offers a qualification equivalent to Level 2 at GCSE level and is now on performance tables and the scheme aims to permanently embed the built environment into the national curriculum.
RICS EMEA Director Mark Walley opened proceedings with a speech about the importance of social mobility and careers in the Built Environment, and was followed by the government’s Chief Construction Adviser, Peter Hansford.
Mr Hansford outlined his thoughts on the future of the construction industry – emphasising the opportunities and skills required for the next generation.
Clacton Coastal Academy, Graveney and Compton Schools then took to the stage and delivered their presentations – covering everything from sustainability, building design and community consultation utilising tools such as Revit and Google SketchUp. Their projects also demonstrated cross-functional teamwork, with each pupil taking on the role of a different built environment professional including a surveyor, architect, project manager and sustainability officer.
Alison Watson, Founder of Class of Your Own, concluded the day with an impactful plea to industry to get involved, support teachers and pro-actively support the scheme by “adopting a school” in their local area.
RICS has adopted Clacton Coastal Academy and will be urging industry to follow suit. So far over 80 schools have indicated that they would like to run the scheme but need sponsors.
RICS will continue to support Clacton Coastal Academy but will also facilitate and ‘match-make’ these schools with firms across the UK to support COYO.
To find out more and get involved email support@classofyourown.com
Article courtesy of RICS
