Design Engineer Construct! launches at Dulwich College Shanghai Puxi
We’re excited to announce the launch of Design Engineer Construct! at Dulwich College Shanghai Puxi – the first DEC school in China!
The introduction of DEC will provide students with a cutting-edge opportunity to shape the future of their Built and Natural Environment at a time when it’s needed most. And what could be more appropriate to enhance the learning experience than a partnership with award-winning architectural practice Broadway Malyan, designers of the school.
We checked in to explore the impact DEC is already having on students, teachers – and architects!
Why choose to implement the ‘DEC’ programme at DCSPX?
“Alison Watson (CEO and founder of Class Of Your Own) presented the ‘DEC’ programme at the FOBISIA Conference in 2023, which spoke to both my head and my heart.
She discussed the importance of using the built environment to engage and inspire all learners through sustainability and community-centred design.
I saw, I heard, I understood, and I wanted our students to be part of it. We believe in our students making a positive difference in the world.
The only questions we considered were ‘who’, ‘when’ and ‘how’.
‘If’ was never a consideration.”
Kelly King ~ Head of Senior School, DCSPX
What are the benefits for your learners?
“The opportunity of working with world-leading experts who are change-makers in their field. The work that has taken place since – and seeing the progress of the learners and teachers – only reinforces our commitment to DEC and our involvement in the programme.”
Kelly King ~ Head of Senior School, DCSPX
“The biggest benefit is the opportunity to take time to understand the community’s experiences and the barriers they may face. Additionally, I really enjoyed seeing students embark on solo projects, which brought out their unique ideas. It was interesting to see how their individual experiences had influenced their final designs.”
Ben Oliver-Robinson ~ Teacher of Humanities, DCSPX
What have been the advantages of a collaboration with Broadway Malyan?
“Broadway Malyan have been exceptional throughout this process. Architect James has been on hand to answer any queries my students have had. He has also delivered workshops in lessons to teach students how to effectively use design software. This seems simple, but it is the software that the architects use, which makes it even more impressive.”
Ben Oliver-Robinson ~ Teacher of Humanities, DCSPX
What has been your experience of working with DCSPX learners and teachers?
“This was my first year participating in the DEC programme and my experience working with DCSPX learners and teachers has been immensely positive. Through the DEC programme with DCSPX, students were not only exposed to practical challenges but also received valuable insights into the many career paths within the Built Environment. Witnessing the students wholeheartedly immerse themselves in the project was truly inspiring.”
James Stockdale – Associate Director, Broadway Malyan
How have you found delivering DEC as a Humanities teacher?
“I have thoroughly enjoyed delivering this course and in fact came close to tears whilst watching some of the presentations the students delivered to the team at BM due to the progress they made. I found it to be a very endearing process. You could really see the passion and level of research they’d committed to this project.”
Ben Oliver-Robinson ~ Teacher of Humanities, DCSPX
“Witnessing the students craft innovative and deeply personal solutions showcased the effectiveness of the guidance provided by DCSPX, and particularly from DEC teacher Ben. He invested considerable care, time, and effort to ensure students got the most out of the programme.”
James Stockdale ~ Associate Director, Broadway Malyan
What are your aspirations for DEC in the future?
“Design Engineer Construct! has plenty of links with my subject, Humanities, and others such as Art and Mathematics. As a result, it has prompted discussion with these subject areas about potential interdisciplinary learning (IDL). For example, teaching scale through Mathematics, or perspective drawing in Art.”
Ben Oliver-Robinson ~ Teacher of Humanities, DCSPX
ABOUT THE COLLEGE
Dulwich College Shanghai Puxi, the 9th school in the Dulwich College International family of schools, was founded in 2016. Situated in the leafy and green west of Minhang district in Shanghai, Dulwich College Shanghai Puxi caters for families living in the west of the city who are seeking world-class holistic education that Dulwich College has become synonymous with.
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