In September 2023, Alder Grange Sixth Form welcomed its fourth cohort of DEC Level 3 students. Seventeen Year 12 learners, all new to the course, began a two-year project centred on St Nicholas Church in the village of Sabden, Lancashire. This valued local place of worship, while still in use, is in urgent need of repairs and experiencing a steadily declining congregation.

The students were challenged to reimagine how the church could better serve the wider community through thoughtful, sustainable design, all while respecting its heritage as a Grade II listed building. Grounded in real-world learning and collaboration with industry professionals, the project reflects the best of the Design Engineer Construct! approach by Class Of Your Own.

This technical experience was used to inform and produce a digital twin of the church and the village and in the autumn term, students participated in a two-day Open Cities Planner workshop delivered by a team of professionals from Bentley Systems. The workshop developed their understanding of data-driven urban planning and culminated in a community presentation. Students shared their survey findings and early insights from a local needs questionnaire they had designed and analysed.

A key aim of the St Nicholas project was to develop a sustainable retrofit that respected the church’s listed status and historical significance. With the support of Zoe Hooton of HPA Architects, Martin Brown of Fairsnape and Ann Vanner of Acorn Architects. Over the two years, students explored:

To inform their design decisions, students researched precedent case studies, including St Mary’s Church in Rawtenstall, a local example of successful and sensitive church adaptation. These studies helped students explore how historic religious buildings can be repurposed to better serve their communities, without compromising their architectural identity.

A major highlight of the project was the opportunity to collaborate with Manchester School of Architecture (MSA) through their annual MSA Live programme. Postgraduate architecture students partnered with Alder Grange learners through a series of concept design workshops, delivered both at the sixth form and at the university campus.

These sessions allowed DEC students to engage in early-stage concepts and explore architectural thinking in a higher education setting. Later in the year, they were invited to critique the final design proposals presented by the MSA postgraduates, gaining insight into design rationale, presentation standards, and professional feedback practices.

Through the DEC Level 3 curriculum, students engaged in a robust learning programme covering stakeholder consultation and community engagement, digital design and technical drawing, modelling and specification writing, ethical and environmental awareness and forward-thinking innovation. They were also treated to a workshop with AtkinsRéalis professionals to understand the importance of utility mapping and the National Underground Asset Register (NUAR).

The integration of professional mentors and live project work brought the curriculum to life, helping students see clear links between their learning and real career pathways.

Students demonstrated exceptional growth in confidence, technical skill, and critical thinking. They embraced the challenge of working on a live brief and quickly adapted to professional standards of communication and design.

In summer 2025, students proudly presented their final proposals at a public exhibition, showcasing a combination of digital models and written justifications. The event attracted members of the local community, education partners, and industry professionals, all of whom praised the students’ creativity, professionalism, and sensitivity to heritage and sustainability.

The exhibition not only celebrated the students’ achievements but also sparked meaningful conversations about the future of St Nicholas Church and its potential role in revitalising the village. The success of this extraordinary heritage project has firmly established DEC Level 3 at Alder Grange as a flagship example of how real-world, career-connected learning can inspire young people and strengthen community links.