A pioneering approach to empower young learners to design sustainable schools through creativity, collaboration, and innovation.
An exciting new collaboration between Morgan Sindall Construction and Cymbrogi Futures was launched this January at St Joseph’s RC School and Ysgol Bae Baglan. This innovative pilot project will run over one term, engaging learners in designing the Sustainable School of the Future—a challenge that encourages them to consider how their school can serve People, Planet, and Nature.
Working in teams, learners will develop creative solutions and present their ideas to an authentic, real-world audience in April. The project is designed to enhance essential skills such as Creativity, Collaboration, Critical Thinking, Communication, and Metacognition.
Beyond the classroom, Cymbrogi Futures is leveraging this pilot to develop an AI ‘Study Buddy’, in partnership with UCL’s Computer Science and Sustainability departments. This tool aims to support young people in their learning journeys, equipping them with the confidence and knowledge to engage with sustainability and innovation.
Intended Outcomes
- Greater awareness of sustainable construction and career opportunities within the sector.
- Enhanced educational engagement through a learner-led, project-based approach.
- Increased self-efficacy in young people by integrating tools like Artificial Intelligence.
- Reduced climate anxiety through an empowerment-focused learning model.
Next Steps
In March, Morgan Sindall will host workshops in both schools, offering teams expert feedback on their initial designs. This will provide an opportunity for learners to refine their ideas while gaining insight into potential career pathways in sustainable construction.
The project will culminate in showcase events in April, where teams will present their final concepts, and a winning idea will be selected.
This initiative represents a significant step towards equipping young people with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to contribute to a sustainable built environment. Woodknowledge Wales is excited to follow this journey and share the outcomes of this pioneering collaboration.
Cymbrogi was established to equip learners and educators with the knowledge, skills, and mindsets necessary to shape thriving, sustainable futures for themselves, their communities, and the planet. By placing nature at the heart of the learning experience, Cymbrogi addresses areas such as climate anxiety, critical thinking, creative enterprise, and collaboration.
Morgan Sindall Construction undertakes projects like the Sustainable School of the Future to create long-lasting, environmentally sustainable communities. Their social value strategy focuses on benefiting taxpayers, local communities, and individuals by enhancing social, economic, and environmental well-being. By engaging in such initiatives, they aim to inspire future generations and promote sustainable development.
Projects like the Sustainable School of the Future align with Woodknowledge Wales’ mission to drive the transition to a sustainable, low-carbon built environment. By engaging young people in timber-based, climate-conscious design, these initiatives inspire future professionals, promote local supply chains, and enhance awareness of sustainable construction, ensuring that education and industry collaborate for a greener future.
