A Solarpunk Industries Ed-tech Initiative
DECA is part of Solarpunk Industries' educational technology portfolio, designed to revolutionize how students engage with climate action and sustainable innovation.
Launched at St Paul's Girls' School, the UK's leading secondary school, DECA has established itself as a pioneering program that transforms how students engage with environmental challenges. Through a unique blend of design thinking, engineering, and practical innovation, it creates a new generation of climate-conscious innovators - founded by curiosity, driven my pragmatism.
The methodology combines hands-on engineering with design thinking principles, enabling students to develop real-world solutions to environmental challenges. This proven framework helps young minds transition from theoretical understanding to practical problem-solving.
The program's success at SPGS demonstrates its potential to inspire and equip students across different educational settings. As part of my mission to scale impactful educational initiatives, I welcome conversations with educators and institutions interested in fostering innovation and environmental action in their communities.
Students learn and master Solarpunk Industries' proven design thinking methodology through immersive workshops and hands-on projects, empowering them to identify community needs and craft innovative, sustainable solutions.
Personalised guidance in software development, hardware prototyping, and design engineering. Engaging and structured mentorship equips students with practical, real-world skills and experience.
Students engage in self-directed projects, tackling genuine environmental challenges in their communities, supported by comprehensive resources and industry-leading expertise.
Custom curriculums provide students dynamic, hands-on experiences tackling urgent climate issues. Through design thinking and experimentation, students develop impactful projects promoting sustainability.
Students have opportunities to showcase their skills and innovations in prestigious national and international competitions, motivating them to reach new heights in design engineering and climate action.
Extensive experience working with diverse age groups and abilities, creating an inclusive and inspiring environment for every student.
In 2024, DECA participants from St Paul's Girls' School claimed both first and second place in the prestigious RSA Pupil Design Awards, competing against schools nationwide. Their winning projects demonstrated innovative approaches to environmental challenges, from sustainable urban design to renewable energy solutions.
RSA Pupil Design Awards Winners
Collaborative Problem Solving
Student Innovation in Action
Hi, I'm Melissa Bustamante-Jenke. I'm Head of Computer Science and Creative Technology at St Paul's Girls' School in London – recently celebrated as the top academic school in the country! I've developed an unconventional, cutting edge curriculum for computer science and creative tech, which is appropriate for the high achieving, ambitious and capable girls we educate.
Part of what I do is understand what interests and engages girls with Tech. I look for projects that will inspire our students to enjoy lessons and come back in their own free time to research, develop, prototype and build their ideas and solutions for living well in this day and age. I need people who understand how tech underpins our lives and how to make it work for us. People who have the ability and knowledge to bring tech learning to life, make it meaningful and have amazing people skills.
When I met Ryan, from Solarpunk Industries, I was struck by how passionate he was about using tech for good. We talked for hours about citizen science, data gathering, cleaning the waterways, mental health, working with young people, and generally using tech to make the world a better place. He has now devised and refined programs that our young people can sign up to, and through working with them, they've entered and won at several competitions.
The outcome of working with Ryan is that more of the work we do feels worthwhile and connected to the issues students actually want to engage with. Under his joyful, knowledgeable and competent guidance, projects have been steered to feasible, achievable results. Students feel respected and valued, and they develop understanding of how best they can engage meaningfully with this world.
My word is exciting. I chose it because when I'm discussing the journeys Ryan can take the students on, it makes me excited for them. I can imagine their faces and smiles as they understand what they'll be doing, and how pleased they'll be when they get to the end. Experience has shown he'll do a brilliant job, so I get excited every time a new idea comes up.
I'd recommend Solarpunk Industries to anyone who wants to work with someone with real integrity; with masses of idea; who understands how to find joy despite the often less joyful outlook we face. He is committed, responsible, skilled and knowledgeable, and he'll help you make great things happen.
Are you an educator interested in bringing innovative climate action education to your institution?
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