In an exciting collaboration with Intel, our year 12 Digital Media and Digital Production Design & Development T level learners undertook an Employer Led Project where they were tasked to create a digital twin of an LDE classroom that present real world data of its energy use, heat distribution, occupancy movement whilst being virtually represented. This project was closely linked to the curriculum, with our Digital learners working on 3D modelling, data analysis and interactivity and our T level learners working on data analysis and digital environments.  
 
Learners were set the following brief: 
Create a digital twin of your LDE UTC classroom / parts of your campus, collecting and using real-world data (temperature, humidity, electricity usage) to simulate and propose energy-saving solutions. This challenge leverages Intel SFi's mindsets and skillsets, particularly in problem-solving, data science, modelling and simulation, computational thinking, and design thinking.  

 
James shared, "As both a CTO and a teacher of digital media, I recognise the immense value in learners taking part in the Digital Twin project with Intel. This initiative, which we co-created is about more than just learning technology—it’s about actively contributing to something innovative. Learners are directly involved in creating virtual models and generating data, while also exploring the potential of AI analysis to optimise and enhance these interpretations. The project's topical relevance is clear, and it lays the groundwork for a scalable initiative that will soon allow schools across the country to take part in similar projects, empowering the next generation of creators and thinkers." 
 
Find out more about Intel’s skills for innovation amazing resources for learners and teachers here.

To fulfil this brief, learners collaborated across the two subject areas, reflective of projects Intel would undertake in industry. Digital Media learners were each responsible for one aspect of the room, creating a digital asset that precisely reflected its physical counterpart. To successfully do this, learners used industry standard programs such as AUTODESK 3DSMAX, Sketchfab and Unreal Engine. T level learners had to apply their knowledge of digital environments and collect heating, lighting and power usage data over a period of time. Based on the data, they were able to provide visualisations of their findings using graphs, charts, data tables whilst using AI to access higher concepts and to enhance the functionality of their code 
 
Learners across both subjects collated all their work create A 3D virtual model of the classroom that incorporates real-world data on temperature, humidity, and energy consumption. Using our VR headsets, learners were able to walk through the digital twin they collaboratively created whilst seeing the data that had been collected, analysed and presented in real time.  

 
Our learners did not stop there! They used their findings to work together and propose data-driven sustainability strategies to reduce energy consumption. 
 
Reflecting on the unique and special opportunities this ELP offered, learner Leia shared “We were inspired by Intel’s virtual visit to give this project our all. Using the intel skills resources as a reference was really useful to create our own digital twin room. It was amazing to a part of creating such an immersive experience and being able to work for such a prestigious corporation and alongside my peers to achieve something that we are all really proud of!” 
 
Having achieved such an impressive feat of collaboration, it’s was an absolute privilege to be invited to present our Digital Twin at the Bett show in front of an audience of thousands of attendees. CTO James and Digital learner Leia and T level learner Arifah has the privilege of representing us on the panel.  

Cigdem Ertem, General Manager for Education at Intel, who invite us to speak with her at the Bett show shared, "Thank you to my panellists! We were able to show that AI is here and real — with personal examples and applications. What I loved the most is the confidence of the students, Leia and Arifah, Wow! Once youth get the chance to learn AI skills, they can create incredible projects, use tech such as Digital Twins to help manage complex systems, or develop award-winning apps like .Well done and thank you for your efforts to make the world a better place.”
 
We were immensely privileged to be the first school to co-create a project such as this with Intel!