I was delighted when Climate Post North East chose to promote my Primary Voice milestone. This added to my delight of seeing 10,000 and revisiting the wonderful Glebe Primary. I hope this explains what it is all about and encourages more of you to watch or even become an Educator yourself.
I almost cannot believe it’s the end of December already and time for reflection on yet another full year. Engineering Together and the links with our collaborators go from strength to strength each year and I have never been prouder to lead this group. Like every year it has not been without it’s challenges; but like always our positivity and togetherness have got us through.
There are lots of things I could say but my personal key highlights have included the continued use of our website with some great unsolicited feedback from all around the world include Maddie, Alexandra and Megan. We of course have MAADigital to thank for continuing to host us.
I was delighted to be asked to present this webinar as part of our ever increasing In It Together series in collaboration with the WES Tyne and Tees Cluster.
It showcases a plethora of fantastic people we have works with at Engineering Together who inspire us everyday. It also gives example of how and why awards influence and of course if contains plenty of hints and tips on how to find and enter awards (for yourself or others).
I was at the fantastic North East England Construction Summit yesterday and I bumped into Colin who very kindly hosts our Engineering Together web pages.
At first I wondered why and then from out lovely chat realised how their expertise in augmented reality, virtual reality, 3D design, animation, and video production can really make construction projects come to life!
They need help to compete in the Vex Robotics World Championships in Dallas.
This funding page has been set up to fund this trip as well as future materials.
After meeting their teacher, Mr Burfield, at the North East Stem Award 2022 we agree he not only deserved the accolade of most inspirational primary school teacher award but we would also like to support this fantastic team.
The first was Girl in Charge where I had the pleasure of meeting Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson and we shared inspiration and stories. The second an environmental panel event – we discussed everything from tree planting to GCSE curriculum.
This group and the things they do really give me hope for the future.
As Chair I was delighted to once again hand over this prestigious engineering award after our Engineering Together group reinvigorated it during lock down.
The year’s recipient Daniel Crow, a forward-thinking degree apprenticeship graduate, won with a real-world problem.
This award continues to showcase the talent we have coming out of Teesside University and the positive effect engineering has on our region.
Many people ask me about Virtual STEM work now we are able to go back into schools. So here is an example of how you can make it work and the advantages…
During Covid I set up Primary Voices and advertised it as a virtual assembly on the STEM Ambassador Hub *. Since it was virtual I received interest country wide including St James CE Junior at Barrow in Furness.
The assembly went well and we agreed to do more together including Bright Stars, which would normally be an 8 week programme in school. I did 7 of the weeks virtually and the last one in person.
So what was better?
For me the virtual absolutely had a place and with enthusiasm and encouraging interaction I still truly built up a relationship with the class. So much so when I arrived at the school for my final Bright Stars session I was greeted with a banner, a wonderful hand made cards and lots of smiles and cuddles.
This last in person session was the highlight. Whilst there students showed my videos and told me all the things they learned including teamwork, finances, marketing and because not everything went well resilience.
The whole experience has reinforced my belief that virtual is here to stay, especially when you listen to how much the students got out of the programme in Episode 14.
Well don’t take my word for it judge for yourself from the St James blogs and podcasts.
Photos from School Web Page showing how engaged they were during virtual sessions, working to create and operate their Smoothie business and my final visit where I was presented with the most wonderful card.
Thank you to our fantastic Climate Champion Julie Harrison for nominating me to carry the Commonwealth Games Queens Baton on behalf of everyone who contributes to Engineering Together and out associated groups. I had a wonderful time and I was inspired by my fellow Baton Bearers who each had a unique story of inspiring and community spirit.
On International Women in Engineering Day (INWED) I was delighted to host a Podcast which included the WES CEO Elizabeth Donnelly alongside several other inspirational and award winning women. Listen to Episode 14 here.
