Category: Chair’s Blog

As Chair I was delighted to be accepted as a UK Delegate by UN Women UK | Gender Equality for the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW67). This has allowed EngTog’s unique collaboration style and ethos to be known and understood by more people globally. At the same time learning from others and discovering new and exciting ways to encourage more people into STEM subjects for the great good.

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.

Check out the full story at Primary Voices speaks to 10,000 schoolchildren about tackling climate change – REPORTING THE GREEN REVOLUTION (climatepost.co).

Or watch this video courtesy of Climate Post North East.

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.

We have of course gone back to some Face to Face meetings and events but continue a hybrid approach as we have found it far more inclusive and sustainable. We have found this works has allowed us to do more. Some great examples of in person /hybrid events are Bright Stars, International Women’s Day, British Science Week, Love Local and having wild adventures. Some great examples of predominantly online events / resources include climate linked maths worksheets and Primary Voice assemblies and other global events.

We continue to be involved with the Transporter Bridge Award and have encouraged others to inspire and influence through a recent webinar on awards as we have lots of experience… our group has been recognised including our Diversity Champion Jo who is a Northern Power Women and Freeman of the City of London and Julie our Climate Champion who was recognised by Stockton Council for her extensive community work. I was privileged to be awarded a European Lifetime in Engineering Award as well as others. Without doubt though my highlight was carrying the Commonwealth Games Queens Baton which carried the last ever message for these games from the Queen herself.

I hope everyone has enjoyed Engineering Together in 2022 and feel free to get in touch if you wish to work together in 2023.

All the best to everyone, Paula

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 do hope it will inspire you to promote and support positive change. Watch at https://youtu.be/7kYT_Hi-M-U

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!

The future is now thanks to MAADIGITAL – the Newcastle digital agency for unforgettable digital experiences!

A big thank you from the EngTog team for your support hosting us.

Wardley Primary School are the Vex Robotics UK National Champions.

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.

I was please to part take in my second event for Big Minds Bright Futures

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.

Read the full story at Forward-thinking degree apprenticeship graduate wins prestigious engineering award | Media centre | Teesside University

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.

* you too can become a STEM Ambassador.

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.

PODCASTs… Virtual Episode 7 and in person Episode 14

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.