Building Blocks aims to inspire young minds

A North East education initiative is bringing science and technology to life for primary school children from disadvantaged backgrounds.

The Newcastle Helix Innovation District is hosting ‘Building Blocks Insights’ on 21 and 22 May, welcoming 240 year 5 pupils for hands-on STEM workshops led by partners RTC North, CGI, Altitude Foundation, Mi-box Live, Newcastle United Foundation and the National Innovation Centre for Data. 

The interactive sessions will cover robotics, coding, AI and more, with officials saying it will provide children with a rare chance to experience a real working environment during the school week.

They add that the scheme, which targets schools identified by the North East Combined Authority’s Child Poverty Reduction Unit, builds on research showing early STEM engagement increases uptake in later education, addressing critical skill shortages expected across the UK’s green economy and technology sectors.

Charlie Charlton, community engagement manager at Newcastle Helix, who is spearheading the Building Blocks initiative, said: “We created ‘Building Blocks Insights’ to inspire. 

“It shows young children a whole new potential future on their doorstep, for them and their families. 

“We know talent doesn't have a gender, but it also doesn't have a postcode. 

“Our region has incredibly exciting opportunities for curious minds.

“We're in our third year and the reason Building Blocks has caught the imagination of business sites nationally is that it's held on a typical working day. 

“By osmosis, the children have a rare chance to soak up what some grown-ups do all day at work – from Zoom calls to boardroom meetings and even having lunch with friends.

“It might be hard to imagine having hundreds of energetic primary school children descend on your workplace, but as the Helix community has discovered, it might be loud – but it's exciting. 

“It gives the businesses a boost on the event days but also sows the seeds for a locally sustainable workforce for the future.”

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