Eagles project shoots for STEM success

A North East education initiative is taking a shot at inspiring future engineers through a sports-led learning programme.

Newcastle Eagles Women’s Team has partnered with neighbouring defence engineering firm Pearson Engineering to expand the club’s Science of Basketball scheme, delivering a new hands-on engineering project to schools across the region. 

Funded by the Newcastle-based company, the initiative has already enabled 776 children to take part in an interactive approach to STEM learning.

Working alongside teachers, Eagles players guide pupils through the design of their own basketball courts, encouraging them to consider rules, safety and scale before presenting their concepts to classmates. 

Dawn Prior, HR director at Pearson Engineering, said: “We at Pearson Engineering are proud to partner with Newcastle Eagles Foundation in this critical education initiative which is vital to the long-term growth and opportunity for young people in our communities.

“The recent Parliamentary report on the STEM skills pipeline identifies national shortages costing the UK economy £1.5 billion annually, with 49 per cent of engineering and tech businesses reporting recruitment challenges due to skills gaps.

“Research shows early exposure in schools builds foundational skills and curiosity, which are essential for later STEM pathways and careers.”

The workshops promote problem-solving and teamwork, with pupils able to trade physical challenges and tasks with teachers to secure the information they need to refine their ideas.

A second phase takes pupils from design to build. 

Using simple materials such as lolly sticks, elastic bands and cupcake cases, teams construct scaled court models, collaborating with other groups or trading for guidance linked to Pearson Engineering’s expertise. 

The programme aims to boost creativity, confidence and early engagement in engineering while strengthening links between education, industry and sport in the region.

Newcastle Eagles women’s head coach and STEM project leader Chloe Gaynor added: “Designing and delivering our STEM Engineering Programme in partnership with Pearson Engineering has been an absolute joy. 

“The pupils and staff at the schools we have delivered to have really thrown themselves into the challenge, and there have been some marvellous and imaginative creations.”

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