Durham University led engagement programme, Stargoal, has scooped the award in the Partnering with Schools category at the Odgen Trust Outreach Awards held in Newcastle on 18th September.
Developed with funding from the Royal Society, Durham University astronomer, Dr Alis Deason, formed a collaboration between her astronomy, sports and engagement colleagues, Catchgate Primary School, Team Durham, Education Durham and Durham Women’s Football Team. The partners created ‘Stargoal’ - a series of interactive activities to explore the links between physics and football.
Recognised by the Odgen Trust’s judges for its significant success in school collaboration, Stargoal is accessible to schools across the country – with a range of teaching resources and videos available through the Stargoal website to support curriculum-linked science learning, using physical activity as a vehicle to engage pupils.
As well as providing young people with the opportunity to learn more about physics while taking part in interactive activities and exercise, the programme also covers wider themes linked to the sport including sexism in football. Dr Stacey Pope opens up difficult conversations around sexism in society and inspire young girls, especially from economically deprived areas, to study sport and exercise sciences at University.
Speaking about the win, Liam Smith, Year 6 teacher and Science Lead at Catchgate Primary commented: “Having the chance to work with Durham University and partners on this incredible project was a unique opportunity for our year six class. To take enable the pupils to lead in such an inspiring and enriching programme was relished by our young people – the pride taken by them and confidence boost of being part of a national engagement programme has been wonderful to see”.
Dr Alis Deason added: “Working with Catchgate Primary and with all of our partners to create and deliver Stargoal has been a privilege. To win this award is testament to the hard work and enthusiasm from everyone involved and we are all thrilled to be able to share this curriculum enhancing programme with schools across the country”.
Postgraduate Physics student, Alex Newbold, was also recognised for his work as a student ambassador for his work with schools and communities alongside his studies.
Two further projects, Street Cosmos and Futures in STEM were nominated for awards in the departmental culture change and excellence in work of student ambassadors categories respectively.
Find out more
Access the Stargoal website and resources
Science Engagement work at Durham University
Department of Physics
Department of Sports and Exercise Sciences
Read more about Dr Stacey Pope’s work
Education Durham
Durham Women’s Football Club
The Odgen Trust
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