Inventor tells pupils to ‘have fun’ I


nventor, scientist and entrepreneur, Dr John Taylor,


visited Sibford School in September to give an inspirational talk to pupils in Years 5 - 8. John’s most successful invention


is probably the thermostat control for the cordless kettle. It’s been calculated that over two billion of his bi-metal blades – used in thermostats to switch off kettles – have been produced since their invention in the 1970s! But, as he told pupils, it could have been a very different story when, as a young lad, his parents struggled to find a school that would have him. “I’m dyslexic,” explained the 81-year-old. “which


meant I had to overcome a number of difficulties. However, I view that as a blessing as it prepares you to think around the difficulties you will go on to face in life.” Having struggled to get into school, John went on


to gain a place at Corpus Christi College in Cambridge and after graduating joined his father’s company making thermostats. “I found I could invent,” he told pupils. “I’ve had a


This term has seen 29 children from Years 5 to 8 signing up to our new Discovery Award. The Discovery Award is an extra-curricular


lot of fun over the years. I can go almost anywhere in the world and see an electric kettle knowing that inside it is one of my inventions. “I never have regrets. My advice is to make a decision based on the information available at the time. Never go back and think ‘what if’, always go forwards. Many people walk around seeing … but I walk around looking. If you notice things you can do something about them. My challenge to you is to invent something, change the world and most importantly … have fun.”


programme designed to encourage young people to challenge themselves and to develop their appreciation of their place in the world in which they live. It is being organised by Junior School Head Edward Rossiter and Senior School teacher Linda Phillips. At the foundation of the Award are five key themes


Setting out on a journey of discovery litter picks and carried out fund-raising events for local charities including a sponsored run and a toy and book bring and buy sale. Collectively they have raised well over £500 for different causes and demonstrated wonderful teamwork and appreciation of others. “We have seen all sorts of exciting new skills being


that draw on thoughts from ‘Quaker faith & practice’. The themes for this term were ‘Let your life speak’, where the children have been seeking to develop an appreciation of the communities in which they live; and ‘Live adventurously’, where they have been challenged to learn a new skill. Edward Rossiter said: “The


children have really thrown themselves into their activities showing incredible initiative and altruism. They have addressed road safety issues, organised


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attempted and I have been amazed by the range, from trapeze swinging to computer coding and from roller-blading to cooking – with some of the latter being brought in for us all to sample. “When we set up the award, we hoped to see a high level of pupil engagement with the themes, but Linda Phillips and I have been blown away with the efforts shown by the children participating. This bodes well for next term when they tackle the themes of: ‘We do not own the world’, focussing on environmental responsibility, and ‘You shall do it and I shall help’, aimed at developing a sense of leadership.”


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