Famous Inventor Fuels Interest for Young Scientists at Staines Prep

13th March 2009

A famous inventor, an airline pilot and a physics expert joined in with talented pupils to celebrate National Science and Engineering Week (6-15 March) at Staines Prep School by presenting a series of fascinating events and hands-on demonstrations.

Stewart Coulter, head of physics at nearby Hampton School, launched the week with a riveting photographically illustrated talk on Solar Eclipses and Space and the ongoing search for evidence of extraterrestrial life.

A highlight of the week came with a visit from Trevor Baylis OBE, inventor of the clockwork radio, who recounted the story of how he became an inventor and talked about individuals whose inventions have lead to great improvements in the quality of everyone’s life. Afterwards, he chatted to some young constructors about their various electricity and magnetism projects, which were later displayed to their parents and other pupils.

Outside, the playground of the co-educational independent school in Gresham Road was buzzing when some of the older pupils put on a range of activities to entertain the younger ones, from fizz-pop rocket launches to clever magnetic tricks.

Former Concorde pilot Mike Bannister, chairman of the school’s governors, launched and awarded prizes at a paper glider competition, in which the children were challenged to design and fly a paper glider for the furthest distance or longest time in the air.

Headmaster Peter Roberts said, “National Science and Engineering Week provides a superb focus to engage all our pupils in an enjoyable and educational experience, which also shows them how science benefits their everyday lives.”

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