Sheila Thomas

Shortlisted for the WISE Inspiring Young People Award 2015

12 November 2015

Sheila Thomas, Scientist in Residence, Bowling Park Primary School

Inspired by her own science teacher at school, Sheila has encouraged hundreds of children to marvel at and explore the world of science in 35 years as a teacher. She has resisted the temptation to move into school management, preferring to practise science and inspire children. For the past year, Sheila has been ‘Scientist in Residence’ at a primary school in an economically and socially deprived part of Bradford. “The children are buzzing about the science they have done in the new lab with Ms Thomas”. The biggest impact can be seen in the girls, who have changed from passive observers into energised and motivated participants who talk about possible future careers in STEM. Trinity, Year 6, says she feels science in everything she does and as well as helping to improve her writing and maths, she now feels confident and proud.