Albert Pearson. 1940-2025. BGS 1979-2001.

We are saddened to announce the death of long-term former staff teacher and Head of Science, Albert Pearson. 

Funeral details

Wednesday 16 April at Canford Crematorium at 1.30pm followed by a Thanksgiving service at St Mary’s Church, Stoke Bishop at 2pm. Family flowers only, refreshments in the Church Rooms afterwards. Details for any donations will be given on the occasion.

Extra from the Chronicle, when Albert retired from BGS. Written by David Mascord. 

Albert Pearson joined BGS in January 1979 as Head of Chemistry and Head of Science. He has guided both Chemistry and Science in that time from a scattered diaspora to a faculty united in the Fenwick-Richards Building. At the same time, he has promoted science at BGS and guided the faculty through the change from ‘O’ level to GCSE and ‘A’ level to AS and A2. A highly skilled administrator, Albert has ensured that the faculty is a safe and efficient unit. He developed the technician team to support the team of scientists so that practical work continues to be strong at BGS. It is difficult in a short article to do justice to his achievements, but I hope the following will give a sense of his achievements. On my arrival at BGS in 1989, Albert was everything a good Head of Department should be - supporting me with comprehensive, detailed schemes of work and offering a fund of good advice. I was not alone in this - a long line of chemists from Rolling and Watson through Barker, Wilson, Knox and Pastiroff have all benefited from Albert’s sterling support. One or two of these may have attempted to bum down the laboratory (Barker). Others may have tried to recreate the conditions of the First World War by giving their Head of Department the chance to inhale copious quantities of chlorine (Pastiroff). Albert tolerantly regarded these as the sins of youth and enthusiasm, indicating the fire extinguisher for the first and locating the door, through a green mist, in the second case. Roger Cox will surely miss the occasional putrid smell that has crept under his door to remind him that Albert was indulging his own passion for practical chemistry. A great advocate of practical work, Albert has never been a teacher to let his classes experience chemistry second hand. He knew, as do all good chemists, that the heart of the discipline is the laboratory bench with its mysterious liquids and colourful solids. He has introduced generation after generation to the apparently mysterious transformations that chemistry can achieve. He has then patiently and carefully explained to his students not only how such things work but how they can use these ideas to explain the natural world. Albert has always been keen to facilitate the work of his department so new ideas for practicals, as long as they had some chance of leaving the windows of the laboratory in place, were encouraged and welcomed. This has included the preparation of triboluminescent materials and other rare beasts of the chemical world. Albert has been a form tutor with a great regard for his tutees, encouraging them to achieve their best but also being prepared to reprove idleness and ignorance. Generous in his support of BGS, he has supported squash and golf-the latter may have had a little to do with Albert's own passion for the game. A regular in the timetable team, his meticulous checking of allocations and help at all stages of the process has been valued by Janet Barker and myself. As a Senior teacher he has looked after the School on occasion and has regularly supported school administration. A careful, thoughtful contributor to the Head of Subject and Central Committee, he has always wanted the best for BGS, its staff and students. Albert has represented BGS at the 59 club for many years, always keeping in touch with new developments. His experience as Examiner and moderator has also ensured that the Department thoroughly understood the demands of the ever-changing examination system. Albert, BGS has gained much from your twenty-two years of service. We wish you and Pauline a long and happy retirement. 

David Mascord. 2001.