Dr Peter Biggs, who died last November (2023) aged 90, joined the College in 1967 after a spell teaching at Blundells School and then three years in America. Comments I have received from OEs made it clear his impact was very considerable from the start.
One OE said: “I have very fond memories of Peter. His ideas about comparative biology fell like a bombshell into what had been a rather traditional department and suddenly the whole subject became much more exciting. He was one of those teachers who really switch on a light in the mind and generate a love for learning.”
When I arrived at Epsom, Peter was well established. He was very much my mentor as I adjusted to A level Biology teaching after my PhD. The syllabus was a little less prescriptive in those days and Peter was good at coming up with new ideas for experiments to illustrate key ideas and challenge the students.
He organised the first Field Courses for the department. They became an annual event in Pembrokeshire for many years – challenging students to design their own small investigations into aspects of marine biology.
He set up The Curie Society – a group of 16 science-orientated students elected by the students (with some guidance!). Meetings were on Sunday evenings in Peter’s or a colleague’s rooms, where the students gave a scientific paper on a topic of their choice followed by discussion. Again, an innovative idea.
He was an accomplished swimmer and was soon fully involved as coach. “Dr Biggs was one of our swimming coaches. Always there at home and away matches. His encouragement and sense of humour was wonderful,” recalls another OE.
At this time, boarding at Epsom was a seven day a week experience. Peter was a keen film buff. He organised the Saturday evening film shows. Then he decided there was room for a Sixth Form Cinema Club, so he set it up. For a notional subscription of, I think, 80p, Sixth Formers could come to a variety of more serious or cult films. Think Death in Venice or Easy Rider – all of this using reel-to-reel film projected onto a screen in Big School or the old Chemistry Lecture Theatre.
Peter was always going to move on. He was awarded a Nuffield post-doctoral fellowship at Clare College, Cambridge. It was the first time, I think, that Epsom granted a sabbatical to a member of
the Common Room. On his return he decided it was time to experience a different type of teaching and was appointed Director of Scientific Studies at Wales High School in Yorkshire – a recently opened co-educational comprehensive. Quite a change!
After a few years he headed south, got married, raised a family and joined the Inspectorate as Chief Science Inspector for Wiltshire. We kept in touch and in retirement, when I moved west, we would meet up regularly for concerts and theatre. He was just as I remembered him – enthusiastic and sharp.
The last word goes to another OE: “One can look back on one’s teachers and some just stand right out. Peter was one of those.”
