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I was presented with at the school in Prague to visit anti-slavery eld work in Nepal - an opportunity that really has turned out to be life changing.
For me, on leaving the APTC, teaching was de nitely a great second career choice. Globally there are international schools everywhere and every weekend (especially from November to February) the online Times Educational Supplement under ‘Jobs’ (International section) will list choices from bustling global cities like Paris to the more remote locations such as Fiji. Anyone making the transition should not simply rely on teaching PE; have a classroom subject as a backup and anyway, many Headmasters will encourage (I mean push) you into teaching in the classroom at lower secondary level. Teaching can present many opportunities for a thriving social life - be wary as during term time it gets extremely busy. Unfortunately I have worked alongside many teachers who believe teaching exists to serve them and to provide them with a lavish lifestyle. Teaching is not simply another job; it’s a responsibility and never underestimates the power you might have in shaping and in uencing tomorrow’s leaders. For this reason, I would encourage RAPTC leavers to enter the profession as you have the drive, enthusiasm and personality that is often lacking by those coming from the more conventional background.
Teaching in the UK has faced a lot of criticism because of long hours of work for long periods and various bureaucratic
Presenting at a conference on human traf cking in Hong Kong University
Teaching English through Origami at the girl’s centre in Cambodia
Tidworth based soldier and dedicated Army Boxing stalwart Captain Chris Roberts, has been crowned the British Army’s Of cial of the Year at the Army Sports Awards 2015.
A PT Instructor with the Royal Army Physical Training Corps (RAPTC), 46-year-old Chris was delighted to have been recognised. He said: “I’m chuffed to bits. We’ve got three good of cials there, so to be selected as the winner, I was gobsmacked. It’s the Army’s best kept secret because although it’s there you never expect to win. I think it’s really good for Army boxing.”
Chris is based with 1 Artillery Brigade in Tidworth. He has been an Army boxing of cial for 26 years and is currently a Grade 1 referee and also an England- appointed boxing of cial. He is one of the top ve of cials in England, on the verge of becoming an AIBA 3* referee, which will place him among the world’s elite.
He has of ciated at nine national and international tournaments this year as well as refereeing two or three times a week at boxing competitions across the Army. He has also of ciated in excess of 100 competitions in the last 12 months.
Chris spends a great deal of time developing the younger referees and judges in the Army, running seminars and presentations on rule changes across the
UK, Germany and Cyprus and ensuring that boxing can continue safely in the Army with con dent and competent of cials.
“The Army offers lots and lots of opportunities especially on the sporting front,” said Chris. “And, as you’ve seen tonight, there are many other sports taking place but in particular for me, the boxing side of life encompasses everything about the soldier and all the core values that we learn, we teach and we aspire to live to.”
Former footballer and current TV pundit Garth Crooks OBE presented Chris with his award at a glittering ceremony held in the historic Guildhall, City of London on Wednesday 25th November 2015.
Chris’s award citation highlights his “passion, dedication and sel ess commitment to of ciating at Army boxing competitions, despite his meteoric rise within England and GB boxing, has enabled hundreds of soldiers to compete in a sport they love. He is a true ambassador for Army boxing.”
Hosted by the Chief of the General Staff General Sir Nicholas Carter, the annual awards ceremony recognises the success of the Army’s remarkable athletes across a wide range of sporting disciplines including adaptive sport. Many are not only excelling in their sports amongst their peers, but are also holding their own in GB rankings.
Capt Roberts refereeing a bout
TIDWORTH SOLDIER CROWNED BRITISH ARMY SPORTING OFFICIAL OF THE YEAR
policies. This can also be true with teaching in International schools but opportunities for travel and long holidays can offset the dif culties and problems. If I were to offer advice, I would say de nitely investigate your options. Don’t be put off by teaching a subject other than PE; it’s relatively easy to learn another subject if you already have an interest and the classroom is a very enjoyable plus rewarding teaching environment. Don’t underestimate the qualities you take for granted because of a military career such as your con dence, your ability and self-discipline. These are qualities that many employers actively look for in teaching and children of all ages will respond positively to them. I would de nitely make the same choice again but I would also make sure that I had the necessary quali cations rst.
Capt (MAA) C Roberts receiving his award from Garth Crooks OBE