Christ College Brecon Welcomes Ex-Army Officer as Outdoor Education Lead

Christ College Brecon has welcomed a new Director of Outdoor Education who will join the school from The British Army.

Chris Kerr joins Christ College in September after 34 years in the army where he took on a number of roles including Sub Unit Commander, Joint Operational Support Staff Officer, Senior Logistics Operational Officer, and his most recent position as Officer Commanding Soldier Development.

Chris will use his extensive military background, which involved re-designing and delivering the Mental Resilience and Core Values training for new recruits and successfully managing to rebase a major unit from mainland Europe to the UK, in his new role.

As Director of Outdoor Education, Chris will be responsible for implementing Christ College’s range of programmes including weekly training, camps, expeditions and activity schedules for its summer schools.

The college boasts a comprehensive outdoor education provision and has a long-established Combined Cadet Force and Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme. To coincide with his appointment, Chris will be launching his Beacons Challenge Programme, designed to engage pupils in a series of challenging outdoor activities to improve physical and social development. The inaugural scheme will provide Year 4 to Year 12 students with multiple activity days throughout the year to help build resilience, self-reliance and self-confidence in readiness for life, during and post education.

Chris, who is also a Mountain Rescue Team member, RFU Level 2 rugby coach, an ABA Accredited boxing coach and a rock climbing supervisor in his spare time, said: “Outdoor activities were a large part of my time in the army so to be joining Christ College as Director of Outdoor Education seemed like the perfect fit. I’ve spent time engaging in a range of outdoor activities as well as teaching others so I’m really looking forward to putting the two together in my new role.”

Head of Christ College, Gareth Pearson said: “Its really great to have Chris joining us at Christ College. His time in the army and extensive experience has equipped him perfectly to suit the role and it is clear he has great passion for outdoor activities and educating others. We’re really looking forward to him starting in September.”

Set within the Brecon Beacons National Park, Christ College is an independent co-educational boarding and day school, with 370 pupils on roll between the ages of seven to 18.