This month, we feature alumnus Gerard Battle 'Tosh' (1973-1977), whose 43-year teaching career took him across four countries. From co-leading a karate club at St Mary's to judging international boxing matches and performing in amateur theatre, Gerard shares highlights of a life shaped by diverse experiences and his commitment to community service.
How did you first learn about St Mary's, and what was your experience like studying at the college?
St Mary’s was well-known for its strong teacher training programs and its Catholic ethos, as well as being a constituent college of the University of London, all set in a beautiful location. The courses were excellent, and I earned a B.Ed. (Hons) after four years. During that time, Gerry Kerslake (1973–1977) and I ran the Karate Club, which was a major part of my experience. Gerry went on to earn a Bachelor of Divinity at Heythrop, achieve a 3rd Dan Black Belt, and become a lead HMI (His Majesty's Inspector) with Estyn.
Through my time at St Mary’s, I also learned about Camp America and spent two full summers (and later two half summers) in the US, which sparked my passion for travel.
Can you describe your career path and personal journey after graduating from St Mary’s?
My career as a secondary classroom teacher spanned 43 years, beginning and ending in the UK, with 20 years spent teaching abroad. I taught in the US (at summer camps), Canada, Melbourne, and Sydney. Along the way, I completed the Melbourne Marathon in 3 hours and 34 minutes, earned an M.Ed. with Merit from the University of Sydney, was elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts (FRSA, Life Fellow), and regularly attended the Advisory Committee on Mathematics Education (ACME) as a delegate.
You spent most of your time oversea in Sydney. Tell us about that?
After spending two years in Melbourne, I was considering returning home. By then, I’d explored Tasmania and travelled down the centre of Australia from Darwin to Melbourne via Adelaide, but I hadn’t yet visited Sydney. I decided to take a trip there, landed a job within 24 hours, and ended up relocating from Melbourne. What was meant to be a brief stay turned into 15 wonderful years in Sydney.
I understand you have been involved in boxing. Could you share more about this aspect of your life?
I spent 15 years training in Sydney’s boxing gyms, where I had the chance to work out alongside boxing greats like Joe Bugner, who was preparing for his 1987 fight with Frank Bruno, and later WBC ( World Boxing Council) Champion Jeff Harding. This experience lead me to become an amateur boxing judge. I progressed from the Sydney Metropolitan level to NSW (New South Wales) State, then to National and ultimately to International Amateur Boxing Judge for Oceania. Over the years, I judged Commonwealth and Olympic Games eliminators for Australian teams and was honoured to be selected as a judge for the Sydney 2000 Olympic International Test Event.
And your involvement in amateur theatre?
I was involved in amateur theatre for several years, with some memorable highlights. I performed as a chorus member in The Pirates of Penzance at the Sydney Opera House and took on lead roles in Freedom of the City by Brian Friel and The Field by John B. Keane, both staged at the Bondi Pavilion Theatre on Bondi Beach.
What are you currently focused on, and how do you spend your time these days?
My Christian faith has always been the most important thing to me, above anything I've already outlined. I currently serve as a Reader in my parish, volunteer with the Trussell Trust Foodbank, and regularly attend Choral Evensong at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle. In my spare time, I often visit the Houses of Parliament to observe Commons sessions, Westminster Hall debates, and committee meetings.