The Chronicle January 2020

4 ST EDWARD’S CHRONICLE

Rob Cottrell What do you do at Teddies and how long have you been here? I’ve been here for five years. As well as being responsible for Rugby here at the School, I teach Modern Languages and until recently was Assistant Housemaster in Cowell’s. Where were you before? Sutton Valence School, a smaller co-ed day and boarding school in the idyllic countryside of Kent. Before that I worked in London in search consultancy for 12 years. Who or what inspired you into teaching? My own experiences at boarding school from the age of 10 are some of the best memories I have, and I look back very fondly at my time at Worth School in Sussex. The positive effect that the teachers had on me is an inspiration in itself, but my wife’s family (who are all teachers) were certainly helpful catalysts in the process. What other areas of school life are you involved in? I teach Spanish from Shells to Upper Sixth and I’m a Tutor in Sing’s. Tell us about your own experience of Rugby. In my 30 years of playing I can proudly say I have played every position from 1 to 15. I started as a podgy prop at prep school and ended up working my way to scrum half over the years, playing for a range of sides – Lyon in France, Rosslyn Park RFC, international invitational Sevens teams, Worth Old Boys and, most recently, the mighty Blue Boar RFC. Favourite Teddies Rugby game since you’ve been Master i/c – and why? A recent game in the RFU National Vase against Oratory stands out. At 15-0 down at half time in dire conditions, the boys galvanised to produce an astonishing finish to win 21-15, with players from both sides littered across the pitch after an incredibly intense physical battle. They truly deserved the win for such hard work. Name some highlights of your Teddies career so far. I organised a joint hockey and rugby tour to Italy last year which was great fun. Best thing about working at a school in Oxford? Being on the doorstep of the Cotswolds and having London an hour away is handy. Just a shame that Oxford Airport doesn’t fly BA. What was the naughtiest thing you did at school? Absolutely no comment. Plus, I understand this article has a word limit. Which book or podcast would you take to a desert island? The podcast House of Rugby by Joe is a hilarious and insightful view into the world of Rugby through the eyes of some ‘colourful’ characters. Best advice you’ve ever been given? ‘Don’t take it personally’ and ‘you need a thick skin as a teacher’ are things I always try to remember.