60 Seconds with Mr Brewer, PE Teacher
Tell us a bit about yourself...
I have been involved in education for over 30 years, with around half of that time spent in senior leadership positions. In 2025, I made the decision to step away from leadership responsibilities and return to what I enjoy most – teaching and inspiring young people through sport. I feel incredibly fortunate, grateful and proud that Kent College is now my place of work. It is a fantastic school with a strong sense of community, outstanding opportunities for students and a genuine commitment to helping every student achieve their potential.
Sport has always played a significant role in my life and much of that passion came from my parents. My Dad was actually offered a professional football contract by Cardiff City in 1960, but he turned it down because he felt there would not be enough money in football to make a living. Looking back, that decision seems quite remarkable given the modern game!
My own sporting journey began with football, cricket and swimming, before cricket eventually became my main focus. Although a serious knee injury brought my playing career to an end at the age of 25, I remain grateful for the opportunities the sport gave me. I was fortunate enough to play alongside some legendary figures in the game, experiences that created lifelong memories and taught me valuable lessons about teamwork, resilience and commitment. Today, I gain just as much satisfaction from coaching cricket and helping young players develop their skills, confidence and love of the game.
One of the highlights of my life away from education came in 2003 when my wife and I took the opportunity to travel around the world. Our adventures took us to Canada, Fiji, New Zealand, Australia, Thailand and the USA. Travelling opened my eyes to different cultures, perspectives and ways of life and I would encourage anyone to embrace opportunities to explore the world if they can. So far, I have visited 30 countries, which still leaves another 165 on the list!
What do you enjoy most about teaching?
The most rewarding aspect of teaching PE is helping students develop their skills and seeing the enjoyment, confidence and sense of achievement that comes when they realise how much they have improved. Those moments when a student achieves something they once thought was impossible are incredibly special.
My aim is to inspire students to become lifelong participants in physical activity, whether that means competing in sport, exercising recreationally or simply understanding the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Sport has a unique ability to bring people together and teaches valuable life skills such as communication, resilience, teamwork, leadership and respect. These qualities extend far beyond the sports field and help prepare young people for success in all areas of life.
I also greatly enjoy the academic side of PE. The subject combines scientific understanding with practical application, allowing students to explore topics such as anatomy, physiology, psychology and performance analysis. At Kent College, we are fortunate to offer GCSE PE, A Level PE and BTEC Sport, ensuring that students have a pathway that suits their individual strengths, interests and future aspirations.
What top advice would you give to students studying your subject?
My biggest piece of advice is simple: always give your best effort, regardless of your current ability level. PE is not about being the fastest, strongest or most naturally talented person in the class. It is about improving, challenging yourself and developing confidence through perseverance.
Never be afraid to make mistakes. Mistakes are an essential part of learning and often provide the greatest opportunities for growth. Be willing to step outside your comfort zone, try new activities and embrace challenges with a positive mindset.
I would also encourage students to stay active beyond school, look after their physical and mental wellbeing, eat well, stay hydrated and get sufficient rest. Small daily habits can have a significant impact on both sporting performance and academic success.
Finally, always show respect to your teachers, teammates, opponents and officials. Support those around you, celebrate the successes of others and remember that character is often revealed by how you behave when things do not go your way. Most importantly, enjoy being active and focus on becoming the best version of yourself. The habits, attitudes and values you develop through PE can benefit you throughout your life.
What are the department highlights and upcoming events?
As always, we will finish the academic year with two of the most anticipated events in the school sporting calendar: Sports Day and the Sports Awards Evening. Sports Day promises to be another fantastic occasion, bringing together students, staff and families to celebrate athletic achievement, house spirit and healthy competition. Whether competing on the track, in the field events or cheering on classmates from the sidelines, every student plays an important role in making the day memorable. The battle to be crowned Sports Day champions is always fiercely contested and creates a wonderful atmosphere across the school.
The Sports Awards Evening, taking place on Wednesday 8th July, will provide an opportunity to reflect on and celebrate another successful year of sport at Kent College. The evening recognises outstanding individual and team performances, but equally importantly, it celebrates dedication, perseverance, improvement, leadership and positive attitudes. It is always inspiring to see the breadth of sporting talent within our community and to acknowledge the many pupils who have embraced every opportunity to contribute to school sport.
Looking ahead, we are excited to continue building on the strong sporting culture at Kent College, providing opportunities for every student to participate, compete, develop and enjoy the many benefits that sport can bring.