Teacher back in class after serving in Afghanistan
A PONTYCLUN teacher who is also an army Reservist has returned to the classroom after being deployed to Afghanistan.
Annie Purcell, of Y Pant Comprehensive School, has been a teacher for more than 20 years – while she’s also a Lance Corporal with the Newport Detachment of 7 Military Intelligence Battalion and trains with them for 27 days a year.
And, when the opportunity of deployment to an active war zone came up, she was granted a sabbatical by headteacher Mark Powell and Y Pant school governors.
She’s now returned to the classroom and the Bristol-based 7 Military Intelligence Battalion, represented by Lieutenant Colonel Mel Green and Warrant Officer 1 Regimental Sergeant Major Jim Hankey, have visited her school.
They presented Annie with a framed picture of Bristol’s Clifton Suspension Bridge as a token of their thanks for her service and the school for supporting the Armed Forces.
In Afghanistan, Annie was deployed as an analyst in a Company Operational Intelligence Support Team (COIST) to support The Royal Highland Fusiliers (2Scots).
A COIST’s role involves information handling and calls on skills like data analysis, report writing, making assessments and delivering presentation briefings. Annie says she’s returned to the classroom with a greater appreciation of education and an expanded skill set.
She said: “My pupils are particularly interested in my role within the Intelligence Corps and have realised that soldiering is not just about the Call of Duty computer game.
“I have been able to inspire many of them to take an interest in current affairs and world politics. I’m very thankful to headteacher Mark Powell and the governors who have made my experience possible.
She added: “My role as a teacher and Reservist means I am in a fortunate position to be able to educate and influence young minds positively and I would encourage others to consider doing the same.”