Sporting several knife wounds after an assault that left him looking like a human sprinkler, secondary school teacher Kevin McNaughton might be said to be having an off day. Instead he grins, retains consciousness and says, "These are the days that make it all worth it."
For Kevin is a new type of teacher, a former rock climber and tarantula juggler who has swapped his previous high-octane activities for the perils and dangers of the English state school system. Kevin explains his choice. "After a while, white-water rapids and bungee jumping lose their thrill. I wanted excitement. I wanted risk. That’s why I’m here, teaching history at South Peckham Primary. Rock on!"
Another to take on the blackboard jungle is Wilson 'Hot Magma' Carzola. He is teaching maths and maxin’ out at the Bromley Drop-Off for the Pre-Unemployed. He has been 'merked' five times before lunch but loves every minute of it. "It’s an unbelievable rush," he says, in between picking up teeth that have been 'maxed out' by his charges, "I thought cage fighting was the ultimate experience. But trying to teach Pythagoras to twelve year olds? They fight knowledge like I used to fight sharks."Despite criticism from some more standard teaching bodies the Government remains upbeat about the idea "To be honest, we’re just desperate now. These guys will probably be better than nothing. Probably." said Children's Secretary Ed Balls.
