Angry Angus becomes mature mentor
Angus [not his real name] arrived at New Horizon Progressive School at the age of 14 - angry, aggressive and suffering withdrawal from a range of street drugs.
He was violent and physically abusive to the staff. His home life had broken down and he was full of rage and bitterness.
Angus came from a home environment where he was left to his own devices. His mother was working full-time and she and his stepfather had little time for him. A latch-key kid, he became involved with a crowd of youngsters whose drug-fuelled behaviour was causing concern in the local community.
Angus had been "out of school" for some time and his first few months were very problematic. Angus found it difficult to form positive relationships with staff or peers and struggled with issues of trust. We had frequent incidences of disruptive behaviour and he found it difficult to settle into a routine.
Achieving a computer qualification after studying for several weeks, helped Angus to "turn the corner". Eventually he determined that he wanted to learn and work hard. He decided that he'd had enough of the streets and he wanted qualifications. Announcing that he wasn't going to be deflected from his goal by anyone, he was true to his word in the classroom.
Angus also gained English and Maths GCSEs. He excelled at all sport, expending his abundant physical energy on playing badminton, football, skating, hockey and basketball.
The CDT (craft, design and technology) skills Angus learned at New Horizon Centre School led to work experience with the company's maintenance arm, which in turn led to a full-time apprenticeship with the company. He was then able to provide a very positive role model for some of our younger pupils.
Angus is now living an independent and stable life in his own home.
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