Mid-40s, drill sergeant-style sportsmaster
with over twenty years of experience and a strong knowledge
of his subject. Mr McDonnell won't suffer fools gladly and knows
all the tricks pupils use to get out of PE.
He is not intentionally cruel (unless it's in a good cause),
but his teaching methods are somewhat dated and he can't adapt
to 21st century ideas or what he would term "political
correctness". Swimming is Mr McDonnell's speciality,
and his passion for the sport makes him intolerant of pupils
who don't share his love for it.
Series
28 Mr McDonnell tires of Alex's excuses for
getting out of swimming and forces him to enter
the pool. Once in the water, Alex receives encouragement
from his classmates.
Series 29 Malachay is not looking forward
to the football match at Boswald House but McDonnell
relishes the challenge. Boswald House play dirty
and McDonnell encourages Grange Hill to do likewise,
which swings the game in their favour. McDonnell
proves his indifference towards the reasons behind
Tanya's PE kit crusade.
Series 30 McDonnell is unable to revive Baz
when he fatally collapses on the football pitch.
He persuades Donnie to find a more constructive
way of remembering his friend, leading to the creation
of the Baz Wainwright memorial trophy. McDonnell
suspects the Humphries are bullying Alex, but without
his admission has no proof. Max tries to take a
pop at his former teacher on the last day of term,
but Mooey persuades him to back off.
FEAR RATING: 8/10.
Don't forget your kit!
TYPE: Sergeant major
who missed his calling
ROMANCE RATING:
Loves a few lengths of the pool
REBEL RATING: 6/10.
Political correctness not accommodated!
