Mike Nicholson has over seventeen years experience in education as an English teacher and middle leader. Having worked in schools from every Ofsted category he has a wide range of experience across the educational spectrum and early in his career began to develop a reputation for his ability to have an impact on boys and young men deemed ‘difficult’ and ‘challenging’. Recognition of his work with this group led to a nomination for a Pearson National Teaching Award. In 2009 Mike took a sabbatical year to manage an education program called The English Language Improvement Centre in a rural area of Ethiopia, Africa. Whilst the conditions during this time were very challenging it provided Mike with a ‘once in a lifetime’ experience and a chance to change lives by developing the literacy skills of many who had previously been unable or denied the chance to learn.
Over the years Mike became increasingly interested in how our male pupils’ understanding of masculinity played such a pivotal role in their attitudes and behaviours. Researching, developing and piloting an early version of the Progressive Masculinity Program allowed him to see how so many of our young men put on a performance and a mask of what they think it means to be ‘a man’ gleaned from films, games, social media etc. The refined version of the Progressive Masculinity Program is Mike’s effort to give our young men the freedom and confidence to remove this mask and, through open dialogue and practical activities, reconstruct a healthier and more open-minded understanding of what it can mean to be ‘a man’.
Nathaniel Wade
Nathaniel is an actor, writer and mentor who has been working predominantly in theatre since 2015 (these include various West End productions and tours). A lot of his work is rooted in joy, he believes that at the root, joy will allow us to be able to exist as our most authentic selves. He started mentoring in 2020 working with young boys providing them with an open space where they felt empowered. He now works with an array of young people in London as well as directing yearly school productions and is still working as an actor. Nathaniel Loves Jazz and fashion. He is currently learning French so that in the summer each year he can go to Paris and enjoy all of what the city has to offer!
‘Joy is our greatest form of resistance’
Paul Clark
Paul has worked in education since 2004. He has worked as a Deputy Head (Pastoral) and has been a Designated Safeguarding Lead. He is also incredibly passionate about promoting positive mental health, particularly in removing stigma around male mental health. He took the lead and was the driving force behind his school achieving the Wellbeing Award for Schools. He currently runs his own tutoring, training and educational services business.
Paul has a passion for football and theatre. He plays for a veterans team in Norfolk, and is an active member of several amateur dramatic groups in and around Norwich. He is soon to be seen in a production on the Norwich Theatre Royal stage!
Having worked with young people all his working life, Paul has vast experience in encouraging young people to express the views and have their voices heard.