Following Men’s Health Month, it’s important that we take a moment to pause and reflect; not just on physical wellbeing, but on identity, belonging and what it means to grow up as a boy today.

Across Oasis, our commitment extends beyond academic success. We are shaping character, nurturing identity, and helping young people develop the values that will guide them through life.

This month, that commitment came into particularly sharp focus at Oasis Academy Woodview, where a targeted Year 6 intervention, Unmasking Masculinity,created space for boys to reflect, challenge assumptions and explore positive ways of being.

The programme began with a simple but powerful question: “What is it like to be a boy or a man today?”

In a national context where conversations about masculinity are increasingly prominent, often shaped by public debate, social media influences and questions around role models, our pupils already had a lot to say. They spoke about kindness, respect, responsibility and emotional awareness. Their answers showed that they know what positive masculinity looks like.

The challenge, as they themselves recognised, is not understanding these values but living them consistently, especially in the face of peer pressure and a desire to fit in.

A central moment in the programme was exploring the idea of a “mask of masculinity.”

The boys reflected on how they sometimes present themselves outwardly, perhaps acting tougher, quieter, or more dismissive than they feel inside. They compared this with their authentic selves.

One pupil shared that he might laugh along with unkind comments in a group, even when he knows it doesn’t reflect who he really is. This honest reflection opened a deeper conversation about fear of judgement and the pressure to belong.

This is where the national conversation becomes local and real. Debates about masculinity are not abstract, they are lived daily by young people navigating friendships, expectations and identity.

To counter stereotypes, the pupils explored examples of positive male role models, from sports figures who speak openly about mental health, to fathers, teachers and community members who demonstrate care, patience and integrity in everyday life.

These discussions reinforced a crucial message, that strength is not the absence of emotion, but is the ability to act with empathy, accountability and respect.

In an evolving landscape where some boys are exposed to narrow or harmful portrayals of masculinity, visibility of diverse, positive role models is more important than ever. It helps young people see that there is not just one way to “be a man”.

A recurring theme throughout the sessions was belonging. Pupils recognised how strongly the desire to fit in can shape behaviour and sometimes pull them away from their own values.

By creating a safe, structured space for open conversation, Unmasking Masculinity helped our pupils bridge the gap between who they want to be and how they sometimes feel pressured to act. Importantly, they left not with judgement, but with a sense of agency, and the ability to choose differently.

Soon after, this work was echoed beyond lessons. Our Father’s Day Breakfast brought together fathers and male role models from across our community, celebrating the everyday influence of men who model kindness, commitment and care.

Moments like this matter. They show pupils that positive masculinity is not just something we talk about, but it something we can see, experience and learn from in real life.

To close our Men’s Health Month, we have started a new initiative called Lads and Dads, where each month our WayFinders leadership group will host ‘Lads and Dads’ sessions opening up space for children and their male role models to hold space, connect, create and talk.

Across Oasis, we are committed to continuing this work and continue to challenge harmful norms early. We know that this creates spaces for dialogue, and embedding a culture of respect, empathy and accountability.

In a time when the national conversation around masculinity can feel complex and, at times, polarised, as educators and community leaders our role is clear. We must support young people to navigate it with confidence, compassion and integrity.

Because ultimately, “being a man” should never be defined by stereotypes. It should be defined by the choices we make every day. Choices framed around kindness, respect and being true to who we are.