This week Norwich School Marked International Men’s Day. Upper Sixth pupil Alex Illing presented a talk in the cathedral and a further presentation on important information regarding international men’s day, men’s mental health and resources was shown in tutorials.

We caught up with Alex about his assembly and why he chose to speak about International Men’s Day:

I chose to speak about international men’s day because I believe it needs to be talked about in a way that people can listen, I wanted to write the assembly from a fresh perspective looking at both the negative and positive perspectives of the day. I soon realized that there is a common misconception when we celebrate international men’s day which is that we focus on toxic men who use this opportunity to spread misogyny and hatred. However, this isn’t true, rather than the men contrasting with feminist movements, there’s a harmony between the two, with international men’s day being a chance to further discuss gender related issues, with a key focus on highlighting health and wellbeing within men and to celebrate positive male role models that have attitudes and qualities that could improve the world.

Why is it so important that we celebrate men’s mental health at school?

Men face gender related issues everyday– suicide rate is 74% male; men are more likely to do worse in schools and suffer with mental health issues, also they are less likely to go for a check-up for prostate and testicular cancer. International men’s day therefore initiates the topic of men’s mental health and creates the opening of a conversation which can happen all year round. It talks of men who are positively changing the world and inspires other men to have positive healthy conversations, which in an age of men, who negatively change the world, having too much spotlight, such as Andrew Tate, is much needed.

What have you learnt about international men’s day which others might not know?

I have found that the attitude around it and of being a part of it is a lot different. I watched a Ted x talk about a woman who went around speaking to men’s rights activist, she expected to see misogyny and things which speak of people in a negative way, however she found a very welcoming atmosphere. Instead of putting feminism down they are working towards a gender equality on a different side.

As an Upper Sixth Pupil Alex will be leaving the school next year and hopes that this assembly and presentation opens up the floor for younger pupils to speak up about men’s mental health and continue talking about it in the future.

If you would like to read Alex’s Assembly, it can be found here:



Last Saturday was international men’s day and I, like many people, used to question the importance and necessity of a day dedicated to men. Yet coming into this November and especially seeing my cousin fundraising for movember, a charitable event where men grow moustaches to raise awareness for men’s health, I really wanted to rethink international men’s day and listen to all conversations around this day. I soon realized that there is a common misconception when we celebrate international men’s day which is that we focus on toxic men who use this opportunity to spread misogyny and hatred. However, this isn’t true, rather than the men contrasting with feminist movements, there’s a harmony between the two, with last Saturday being a chance to further discuss gender related issues, with a key focus on highlighting health and wellbeing within men and to celebrate positive male role models that have attitudes and qualities that could improve the world. And Today I would like to look into the latter, and you will now hear about a few role models that you could be inspired by.

In lockdown, a positive influence on the Uk was Marcus Rashford. You have probably heard about his campaigning for more free school meals, but his influence amazes me. He convinced Boris Johnson to do a U-turn on his decision to not guarantee a meal every day during holidays to financially struggling children. He used his following from football to build up momentum for his movement, by putting pressure on MPs, gathering over 1.1 million signatures on a petition, and raising awareness of these political decisions in the news, building up social pressure. His actions helped disadvantaged families left with nothing in this harsh time for everyone. Rashford’s selflessness is so inspiring to me. Of course, having the influence of a footballer isn’t common, but you can still think of people around you, making a positive difference within friends or family.

A local man, who I have found inspiring is Mike Burrows. He is best known for designing the bike, the Lotus 108, that helped Chris Boardman win the 4000m Individual pursuit at the Barcelona Olympics in 1992. This monocoque design was designed by Mike and built by Lotus at Hethel. Mike Burrows built some of the fastest bikes that have ever been made, but he was also passionate about building more efficient and innovative frames, including the Giant TCR - which is still sold today. I used to see him most on his 8 Freight cargo bike that he regularly rode around Thorpe St Andrew and out to his workshop in Rackheath. He is an inspirational engineer, a campaigner for cycling and he looked to find solutions to problems. Sadly, he passed away earlier in the year at the age of 79. 

A man who is an incredible role model is Elliot Page, a trans man who acted in the umbrella academy. Elliot starred in one of the biggest roles in one of the most watched shows on Netflix and had the courage to embrace his differences and he continues to demonstrate strength through his adversity. He is now a big campaigner for trans rights and an even bigger campaigner for accepting yourself. Even though most of you probably aren’t trans, that shouldn’t stop you from looking up to him and admiring his self-acceptance. For me, Elliot as a role model is a reminder to be true to myself and even if life seems challenging, there will be a way through the rough patch. The attitude of being true to your identity and having strength in your integrity is the best way to live your life.

These are just a few examples of male role models that you could be inspired by. But you may have your own role model. They could be a man you see every day like your teacher who is respectful or even your dad who is hard working, but while looking at their good qualities you should also be recognizing their flaws because everyone is human. But right now, think to yourself, who is your role model? Who is the person who inspires you to be a better person or to change the world by building the fastest bike? Thank you for listening.