Michael Padden

Michael Padden

Mentor

Hello! I’m Mike, I have been passionate about gaming since the age of 6, where my Dad brought home an Amiga and we started playing games like ‘Golden Axe,’ ‘Bubble & Bobble’ and ‘Lemmings.’ Gaming is a great outlet for relaxation, socialising, and most importantly, a canvas for creativity!

I qualified as a teacher in 2010. Over the past decade, I’ve had the privilege of teaching all Key Stage 2 year groups and serving as a subject leader for Computing and PSHE. I have taught computing to Key Stage 1 & 2 – including Scratch, video editing and robotics (I love a bit of Lego!). I believe children need to enjoy learning and feel inspired to take on new challenges. This is why I always take a holistic approach to the curriculum and use project-based learning to challenge and engage all children. I am currently learning to use a Makey Makey circuit board with my classes to invent new and interesting ways to play games! 

My commitment to inclusive education is reflected in my hands-on experience working with children with Special Educational and Disabilities (SEND), fostering collaboration with parents and external agencies. My own struggles with Dyslexia and Dyspraxia during my school years have fuelled my dedication to supporting others facing similar challenges. Understanding the difficulties some students encounter in a traditional classroom setting, I aim to create a supportive and empathetic environment.

Beyond the classroom and gaming I have a wide range of interests and hobbies.  Including cooking, TV and film (sci-fi, anime, fantasy, DC, Marvel and comedies are my go-tos), playing guitar and singing, and enjoying rugby.  I’m a proud parent to a daughter and a joyful uncle to a bunch of nieces and nephews! And, of course, I’m a pet lover, missing the company of cats and dogs.

 

Favourite Games

Pokemon, It Takes Two, Deep Rock Galactic, God of War, PUBG, Counter Strike, Battlefield 2042, Legend of Zelda Breath Of The Wild, Borderlands (1, 2 & 3), NHL games, Smash Bros, Mariokart.  

Hobbies

Gaming (Nintendo, PC, Playstation and Xbox!), rugby, guitar, food (cooking & eating), Batman, hiking, anime and manga, board games, films & tv, reading & writing stories.

 

We'd love to hear from you.

If you would like our team to get in touch with you to discuss how we can help you and your young people through our services, please feel free to fill out our contact form, and we will be in touch as soon as possible to talk you through enrolling with one of our mentors or counsellors

12 + 2 =