Our Journey
Fishing for Schools was developed by world renowned fly fisherman Charles Jardine, who saw the potential for angling to educate and enrich learning. Since 2007, Fishing for Schools has taken young people out of the classroom and into the countryside, developing confidence and learning new skills.
Our initial programme was launched to assist students with learning difficulties by offering fishing related activities as a way back into formal education and learning; in the classroom, on field trips, or a combination of both.
“By adding to their cultural capital in this way, children increase their knowledge of the world and with it, the vocabulary to explain it which benefits all parts of their learning, but particularly, reading and writing.”
Teacher, Raynham School
Thank you for taking us fishing, I really loved the nature walk and seeing all the birds and plants. Pond dipping was great – we caught loads of water scorpions! Fishing was something I had never done before but I enjoyed it.”
Student Participant
Charles delivered our inaugural session at Tewkesbury School in 2007; we now have upwards of 16 coaches supporting young people at over 30 schools annually across the country.
By 2012, mainstream schools were asking to join our programme. It became apparent that our unique provision offered opportunities for young people from a variety of backgrounds and abilities to enjoy learning and gain a wealth of skills through angling.
Today our remit extends to primary and comprehensive schools, special educational needs schools and pupil referral units; offering specialist educational provision to young people who have been permanently excluded from mainstream schools or are at risk of exclusion. We also work with inner city schools where access to the countryside is often limited for pupils.
Fishing for Schools helps support children and young people with complex learning and physical disability needs. We also work with pupils who are experiencing barriers to learning; from low aspirations to a fear of failure. Our work is also embracing the mental health sector: we are working with a number of groups within this sector and also local communities.