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Fishing is catching on in schools

BBC Four pupils sit at a communal desk with soft toy fish in front of them. A teacher stands beside the desk pointing at one of the fish.BBC
Children find answers to questions like "Do fish drink?" and "Why are they so slimy?"

Fishing is catching on more and more in school classrooms with pupils learning angling skills.

Small groups spend six weekly session learning about the different species, tackle and technique before practising on nearby waterways.

Twelve schools in Cheshire have introduced the scheme, including Middlewich High School.

Staff at the school believe sessions have given pupils confidence, improved social skills and cross-curricular learning opportunities.

Hear why fishing is the new subject catching on at Middlewich High School

Neil Thomas from Top Cast Angling is looking to teach at more schools across Cheshire.

He has led classes for some time in Middlewich and deputy special educational needs co-ordinator (Senco) Zoe Jones is keen for more pupils to benefit from the experience.

“They’re confident, they’re showing other people what to do, team building and working together,” she said.

'It’s relaxing'

Pupils are rewarded for excelling in the sport with free equipment, which Mr Thomas has sourced through a tackle donation scheme.

“We’ve helped 92 kids get into fishing. If they’re in the bedroom playing on their game, breathing in the same air, it can’t be good for them.”

A canal boat leaving a loch.
The Trent & Mersey Canal runs through the town of Middlewich

Mr Thomas also recommends that families look out for free introductory events organised by the Angling Trust and Canal & River Trust.

For pupils like Billy, the coaching and equipment he’s gained from school now means he can apply his skills on the nearby canal.

“It’s relaxing. It gives me something to do other than go on my computer,” he said.