Angling in schools moves forward with the NFA

A new sports qualification called “Introduction to Angling & the Environment” was launched by the National Federation of Anglers (NFA) at River Leen School, Nottinghamshire on 8th November, 2006.
The course developed by the NFA in partnership with the National Open College Network (N-OCN) helps children and young people aged 10 and above learn about curriculum subjects including Geography, Biology and also helps develop Numeracy and Literacy skills.

An important aspect of the course is the integration of key environmental topics including the water cycle and the importance of water, the food chain and increasing the student’s awareness of the plants and animals which inhabit the aquatic environment. The course can be delivered by a variety of organisations including schools, youth groups and voluntary groups which work with children and young people to provide a qualification which improves both their knowledge of the environment and their angling ability.

Students who undertake the course will get a taste of the fun and healthy sport of angling which is enjoyed by millions of people throughout the UK every year. Angling is not just about going fishing to catch fish but also to helps people appreciate the environment in which it takes place.

Keith Dyson, Humanities Teacher, River Leen School, Nottingham said, “This course is a great development by the NFA which will ensure young people have access to a qualification they otherwise would never have achieved when they leave school. It will help them learn about subject areas including Geography and Biology which they would find difficult with in a traditional classroom environment. Two problem areas are literacy and numeracy, little do they know that by using weights, working out the depth of their line and writing a diary uses all these skills. We have done a number of angling activities in the school already and they really engage with the students. Angling has helped us to overcome the classroom divide and get away from the formal learning environment which they struggle with. Angling is one of the fastest growing leisure industries and this course gives them a sound route to employment and can help them progress to additional qualifications at Further and Higher Education levels, which they would never have considered previously.”

Paul Buck, Head Teacher of Portland School, Nottinghamshire, “Angling gives students a sense of the countryside and helps them gain an understanding of nature, the environment, ecology, water safety, the river system and the wildlife that surrounds you when you go fishing. Students gain a real positive engagement with angling which helps them learn so much.”

Rt Hon Richard Caborn MP, Minister for Sport
“Angling is an important pastime for young and old alike. It is a sport in which the UK excels on the international stage and it is also a major driver in terms of providing opportunities for young people to participate in what is a hugely enjoyable and rewarding sport which helps to deliver social inclusion. The development of the "Introduction to Angling and the Environment OCN" qualification by the NFA in partnership with N-OCN will play a key role in educating more young people about the sport and will encourage greater participation. I welcome its introduction and congratulate the work which the NFA continues to do in developing the grass roots of the sport.”

Martin Salter MP, Chairman of the All Party Angling Group has also supported the development of the qualification stating,“The angling world should applaud the work of the NFA in their forward and groundbreaking angling qualification. This is exactly the sort of professionalism for which angling has been crying out.”