Lessons tackle fishing

Pupils at the Magnus Church of England School, Newark, are being taught to fish as part of the school’s Alternative Pathways curriculum.

The school runs fishing lessons for pupils 15 and over who may have difficulty concentrating in lessons.

Each week seven pupils are taken by minibus to Widgeon Flight Pond, off Bowbridge Lane, Newark, for a two-hour fishing session, led by experienced fisherman Mr Lenny Duckworth.

“We give pupils the chance to do something they might not normally have the chance to do, and we teach them the art of fishing,” Mr Duckworth said.

Mr Duckworth, who works three days a week at Hill Holt Wood, Norton Disney, teaching children with learning difficulties to fish, gives £1 to the pupil who catches the first fish and to the one who catches the most.

“It’s a way of giving them a bit of incentive and it gets them interested in what they are doing,” he said.

Mr Duckworth said children had caught up to 34 fish in a session, some weighing 7lbs.

The pupils use four-metre whips, and bait their lines with maggots.

Mr Duckworth said he and the group were always looking for spare fishing equipment people may want to donate.

“If anyone has any spare rods or tackle lying around then we can definitely find a use for it,” he said.

During the sessions children have access to different hooks, weights and floats and are taught how to attach them correctly and safely.

Luke Parr (15) said he had caught carp, roach, yellow perch and freshwater goldfish.

When pupils catch a fish, it is photographed before being put back. The pictures are exhibited at school.

The school started the fishing sessions after being contacted by the Angling Development Board which was trying to get youngsters involved in the sport.

The club then put the school in touch with Mr Duckworth, of Tennyson Road, Balderton.

The school’s learning mentor, Mr Mike Claxon, said: “The fishing sessions give children the opportunity to try something hands on, and it gets them out of classroom learning, which they may struggle with.

“At the end of the year we issue them with a certificate and I think they get a sense of achievement and accomplishment.”

Mr Claxon said the school hoped to set up a fishing club for children of all ages and abilities by Easter.

“I think fishing is becoming a more popular past-time for youngster,” he said.

“With the support of Mr Duckworth setting up such a club could become possible.”

Anyone wanting to donate tackle or help with a club can call Mr Duckworth on 07960 031910 or the school on 01636 680066.