Introduction to Angling and the Environment

Students from 12 schools in Sheffield have taken part in a new fishing project that is designed to teach them about the environment whilst strengthening their numeracy, literacy and personal and social skills.

The programme is delivered at Abbeydale Industrial Hamlet Mill Pond and currently includes students aged between 14 and 16. This week the students from Firvale, Parkwood Academy, Tapton, Hinde House School and Spring Lane College were presented with a certificate from Sheffield Lord Mayor Alan Law, to mark their achievements.

The ‘Introduction to Angling and the Environment’ course allows the students to achieve credits and points that count towards their school qualifications and is accredited by ASDAN.

Peter Gibbon and Andrew Rogers, both Level 2 trained angling coaches are responsible for developing the programme.  Peter commented, “After years of hard work it is very satisfying to see Abbeydale Mill Pond being used for such worthwhile activities and to see the young people achieving and developing new skills. Since 1995 we have worked to achieve a sustainable fishery at the Mill Pond and it is now an ideal location for the angling scheme. The young people have learnt about the habitat and how the improvements mean the lake is now a balanced ecology with native plants and animals thriving.”

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Sheffield Students Hooked On AnglingNick Duggan, Assistant Director 14-19 at Sheffield City Council, who is also involved with the programme said, “The scheme is held in high regard by schools and parents. It is part of the Vocational Skills Programme (VSP) and encourages young people to engage via active and experiential learning.

“Students develop an awareness of the habitat and environmental issues at the Mill Pond, making learning relevant and motivational. The scheme encourages development of key skills that assists students’ progression both inside and outside of school. We have nothing but admiration for Peter and his team”

Introduction to Angling and the Environment runs for 39 weeks through the VSP alongside the school term. Eight students per day for fours a week take part in the programme based at the unique Mill Pond at Abbeydale Industrial Hamlet, a Sheffield Industrial Museums Trust (SIMT) venue.

John Hamshere Chief Executive of Sheffield Industrial Museums Trust said, “The Trust is delighted to support such an innovative use of a Heritage site like Abbeydale and shows how Museums can be an important part of the here and now and not simply a reflection of the past.”

It is hoped that further courses will be developed with schools enabling students to achieve further progression and academic achievement.

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