I just received this in a newsletter from the Countryside Alliance:

"Fishing for Schools
The Countryside Alliance Foundation was set up last year to build on the element of Alliance work that has always been inherently charitable. This includes persuading, educating and informing the public about the countryside and helping to protect the natural environment. One of the most important projects the Foundation is running is 'Fishing for schools' which gets fly fishing on to the school curriculum. The main target group for the project is children between the ages of 14 and 16 with special educational needs. The aim is to teach young people the skills of fly-fishing and in doing so explore and enjoy other areas within the natural world.

The Foundation is lucky to have Charles Jardine, a passionate angler and brilliant teacher, running the project and his impact alone is enormous. Children cannot help being drawn in by his enthusiasm and teachers and care assistants are constantly amazed by his ability to hold the attention of even the most challenging students.

The course has already run in 20 schools and the potential is almost limitless. The course is run in accordance with the Award Scheme Development and Accreditation Network, which is recognised by the Department for Education and Skills and therefore counts towards a personal effectiveness GCSE.

We believe that the opportunity for children to experience fishing, nature and the countryside within the curriculum whilst working towards recognised awards should be open to every child who would benefit. There are many different ways you can support the Foundation such as donations, becoming a patron or helping us source funds from family and charitable trusts. If you can help, or would like to know more about how to get 'Fishing for schools' into your local school, please e-mail info@ca-foundation.org

Fishing for schools, and the Foundation's other work, could not have a greater impact.
On one recent course an autistic child was so engaged by Charles' fly-tying demonstration that he talked to him. It was the first time he had ever spoken to anyone outside his family. This is the sort of work we should all be proud to support.

Simon Hart
Chief Executive"

Keith

What wonderful idea. I would love to see this rolled out in all schools along with other sports, pastimes, As for Mr Jardine getting such a response hats off to the man. I have taught a couple of autistic people over the years and to make such an impact in I imagine a short space of time is indeed a breakthrough.

Great post insprational

Sean

I had the privilege of helping CJ write the first draft of this programme. Since then he has worked tirelessly to refine and improve it to a standard where it is now accepted as a recognised part of the ASDAN scheme. The drive and determination of the man to make it a success and then to deliver it to groups of children, often from very disadvantaged backgrounds, leaves me full of admiration.
This is an important step forward and deserves the support of us all. If you have any contacts in the education world or know of children who might benefit from the programme, please pass the details on.
Thanks
Paul

What a brilliant initiative. I have been thinking along similar lines for "disadvantaged" schoolkids in SA, as have quite a few of our local forum members.
I have saved the address and will pass it on to my like minded colleagues. Would you have a problem if I posted a link to this thread on our local ( SA ) flyfishing forum??

Great idea, along with other projects like the Wild Trout Trust's Trout in the Classroom and the EA backed Get Hooked on Fishing (charitable trust).

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KDH - myself and Charles are working together so that he can include "Mayfly in the Classroom" along with the material that he is currently delivering. I'm really pleased at this prospect and it's a great motivation to have CJ be so enthusiastic about the concept. I'm sure this will push me to keep improving the materials/resources etc.
http://www.wildtrout.org/index.php?o...340&Itemid=208

Trout in the Classroom originated in North America and there are many great examples in the UK too.

Coincidentally, when the idea for Mayfly in the classroom first arose, I'd also mulled over using a certain species of caddis that I used to work on in my academic work on freshwater pollution (Sericostoma personatum; the Welshman's button). Chatting to CJ recently he said "We could also do caddis in the classroom of course", so that's proof positive that mediocre minds think alike...

But as has been mentioned, hats off to Charles for what he has worked so hard on and already achieved. Here's a great account of Andy Pritchard from Colne Trout in the Town project who recently accompanied Charles on a Fishing in Schools trip to Raygill fishery near Skipton:
comments from Charles:
http://colnewaterac.blogspot.com/200...ool-story.html

and the full story from Andy's side:
http://colnewaterac.blogspot.com/200...t-raygill.html

Keith;PM sent re:local-reg birm schools-fingers crossed
e-mail thingy done!

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an interesting mix of apathy and panic

Clive M

PM sent fingers crossed

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an interesting mix of apathy and panic

Clive M

Good on that man.

Nothing like helping others out when you can

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