Confidence, pride, skills and wellbeing: Parkside School’s ...

Last year, Parkside School in Norfolk joined Fishing for Schools for the first time – and the impact was clear. Pupils grew in confidence, took pride in completing a qualification, formed new friendships, learned practical outdoor skills, and enjoyed the boost to their wellbeing from time spent outside and achieving together. Their experiences are shared here by Iain Mills.

Tell us a little bit about your school:

Parkside School is a complex-needs school based in Norwich. We have approximately 49% Free School Meals and have a catchment predominantly in and around Norwich, but with a large selection from the Great Yarmouth and Gorleston area.

What brought you into this particular area of education and why is it so important?

I entered into SEND from mainstream high school teaching, because mainstream no longer aligned with my values and reasons for getting into teaching. SEND allowed me to focus on the holistic child and build school around them, rather than trying to fit a square peg into a round hole.

What impact has Fishing for Schools had on your students?

I have had students asking when we are doing it again! Others said how it was 'the best day out ever'. We had a pupil attend enthusiastically who was school-refusing and others who just beamed with pride at their certificates.

What are the key benefits your students have gained from F4S?

I think first there is confidence in themselves for persevering with the classroom study and their patience to catch fish. Pride in themselves for completing a qualification. They built friendships with other pupils who they normally would not have spent as much time with. They now have a skill and experience to hopefully do this outside of school, whether this be as part of a holiday or day out with the family or friends. The main benefit, though, is improved mental wellbeing from time outside with nature, building friendships and being proud of themselves.

Can you share any specific success stories or memorable moments from your students' experiences in Fishing for Schools?

One pupil was school-refusing but loves fishing. We put them on the programme and they became excited to attend, showing confidence and enthusiasm to take part as they knew a lot already. This allowed them to then start coming to school a little more, and also has given them the confidence to start a new alternative provision placement every week at a Karting Academy.

How do you feel our programme addresses the needs or challenges faced by your students?

Our pupils will not gain GCSEs and will have limited qualifications. This programme addresses this gap and provides them with skills and knowledge to gain a qualification they can be proud of. It is coached in a calm and supportive way, but does not shirk from using technical language and difficult skills to master. This means it isn’t 'dumbed down' for them, but approached in a way that meets them at their level.