Developing resilience and confidence through fishing: how we're making a difference

This Giving Tuesday, we are proud to share how our Fishing for Schools programme is creating lasting impacts at Orchard School in Kent. Through fishing, students are given the space to develop essential skills like resilience, patience, and self-regulation in a calm, focused environment. Read on to learn how your support can help bring these transformative experiences to more students across the UK.

To illustrate our impact, we asked Katie Lloyd at Orchard School to share her insights on how Fishing for Schools has benefited their students. Here’s what she had to say.

Tell us a little bit about your school

The Orchard School, based in Canterbury is a specialist SEMH school catering to pupils from Year 3 to Year 11.  We support young people with social, emotional, and mental health difficulties as outlined in their Education, Health, and Care Plans.  Many of our pupils face additional barriers to learning, such as Speech, Language, and Communication Needs, Autistic Spectrum Condition (ASC), or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). We work with pupils from across Kent, providing a nurturing environment tailored to individual needs, enabling pupils to access education effectively.

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

My passion for working in SEN education stems from a commitment to helping young people who face unique challenges find opportunities to thrive. As an Art Teacher, I am dedicated to fostering creativity and self-expression, encouraging students to explore their potential in ways that resonate with them personally. Fishing as an enrichment activity is a natural extension of this ethos, providing a calming, focused environment where pupils can develop resilience, patience, and self-regulation. Just as art allows for personal growth and exploration, fishing offers a therapeutic, hands-on alternative to traditional learning environments, helping students to connect with their emotions and build confidence in a way that feels accessible and empowering.

What impact has Fishing for Schools had on your pupils?

Fishing for Schools has had a transformative impact on our pupils, offering them a safe space to develop confidence, teamwork, and coping mechanisms. Many have shown noticeable improvements in their ability to focus and manage emotions, and they take pride in learning new skills. The sessions also help to build a sense of achievement and connection with the natural world, which is invaluable for their mental health. Participation has enhanced their engagement not only with the activity itself but also in other areas of school life.

The structured yet relaxed nature of fishing allows them to learn patience, responsibility, and the value of persistence. Pupils who previously struggled to communicate or collaborate often show increased confidence and teamwork skills. Most importantly, the sessions have contributed to a noticeable improvement in their overall wellbeing, reducing anxiety and providing them with a positive outlet.

It’s not only pupils who benefit from moving the classroom environment to the outdoors—staff also gain invaluable opportunities to connect with young people in different settings. When we can mutually share in the joy of a hobby like fishing, the bonds between teacher and pupil grow stronger. Personally, I have loved supporting pupils at the lake, sharing in their successes outside the classroom. These experiences have strengthened my positive relationships with our young people, and this connection translates back into school, enriching their overall learning journey.

What are the five key benefits your pupils have gained from Fishing for Schools?

1. Improved mental health: reduced anxiety and stress through time spent in a calming outdoor environment.  
2. Enhanced social skills: opportunities to build communication and teamwork, plus building on their network of positive relationships.  
3. Boosted confidence: a sense of accomplishment from learning and succeeding at a new skill.  
4. Focus and patience: development of concentration and persistence.  
5. Connection with nature: positive experiences that promote mindfulness and a sense of belonging in the natural world. Pupils look forward to accessing time outdoors rather than spending consistent amounts of time indoors.

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

Fishing is always about making memories, and one of the most rewarding parts of being involved in Fishing for Schools is seeing the joy it brings to our young people. It’s not just about the skills they learn - it’s about the shared experiences and the fond stories they carry with them. These moments create a buzz around fishing in our school, sparking excitement every time pupils start a conversation with “remember when…” Whether it’s reminiscing about the time they were afraid to handle maggots, the pride they felt when they caught their first carp, or the surprise and laughter of accidentally catching a pike, these stories build connections and confidence. Fishing becomes a source of joy, pride, and a treasure trove of unforgettable moments for everyone involved.

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

The programme provides a tailored environment where pupils can step away from their usual stressors and engage in a therapeutic activity. It addresses the challenges of low self-esteem, anxiety, and difficulties with social interaction by offering a setting that is both structured and flexible. It allows each pupil to succeed on their terms while still being part of a supportive group.

If Fishing for Schools could offer additional support, what would be most valuable for your pupils or school?

It would be fantastic to see Fishing for Schools supporting schools in delivering accredited qualifications in Angling, providing pupils with tangible recognition for their skills and dedication. Such opportunities would not only boost their confidence but also pave the way for future career aspirations. By linking with local fisheries and offering gifted pupils work experience in tackle shops or at fisheries, pupils could gain valuable insights into the angling industry and explore potential job pathways. These experiences would deepen their understanding of how their passion for fishing could translate into meaningful careers, inspiring them to dream big and work towards achievable goals.

Three words which describe your pupils’ experiences with Fishing for Schools

Empowering, therapeutic, transformative.  

Take us through how our programme has impacted one of Orchard’s young learners

One of our pupils has experienced a profound transformation with the opportunities provided through Fishing for Schools. Struggling initially with making positive friendships and finding the school environment challenging due to diagnosed barriers to learning and difficulty regulating his emotions, they discovered a new sense of purpose through fishing. The sessions have significantly boosted their confidence, enabling them to form meaningful relationships with both peers and staff. Their progress has been so remarkable that they now mentor other pupils, sharing the skills he has learned. Their family have described him as a changed child, highlighting how fishing has improved their focus and provided them with a rewarding hobby and interest outside of school. Through their passion for fishing, they have enhanced his communication skills, connecting with like-minded individuals and confidently sharing his love for the sport. Fishing for Schools has not only helped them in the present but also gifted him a lifelong passion that will continue to inspire them.

As we celebrate Giving Tuesday, your support can help us continue to offer life-changing experiences like these to students across the UK. Every donation makes a difference and brings us one step closer to reaching more young people who can benefit from our work. Please - if you can - donate to Fishing for Schools this Giving Tuesday.