In the spotlight: Q&A with Alway Primary School, South Wales

Last school year, it was my complete pleasure to go back to where it all began for me…actually, delivering and working with young people – the epicentre for the creation of Fishing for Schools some 17 or more years ago.  

Rather than wrestling with a spreadsheet it was untangling pole rigs, pointing out bank side plants and a host of other interrelated elements which makes up the complex world of angling.  

The joy was made easier by the school – Alway Primary School - being very close to my home. Clare Aspinall is the driving force at Alway …and believe me, the area is one that has its difficulties... The school is home to a wide diversity of people including many from the travelling community and a wide range of ethnic backgrounds. As a result, this primary school has a huge diversity of students and needs. The fact that the students are some of the loveliest young people have come across, is testament to the school, the staff and the eagerness to excel. I am thrilled that F4S played a small part their growing rural awareness.  

So, we asked Clare some questions…. 

What do you think are the five key educational outcomes from taking part?

Fishing for Schools and the project certainly promoted the children's wellbeing. It encouraged teamwork, encouraged communication skills - particularly listening, children had to follow instructions, and it developed a new respect for nature and the natural world which is literally on their doorstep. 

Sum up Fishing for Schools in three words.

Fun, educational, inclusive 

How do you think Fishing for Schools adds value to your school’s outdoor learning curriculum?

It enabled the school to recognise previously missed educational opportunities in a stunning location, which is accessible to all. (This was Lliswerry Pond, literally a five minute walk from the school gate).  

Tell us a little bit about your school.

Taken from Estyn description - Alway Primary School is situated in the outskirts of Newport, in a designated Communities First area. The site is shared with local authority support services and Flying Start nursery provision. Most pupils come from the immediate area around the school. Pupil numbers have increased over the last four years. There are approx. 400 pupils on roll, aged from 3 to 11. English is the predominant language for nearly all pupils. A few pupils learn English as an additional language. No pupils speak Welsh at home. The school has two ALN based classes and a higher-than-average Free School Meal percentage. 

How did you find out about us? 

Word of mouth, specifically through the WI which Charles’s partner, Karen, attends… never underestimate the WI!

What did your pupils enjoy the most?

Going over to Lliswerry Pond (known locally as The Quarry) fishing and taking part in a competitive challenge to see who could catch the most fish. There was such a sense of achievement for these children, who do not necessarily feel that they succeed in academic subjects. Also learning about the species and how they survive in their various watery worlds.  

Has anything surprised you about the programme?

The children's wellbeing and sense of calm was noticeable when they were sat, fishing. Boys and girls worked so well together as a team. 

What is your most memorable experience?

The children's sheer joy and enthusiasm when they returned to school, about what they had achieved. 

What did the teachers/assistants enjoy the most in their time with Fishing for Schools? 

Getting to witness the children achieving and having fun at the same time. Being out in nature with the group and having conversations which would not have occurred in school. Building vital relationships. 

What impact do you think Fishing for Schools may have had on your students?

The children loved the experience and so many of them have told me that they have since been fishing with their family. It is helping build memories and develop relationships as well as promoting a love of a sport and develop a new hobby. 

Do you think the school will embrace a different view of angling-education and general outdoor education because of this programme? 

Yes, we plan to continue to use the facility and take children there to fish. 

What do you think the future holds for fishing education related activities in the school after the departure of Fishing for Schools?

We would love to apply to take part again with a new cohort. However, we do plan to use a Level 3 Teaching assistant with fishing experience to take the children over regularly, should a more deserving school need the opportunity. 

Discover more about our work with Alway School; listen to an episode which follows a session with Alway School in May 2024: BBC Radio Wales - Country Focus, Fishing for Schools