Fishing 'helps pupils' behaviour'

Jamie Fry (left) and Nicky Price have become keen anglers

A school for disadvantaged children in Powys claims fishing is helping its pupils overcome their problems.

Teachers at Brynllywarch Hall School said the pastime had improved pupils' temperaments, computer skills and mathematics, and boosted confidence.

A local landowner is allowing the school in Kerry, near Newtown, to use his small lake.

Some of the young anglers come from broken homes and have behavioural problems and learning difficulties.

Nicky Price and Jamie Fry, who are both 16, are among those who have benefited most from fishing.

"I find it relaxing and I enjoy the fishing. We have learned a lot about fishing and I think I'll continue with it when I leave school," said Nicky.

The lake is owned by a local landowner

Jamie said he had become calmer since he had started fishing.

David Hobbs, a behavioural support assistant, came up with the idea for a school angling club a year ago.

Since then, 15 young people aged between 10 and 17 have paid to join, and between them they run the club and manage its accounts.

School deputy head teacher Rob Davis said pupils who previously found it difficult to concentrate, focus and apply themselves in class had showed a huge improvement since taking up fishing.

He said their reading, writing and arithmetic had all benefited from the angling club, and they were all genuinely showing an interest and cared about fishing.

"It has had a great impact on our pupils who seem really motivated by the course," added Mr Davis.

Mr Hobbs said angling was helping the children to concentrate and was improving their judgement and their ability to adapt to changing situations.

"It has helped them focus and taught them about dedication too," he added.

The children are working towards an Environment Agency qualification, and the National Federation of Anglers has also helped by providing fishing coaching.