Alternative Education

Angling projects have successfully engaged some of the hardest to reach, using angling to build confidence and self-esteem. The CAST programme uses social, cultural and recreational learning opportunities outside of the classroom that develop students’ personal interests, sense of achievement and self-confidence, making learning enjoyable. At CAST we have developed an education package that embedds literacy and numeracy within all portfolio work and practical sessions.

CAST delivers angling programmes that takes a holistic approach to tackling social exclusion, working on young people’s personal development by encouraging pro-social behaviour through activities to improve education opportunities.

Angling techniques combine prolonged focused attention with the instantly gratifying reward of catching a fish. When allied with the beneficial tranquil setting of green environments, angling appears to be effective in assisting young people to strengthen their ability to concentrate and control impulsive behaviour.

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CAST combines qualification attainment with more targeted personal and social development work to support those most disengaged with education.
This strengthens young people’s close personal relationships, providing positive role models, family bonding opportunities and introducing young people to new peer groups. Staff then are able to develop relationships and work on enhancing employment possibilities alongside education outcomes

This model is extremely effective at tackling youth social exclusion because it facilitates a sense of belonging as well as equipping young people with the necessary skills to flourish.

Angling is especially suited to working with vulnerable young people who have low self-esteem and confidence to avoid activities that have an emotional risk of failure. We have reduced this risk due to our state of the art indoor angling centre which helps to retain our engagement though inclement weather reducing chances of failure.

The indoor centre is particularly attractive for those who do not participate in other mainstream sports and avoid peer competition.

Angling can help as a leveller; it is possible for a well coached novice angler to catch a fish due to the nature of the sport.

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This can have a positive impact in developing relationships, confidence and self esteem by reducing Isolation from peers that are excluded from participation in other sports or recreation.

It can also make the transition into adult spaces, learning responsible public behaviour and having meaningful contact with adults. This allows staff to observe, speak to and revaluate young people as positive members of society. This develops self-awareness, develop understanding of the wider consequences of negative behaviour and find opportunities to contribute to society.

Angling is also a excellent tool for Youth Intervention that make use of the distinctive features of angling participation to divert young people from crime and anti-social behaviour. This allows young people Increase self esteem reduce the risk of substance misuse and explore restorative opportunities