A new sports qualification called “Introduction to Angling & the Environment” was launched by the National Federation of Anglers (NFA) at
The course developed by the NFA in partnership with the National Open College Network (N-OCN) helps children and young people aged 10 and above learn about curriculum subjects including Geography, Biology and also helps develop Numeracy and Literacy skills.
An important aspect of the course is the integration of key environmental topics including the water cycle and the importance of water, the food chain and to increase the student’s awareness of the plants and animals which inhabit the aquatic environment.
The course can be delivered by a variety of organisations including schools, youth groups and voluntary groups that work with children and young people to provide a qualification which improves both their knowledge of the environment and their angling ability.
Students who undertake the course will get a taste of the fun and healthy sport of angling which is enjoyed by millions of people throughout the
Keith Dyson, Humanities Teacher,
“This course is a great development by the NFA which will ensure young people have access to a qualification they otherwise would never have achieved when they leave school. It will help them learn about subject areas including Geography and Biology which they would find difficult with in a traditional classroom environment. Two problem areas are literacy and numeracy, little do they know that by using weights, working out the depth of their line and writing a diary uses all these skills.
We have done a number of angling activities in the school already and they really engage with the students. Angling has helped us to overcome the classroom divide and get away from the formal learning environment which they struggle with.
Angling is one of the fastest growing leisure industries and this course gives them a sound route to employment and can help them progress to additional qualifications at Further and Higher Education levels, which they would never had considered previously.”
Paul Buck, Head Teacher of
“Angling gives students a sense of the countryside and helps them gain an understanding of nature, the environment, ecology, water safety, the river system and the wildlife that surrounds you when you go fishing. Students gain a real positive engagement with angling which helps then learn so much.”
Rt Hon Richard Caborn MP, Minister for Sport
“Angling is an important pastime for young and old alike. It is a sport in which the
Martin Salter MP, Chairman of the All Party Angling Group has also supported the development of the qualification stating,
“The angling world should applaud the work of the NFA in their forward and groundbreaking angling qualification. This is exactly the sort of professionalism for which angling has been crying out for.”
Course Details
What does the qualification involve?
Students must undertake a minimum of 20 hours study including both theoretical and practical assessments.
This includes:
• 17 hours guided study with continuous course work review
• 1 hour written assessment paper
• 2 hour practical assessment (this must be carried out by a Level Two Licensed Coach)
Up to 20 students can undertake the course at any one time.
There are three levels of attainment:
Entry Level, Level One, Level Two.
Each level a student achieves, earns 2 credits which represents 20 learning hours. A student achieving Level Two is working at the same level required at GCSE grades A-C.
N-OCN accredit the award using an internal verifier for each course to ensure national standards are maintained.
How is the course delivered?
There are two methods of implementation which are determined by the level of angling experience within the organisation.
Organisations without knowledge of angling:
Both the theory and practical assessment must be delivered by fully qualified 1st4Sport Level Two Licensed Angling Coaches.
Organisations with knowledge of angling:
For the delivery of the guided study hours the organisation can use a youth leader, teacher, teaching assistant or AOTT who has successfully completed the 1st4Sport Level One Certificate in Coaching Angling.
How can this qualification be used?
This qualification is not only a great resource for the school, youth group or community programme, but also offers fantastic opportunities for young people to develop new skills. This can assist them in furthering their education or gaining employment in the following areas:
Coaching Certificates, Sports Coaches in the Community, Fisheries Management Course in Further and Higher Education Institutions, Journalism, Retail and Sales Opportunities, Manufacturing Industry, Advertising, Work Experience Opportunities and Sports Development.
Supplementary resources
Full Resource CD-ROM including:
• A 64 Page Manual on the Content of the Course
• Delivery Schedule & Required Learning Outcomes
• Candidate Registration Forms
• Assessment Criteria – Written & Practical Assessment Sheets
• Other Supporting Documents
Also included is a Coarse Fishing Made Easy DVD:
This provides detailed instruction on the practical elements of the course. It can be viewed in user friendly bite-sized sections. This DVD provides ICT support for the practical elements of the course.
Course Costs
The Resource Pack including the CD Rom and instructional DVD costs £29.99 including p&p (one pack per school required). Individual candidate registration and certification is £25 per student. A coaching cost may be incurred for the delivery of the course.
Who are N-OCN?
The National Open College Network (N-OCN) is the UK’s foremost provider of accreditation services for learning. It is a QCA, CCEA and ACCAC recognised national qualification awarding body. N-OCN provides national qualifications and programmes in a wide range of subject areas and offers a local accreditation service which provides recognition of achievement through the award of credit.
