Off the scale outdoor education are offering lessons to schoolchildren to emphasise the benefits of using outdoor spaces to improve physical and mental wellbeing
The business specialises in fishing/angling tuition and nature activities.
They are offering lessons to schoolchildren to emphasise the benefits of using outdoor spaces to improve physical and mental wellbeing.
Justin Cavalier is the founder of the business and one of the head fishing coaches.
He said: “The schools are using the lessons for different reasons, some of them are using them for a behavioral incentive.
“So if the kids are perhaps not doing so well academically or they’re misbehaving, they’ll say if you do well this week you can go fishing with Justin at the end of the week”.
They have access to a range of lakes across Greater Manchester – they include Irlam, Horwich, Oldham, Middleton & Macclesfield.
Mr. Cavalier added: “It has academic sides but it’s also fun and outdoors, so I think it ticks loads of boxes for kids who are struggling with core subjects.
“For other schools, there is also a big drive at the moment for environmental awareness amongst the pupils.”
The activities can also benefit children with conditions such as ADHD or Autism.
He said: “And for kids with things like autism and ADHD, I sit them on that box and they just go quiet for hours and focus.
“It’s amazing because their parents are saying ‘they’ll be running around all over the place and whacking trees’. But they’re not, they’re as quiet as a mouse, enjoying the fishing. It’s incredible the change.”
He also explained the positive impacts that the sessions can have on the children’s mental health.
He stated: “We’re just coming out the back of a pandemic. Children have lost relatives and probably are very much shell shocked by what’s happened. So, they can use this to give themselves some peace of mind.”
Off the scale also make it an educational experience as well as a fun one.
Mr Cavalier said: “We also try to explain that it’s not just about catching the fish it’s about the birds, we do net dipping and try to identify all the different invertebrates in the food chain.”
“We also go through the fish guides, so it’s great that kids can go away and research them.”
Those interested can contact ‘Off The Scale Outdoor Education’ via 07723 072688 or offthescaleoe@gmail.com
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