Pupils are hooked on new Fishing Club

Cundall Manor School has embraced a more off-grid approach to enrichment this Summer Term with the introduction of a new after-school fishing club for pupils in Year 7 and above. Judging by the enthusiasm on the lakeside each week, pupils are well and truly hooked.

The latest addition to the school’s extensive enrichment programme reflects Cundall Manor’s commitment to helping every child discover passions that will last a lifetime. In keeping with the vision of the school’s founder, Harry Beckhough, a holistic education remains at the heart of school life, placing equal value on academic success and the experiences that shape confident, well-rounded young people.

At Cundall Manor, pupils are encouraged to try as many activities as possible, discovering new interests and talents along the way. Whether tackling Further Maths in the classroom or casting a line after school, the aim is the same: to inspire curiosity, build confidence and foster a lifelong love of learning.

Fishing has quickly become much more than simply catching fish. Time spent on the water teaches patience, perseverance and resilience. There isn’t always an immediate reward, but when someone lands a catch, the whole group celebrates together before returning to the challenge. The sense of camaraderie mirrors that found on the sports field, where teamwork, encouragement and shared success are just as important as individual achievement.

The club also offers pupils the opportunity to slow down, spend time outdoors and enjoy the calming effects of nature. Whatever the weather, the riverbank provides a welcome contrast to the pace of modern life, encouraging mindfulness, conversation and fresh air in equal measure.

As a proudly phone-free school, Cundall Manor has long championed meaningful activities that help pupils build independence beyond the classroom. While national conversations continue around reducing screen time and social media use, the school’s approach has always been to provide engaging alternatives that encourage pupils to connect with the world around them rather than a screen.

An afternoon spent by the water’s edge is proving to be exactly that. It gives pupils the chance to develop practical skills, strengthen friendships and unwind after a busy day of learning, all while nurturing an appreciation for the outdoors that may stay with them for years to come.

At Cundall Manor, enrichment is about more than filling time after lessons—it’s about discovering interests, developing character and creating memories that last a lifetime. Fishing is simply the latest example of how the school continues to help pupils flourish both in and beyond the classroom.