Aim

To introduce primary school students to recreational fishing while practising safe and responsible fishing.

Background

In 2008, I&I NSW, launched the primary schools Get hooked program. The program, which is funded by the NSW Recreational Fishing Trust, involved over 50 schools participating in a trial of the new revamped kit, where students and teachers enjoy learning about fish, their habitat and the importance of responsible recreational fishing.

The successful trial was then expanded throughout the state to also include freshwater locations and schools. In addition to schools being resourced with the program manual they are also provided with and interactive and discovery based Get Hooked its Fun to Fish kit involving hands-on activities and games to cover topics such as fishing safety, habitat protection, fishing rules and responsible fishing.

The manual is split into 6 codes, with three of the teaching modules levelled at Stage 2 (Year 3 & 4 students) while the other three are levelled at Stage 3 (Year 5 & 6 students). After completion of the in-class components, the class may attend a half day fishing workshop run by I& I NSW and assistance provided by specially trained Schools Fishcare Volunteers at a local fishing spot.

Schools Fishcare Volunteer, Bill Harvey, assisting students with the in class, feeding frenzy game

How does the program work?

I&I NSW is committed to ensuring quality education programs schools. Get Hooked Its Fun to Fish has undergone an extensive development and trial period to ensure it excels as a program in the school education market. The program meets Board of Studies syllabus outcomes across all Key Learning Areas, and our staff and volunteers are dedicated to ensuring these educational requirements are achieved in an fun and exciting way for both teachers and students.

Get Hooked… its Fun to Fish comprises six teaching modules which form a Junior Fishing Code. Each code is based on a rule from the National Fishing Code of Practice by RecFish Australia. The Junior Fishing Codes are then linked to specific syllabus outcomes across all Key Learning Areas.

Wetting a line in local waterways....Putting theory into practice!

At the end of each year students get a chance to put theory learnt throughout the course of the year into practice, when they are invited to participate in the annual Get Hooked Workshop Weeks run throughout NSW. Workshop weeks are run in regional and metropolitan NSW and commence around October each year. To register your place, schools need to book with II NSW staff on the following numbers.

Bookings

Smiles all round at the fishing session

Students participating in the Rules and regulations rotation.

A young participant reading II NSW saltwater fishing guide which is part of the Goodie bag handout to all students.

School's Fishcare Volunteers

Our team of Get Hooked Fishcare Volunteers are central to the success of Get Hooked… Its fun to Fish. Volunteers assist teachers with in-class activities, as well as assist at the Get Hooked fishing practical workshops. The I&I NSW Fishcare program is one of the most successful volunteer programs in NSW. Our Schools Fishcare Volunteers form a specialised branch within this Fishcare volunteer program.

Anyone over the age of 18 can apply to be a volunteer: our volunteers range in age from students to retirees, and come from a great range of backgrounds. Volunteers are needed all over NSW, and need to be available for shifts on weekdays between 9am-3pm. To ensure all volunteers are confident in the content and delivery of course material, a 2 day TAFE NSW accredited training workshop is provided, covering background knowledge of sustainable fishing practices, how the NSW Syllabus works, and including skills and practice in teaching children and leading activities.

All Schools Fishcare Volunteers go through a standard recruitment process:

• Nomination
• Interview (phone)
• Security checks ( National Criminal History Check, Working clearance checks
• 2 day training course (TAFE accredited)
• 3 month probationary period

As a specially trained Schools Fishcare volunteer you will provide a valuable resource for teachers, both in the classroom assisting with activities and during the fishing workshop component of the program. If you would like to join this enthusiastic team and have an interest in fishing and environmental education, please see the attached timetable and call us (on ph 02 95278473) to have a nomination form sent out.

Get Hooked Volunteer Training Dates 2010

New north coast, schools fishcare volunteers learning how to play the 'Ball of String' game

New north coast, schools fishcare volunteers learning I & I NSW fishing rules and regulations

For more information or to register your interest please contact the State Coordinator Community Programs, Recreational Fishing on ph 02 95278531 or Gethooked.fisheries@industry.nsw.gov.au.