Research has shown that pets can reduce stress and provide social and emotional support during difficult times. Students would talk to a pet in a calm and sensitive way. It seems that schools are increasingly adopting therapy dog programmes as an inexpensive way to help students.
What we found at BISB was that the pets:
1) Created a distraction from the anxiety of the exams
2) Made everyone smile
3) Calmed students before their exams
4) Helped students think more clearly
5) Created a positive talking point
We also had our lowest absence rate during an exam period which is good news. Other BISB students benefitted too and enjoyed the company of a pet during break times.
Many thanks to Coco, Poppy, Luna, Feebee, Vlad, Ginger and their owners for their help over the mock examination period, and also to Mr Hatherell and Mrs Eastwood for their support with this initiative.
The Pastoral Team