Coleshill School Guinea Pigs are helping students learn about caring for animals, while also helping them with their mental wellbeing.
Just after October half term, Guinea Pigs Paddington and Marmalade arrived at the Coventry Road school, which is part of the respected Arthur Terry Learning Partnership.
The cuddly critters were originally meant to support students who are studying alternative curriculum courses such as animal care – but they proved so popular that Guinea Pig Club was launched, so more pupils could benefit from them.
The two Coleshill School Guinea Pigs, who are identical apart from their ear colouring, were named after the students held a vote.
They are kept in a big hutch in warm conditions, but at the weekends and during holidays they go home with staff, who volunteer to look after them.
Students support in feeding and cleaning out the furry friends’ home and can earn an award when they develop skills based around animal keeping.
Teacher Natasha Blunt helps organise Guinea Pig Club, which is open to all students, from Year 7 to Sixth Form.
She said: “Paddington and Marmalade have been a massive hit with students and staff alike and have become a really popular part of the school community.
“My role is to check in each day with the animals and support their welfare, and coordinate teachers to support in running the club and guiding students who need some extra support with our furry friends.
“Learning to look after animals helps students build important skills, develop confidence and provides a sense of reward for looking after seeing the animals develop. Just having the Guinea Pigs around also helps support the mental wellbeing of pupils too.”
Headteacher Ian Smith-Childs added: “Guinea Pig Club has been a huge success at lunch times and it’s wonderful to see how Paddington and Marmalade have been welcomed by the students.”
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“Learning to look after animals helps students build important skills, develop confidence and provides a sense of reward for looking after seeing the animals develop. Just having the Guinea Pigs around also helps support the mental wellbeing of pupils too,”
– teacher natasha blunt