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Students take part in animal antics

From the archive, first published Friday 10th May 2002.

PEER through the window of a classroom at Eastleigh College and you might think it has been taken over by teachers' pets.

But these particular pets are playing a frontline educational role in helping to breed life skills as well as enabling students to improve their basic numeracy, literacy and communication.

National Pets Week has brought under the spotlight the value and contribution that animals make.

Sue and David Lindsay, who run the Dorset-based Mobile Petz, regularly bring their own Noah's Ark into Eastleigh College where working with animals is a central part of the syllabus for the Continuing Education Course.

This academic menagerie includes dogs, owls, snakes, lizards and even rats.

Each animal is carefully selected by Sue and David, who as well as being qualified teachers, are also professional animal trainers.

By working with the animals the students can gain many skills from communication to knowing how to store dog food.

These are important ingredients towards gaining a certificate in working skills for life.

A college spokesman said that the animals brought a new perspective on learning and allowed tutors to gain a greater concentration level from students. It also made lessons much more enjoyable and worthwhile.

Rachel Curtis, a second year student on the Eastleigh College's Continuing Education Course, said: "Sue, David and the animals really make the course interesting.

If you would like further information about courses at Eastleigh College, call 023 8091 1299 or Mobile Petz on 01202 891690.

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