'The school is a happier place now we have animals'

Year 8 Student

STAGS has has seven female Guinea pigs........ Jane Austen, Charlotte Bronte, Marie Curie, Barabara Hepworth, Amy Johnson, Rosa Parks and Mary Seacole. Rosalind Franklin sadly passed away last year.

There is much research surrounding the positive gains for young people's wellbeing and mental health when they care for animals. The guinea pigs are housed in a large hutch and run in the quad area behind the Student Support Office. We have Guinea Pigs as they are more easily handled (if used to it from a young age) and can be contained easily. They are also social animals so we can safely have a group. 

Students can apply to be part of Guinea Pig Club, a club set up for students who wish to be involved in their care. The commitment to the club involves feeding, watering, cleaning out, and grooming the Guinea Pigs. They are supervised in this at all times by staff and trained in the handling and care of the pigs by a vet.  However, they are living creatures and we can not control all their actions. Therefore, an agreement from parents/carers is needed to be involved in Guinea Pig Club.