Set on a 350-acre nature reserve and site of special scientific interest (SSSI), Shaftesbury Millie College is a unique learning environment.
Animal care is one of the four strands of the college’s enterprise curriculum, with students developing their understanding and experience of caring for a range of rescued animals.
Students develop skills through a range of tasks, supported through enterprise sessions and checklist activities. Working alongside the enterprise team, they support the management of the animal care area and wider site, through conservation monitoring of wildlife.
Since opening in September 2022, the college animal stock has steadily grown, with chickens, rabbits and guinea pigs, donkeys, lambs and goats, all now living on site, as well as therapy dogs Ralph and Hugo. Future plans include a sensory space with aquariums and vivariums, the introduction of tortoises and an equine therapy offer.
Students learn how to handle and care for the animals, they are taught to recognise behaviours and care needs, then learn how to relate it back to their own health and wellbeing.
As well as equipping students with the transferable skills and knowledge to use in a work-related opportunity, being with animals also has therapeutic benefits. Studies have found that being with animals can help reduce stress, boost mood, increase social interaction and communication.
Annabelle Pearsall, Education Enterprise and Visitor Services Manager, said: “We have seen the benefits of students working directly with our animals. Animals provide an excellent intervention for students struggling with the transition to a new college and working with new staff, they can also be used as a regulation strategy.
“We have witnessed students who were visibly anxious at working with certain animals, but over time and slow introduction, they have built a rapport and found comfort in being in their presence and environment.”
The college has developed strong local partnerships with organisations including Chicken Rescue Dorset/Wareham, who supply the rescue chickens. Also built relationships with Margaret Green Animal Rescue and Help and Heal, with a view to partnering up for our Future Pathways programme, offering students the opportunities to continue their learning on another site with different animals.
As part of conservation work on site, the college also works with RSPB, BaRI, Birds of Poole Harbour, Dorset Wildlife Trust and ARC Trust to manage the heathland and provide opportunities for visitors to learn about the wildlife habitats on site at regular open days.
Save the date – Our Halloween Spooktacular takes place from 1pm-7pm on 31 October. Tickets, priced £2 for adults, £1 children, are on sale now. Entry by pre-booked tickets only.