Over the course of the Autumn term students have had 
the opportunity to work alongside our Canine Assisted Learning team to develop a range of physical, social and cognitive skills during afternoon personal development sessions. Activities have equipped students with the necessary skills to work positively with dogs and learn about dog behavior and animal care. The 6 week units have included canine mile, dog grooming, dog training and canine reading.
As part of our whole school objective the canine reading
has continued to support students to access a range of reading materials in shared, paired and group experiences. Students have studied animal behavior and discussed how to work compassionately with animals with a safe, calm and considerate
approach.
As part of the caring for dogs and dog training unit students were able to learn simple voice and visual commands and the importance of timing and mental stimulation for dogs. The canine mile allowed students to recognise the importance and value of physical exercise to form part of an active lifestyle and promote positive mental health and wellbeing.