During the week of Teacher Assessed Grade (TAG) exams in February, we welcomed two trained therapy dogs, Rosie the golden labrador, and her best friend Betty, a sociable labradoodle, to the College.  They visited the College with their owners Lisa and Caroline to offer support, particularly to our second year students who had been managing the potentially stressful experience of TAG exams.

Lisa and Caroline work with ‘The Green Oaks Federation’, and offer canine assisted learning, which provides support for young people’s social, emotional and behavioural development.  They help young people to develop strategies for understanding and regulating different emotions. 

Research has shown that with their presence alone, dogs can reduce stress and anxiety; petting or positively interacting with a dog can increase levels of the stress-reducing hormone oxytocin and decrease production of the stress hormone cortisol.  They have also been shown to increase overall happiness and energy levels.  Therefore, we were delighted to welcome Rosie and Betty onto the College site – they met so many students and staff and got lots of attention.  

One second year student, said, “This has made my day!”, and another student commented, “This has definitely saved me from exam stress.”

Kirsten Halvorsen, Health and Wellbeing Coordinator, said, “It has been great to see such an enthusiastic response to Rosie and Betty from both staff and students.  The benefits have been really clear to see.”

We look forward to Rosie and Betty visiting us again soon!