At Lathallan School, we believe in teaching our pupils not only academic knowledge but also important life lessons about empathy, responsibility, and the role of service animals in society. Last week, our Junior School pupils had the privilege of meeting some truly remarkable visitors—a team of guide dogs!
Learning from Our Four-Legged Friends
This interactive session was more than just an opportunity to meet some adorable dogs—it was a hands-on learning experience that gave our pupils a deeper understanding of the vital work that guide dogs do to support visually impaired individuals. The team shared fascinating insights about the intensive training process these dogs go through, the skills they develop, and the strong bond they form with their owners.
A key takeaway from the session was that over 60% of trainee dogs successfully qualify as guide dogs, with most dedicating their lives to service until they retire around the age of nine or ten. The commitment and discipline required to become a guide dog left our pupils in awe, and they had plenty of questions about how the dogs are trained, cared for, and matched with individuals in need.
Fostering Care and Respect in Our Pupils
Encounters like these are crucial in helping our pupils develop a greater appreciation for working animals and the vulnerable individuals they assist. By meeting the guide dogs up close, our juniors gained a new perspective on how animals can change lives and why respect for service animals is so important.
With two labradors and a labradoodle on site, the visit was a joyful experience for both the children and the dogs! The pupils were captivated by their new furry friends, and the wagging tails and happy faces all around made for an unforgettable day. Our pupils also helped to raise several hundred pounds for the Guide Dogs charity with their generous donations on the day!
A huge thank you to the Guide Dogs team for giving our pupils this valuable learning experience. We look forward to welcoming them back again in the future!
A School That Values Real-World Learning
At Lathallan School, we are passionate about creating hands-on learning opportunities that prepare our pupils for the world beyond the classroom. From guest speakers and outdoor education to interactive experiences like this, we strive to give our pupils the best possible start in life—academically, socially, and emotionally.
If you’d like to learn more about our unique approach to education and the enriching experiences we offer, get in touch with our Admissions team at admissions@lathallan.org.uk or contact us on 01561 362220.
We look forward to welcoming you to Lathallan!