RSPCA Week

RSPCA Week (30 April to 6 May) is a time to make pupils more aware of what they can do to keep their pets protected. To start fundraising in school, contact the RSPCA for a guide. Alternatively, the organisation has a range of resources for the classroom, including:

secondary and primary assemblies about the RSPCA’s role, with instructions on how to create bird cake;

lesson plans on what pets need, caring for farm animals, dogs and the law, responsible farming and many other topics;

the “Big Quiz”, which tests pupils’ animal care know-how.

Battersea Dogs and Cats Home

How do dogs feel? A seven-minute video from Bat the dog and Zee the cat explains how humans cause dogs to attack, helping pupils to understand how to treat their pets. Why not invite a Battersea volunteer to visit your school or arrange a visit to the home, where pupils can meet an ex-Battersea resident and get a guided tour of the rehoming quarters. For secondary students, Battersea has created an enterprise challenge study pack, a series of lesson plans that set students the task of researching how the home works. They then propose a plan for their own local animal welfare centre.

Pet education

Three of the UK’s biggest animal welfare charities - Blue Cross, PDSA and RSPCA - have created www.peteducationresources.co.uk. The website offers a wide range of resources:

Early years: animal-themed colouring-in and word puzzles.

Key stage 1: animal arts and crafts and understanding living organisms.

Key stage 2: charity advertising and discussing animal cruelty.

Key stage 3: animal stereotypes and campaigning for change.

Key stage 4: science, ethics and working for an animal charity.

Post-16: debating animal issues.

The website also includes a visit map and calendar to help teachers plan a more hands-on welfare day with animal experts.