prevention through education

PREVENTION
THROUGH
EDUCATION
FREE school workshops!
03000 999 999
scottishspca.org
Our FREE Prevention Through Education Programme
• It’s FREE
• It’s interactive
• Pupils gain an understanding of how they can be ‘responsible animal citizens’
• Our approach means pupils realise what they have learned is important, which helps them become ‘confident individuals’
• It involves group work to encourage pupils to be ‘effective contributors’
• Activities focus on literacy, communication and numeracy, which encourages pupils to be ‘successful learners’
• Targets first and second curriculum levels
Scottish SPCA
The Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Scottish SPCA) is Scotland’s animal
welfare charity.
We are completely separate from the RSPCA, which operates in England and Wales only. We receive
no government or lottery funding and rely on public donations to continue our vital work rescuing and
rehoming Scotland’s abused, abandoned and injured animals.
Scottish SPCA inspectors and animal rescue officers save thousands of domestic, farm and wild animals
from harm and danger every year, while our rescue and rehoming centre vets and staff look after,
rehabilitate, release and find new homes for thousands more.
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Curriculum links
• Health and wellbeing
• Expressive arts
• Social studies
•Sciences
• Religious and moral education
•Mathematics
•Languages
An opportunity for team
work, role play, setting
priorities, discussion
and debate
Links with health and wellbeing:
Making a difference:
• Encourages children to voice their views and We recently evaluated the impact our Prevention
through Education programme is having on primary
aged pupils. This was a collaborative research project
with the University of Edinburgh and involved over
1,000 pupils participating. Results from the evaluation
indicated positive changes in children’s knowledge,
measures of empathy, attitudes and responsibility
towards animals and children’s belief in animal mind
following participation in one of our workshops.
These are very exciting findings which highlights that
our workshops can truly make a difference towards
changing the future for animal welfare.
experiences, including particular choices they can make in relation to animal welfare
• Encourages children to act as positive role models for others within their communities
• Encourages children to learn about potential career opportunities with animals
Links with literacy and numeracy:
• Our workshops use a variety of materials which encourage different levels of reading
• We encourage class discussions and ask pupils to explain their thinking to others
• Topic specific group work encourages pupils to learn collaboratively, for example when problem solving
• Our unique card game encourages children to understand and interpret information by learning facts about animals
• Our workshops highlight how important the use of numeracy is in the jobs we do
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Scottish SPCA visit
We offer P4 – P7 classes:
• A choice of four interactive workshops
• A follow-up teacher activity pack
• An opportunity to play the Scottish SPCA’s new Our unique card
game encourages
children to
understand and
interpret information
card game ‘Animal Knowledge’
• An opportunity for team work, role play, setting priorities, discussion and debate
• An opportunity to learn about careers with animals and bring real-life experiences into the classroom
You can choose from the
following FREE workshops...
Animal 999 Scotland
This workshop is a great introduction to our work in the community
and beyond. Pupils are supplied with pictures of typical litter items
which cause harm to animals, and have to assess them in relation to
the risk they may present. This is a great activity for teamwork and
debate. They will also observe video clips of animals in our care. By
playing our exciting card game, Animal Knowledge, pupils will learn
facts about animals such as diet and habitats.
Wild about animals
This workshop introduces pupils to the diverse range of wildlife in
Scotland. The pupils will focus on wild animals staying at the wildlife
rescue centre and their release, and using the wheel activity game
they will be encouraged to select factors relevant to that animal’s
release such as habitat and diet. This workshop encourages literacy
skills and discussion.
Testimonials
“Inspiring, I learned in a fun way,
very educational, really liked the
card game, made me think about
ways I can help animals.
After hearing the effect of litter
on wild animals, a group of 6
children volunteered to go litter
picking at lunchtime.”
King’s Meadow PS, East Lothian
Pet patrol
This workshop focuses on the responsibility of having a pet in your
home. The pupils will be provided with picture cards of items they may
need to purchase when bringing home a new pet. This teaches them
how to be responsible citizens, aids numeracy skills and helps them
to interpret information. The group will also observe videos of animals
that have come into our centres and their journey to a new home.
Food and farming
One of the roles of a Scottish SPCA inspector is to inspect farms.
In this workshop pupils will watch two videos from the point of view
of the inspector, and then engage in a discussion regarding the farm
animal’s needs. This activity encourages the group to identify hazards
and think about what is needed to care for animals on Scottish farms.
“Class really enjoyed the visit
and so did the teacher!”
Alva PS, Clackmannanshire
“Children were engaged for
the whole talk! Thoroughly
enjoyable!”
St.Bridget’s PS, Glasgow City
“Another super interactive visit
from the Scottish SPCA. Children
very interested and engaged.”
Pirnmill PS, North Ayrshire
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Visit our centres
Visits can be made to four of our animal rescue and rehoming centres where children can see
first-hand how we help Scotland’s animals.
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Aberdeenshire, AB31 5AJ
Dunbartonshire & West of Scotland, G82 2UA
Glasgow, G52 3RY
Lanarkshire, ML3 0SB
Scottish SPCA animal rescue and rehoming centres across
Scotland care for thousands of abused, abandoned and
injured animals every year. Our team of dedicated vets and
staff look after, rehabilitate and rehome a huge variety of
animals, from dogs, cats, rabbits and other domestic pets to
horses, farm and exotic animals.
Visiting our centres
encourages a sense of social
responsibility for animals and
the environment in which
they live
Education resources
Although we do not actively fundraise while visiting schools, information on the work of the
Scottish SPCA and fundraising opportunities can be provided on request for the following:
• Pre-schools
• Primary schools
• Secondary schools
• Community groups
You can request information
using the form on page 16
of this booklet
16
Scottish SPCA card game
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Created by the Scottish SPCA, our Animal Knowledge card game gives descriptions of
animals and pupils have to guess the animal. The descriptions focus on the classification,
appearance, behaviour and environment of a number of animals living across Scotland,
and incorporates an interesting fact about each animal as a clue.
Glow
You can find us on Glow. Schools can join our group, view video clips and download
resources. Pupils can also upload their pictures, ask questions and give feedback.
Activity sheets
You will find four sets of activity sheets in this booklet which will help teachers
continue work in the classroom following a Scottish SPCA workshop.
There is one sheet for each topic aimed at P4 – 7. There is also an activity
sheet specifically aimed at P1 – 3.
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Animal priorities
ACTIVITY SHEET
Task A
Scottish SPCA animal rescue officers and inspectors respond to thousands of calls
every year. It is important that they prioritise their tasks each day to ensure animals
in need of urgent help are attended to first.
Below are details of three calls received by the Scottish SPCA animal
helpline. Imagine you are the animal rescue officer and decide how you
would prioritise these tasks.
1
Swan with fishing line and hook caught around its beak
A family have noticed a swan in their local pond has wire hanging from its beak. They think it may be
a fishing hook and line and the swan doesn’t seem interested in any food when the family try to feed
him.
2 Seal alone on the beach
A group of children who were playing on their local beach have come across a large white furred seal.
The seal doesn’t look injured and is quite big but it is alone and the children are worried it is lost. One
of the children has asked their mum to call our animal helpline.
3 Calf stuck on a cliff
Two hillwalkers have come across a calf which is stuck on a cliff side. They are not sure who the calf
belongs to and they are concerned it may fall.
To carry out these jobs, inspectors and animal rescue officers always need to make sure they have the
correct equipment in their vans.
Task B
Task C
Can you guess these four
common animals that the Scottish
SPCA rescue each year?
Can you find the following pieces of equipment that an
inspector and animal rescue officer would use in the
wordsearch below?
GRASPER
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Task A
Animal priorities
ANSWERS
With these three rescues it is important to note that although the calf is in the most danger, as a number of
people would be required to assist, it would take time to organise a rescue. This means phone calls could
be made to organise other animal rescue officers to help and the correct equipment on route to rescuing
the swan.
Rescue 1: Swan. The swan would be rescued first as it will not be able to feed properly if it does have a fishing line
and hook caught around its beak and it may need veterinary treatment. Unfortunately, this is a common rescue. We
rely on the public to be responsible animal citizens by ensuring they take lines and hooks home with them after a
fishing trip and to always phone our animal helpline (03000 999 999) when an animal needs help.
Rescue 2: Calf. The calf would be very scared and it won’t have access to food or water. There is the risk that it
may fall further down the cliff. This rescue would take some time and would require more than one animal rescue
officer or inspector. This would also need to be done in daylight.
Rescue 3: Seal. Seals will spend time by themselves. If the pup has white fur it will be a grey seal pup, born during
the winter months. This pup will spend the first three weeks of its life on the beach and its mum will go out to sea
to feed, come back to feed her pup and head back out to sea again. It is likely that this pup is in good health,
particularly as the children say it is quite big and doesn’t look injured, but of course this will need to be checked.
Task B
Task C
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Extension Task
Litter Hazards
Animals often need our help when they become
caught up in litter.
Examples include:
1. A gull with its beak stuck in a drink can
2. A seal with a plastic bag on its flipper
3. A hedgehog with its head stuck in a plastic
can holder
Try to find out how long it would take for these
items to break down in the environment. What can
we do to prevent animals being hurt and injured by
our rubbish?
Food and farm animal welfare
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ACTIVITY SHEET
Task A
When a Scottish SPCA inspector visits a farm they check the animals’ condition,
where they are being kept and if they have access to food, water and shelter. They
also check if there are any dangers to the animals.
Farmers run their farms and look after their animals very well in Scotland.
However, occasionally we get a report that a farmer isn’t providing the
best care they can for their animals.
The following story is an example where living conditions for the animals could be improved. Read
the story, think about the hazards Inspector Moss discovered on her visit and write the list of jobs you
think she has given to the farmer.
Inspector Moss received a call saying a herd of cattle on a farm does not have access to food, water or
shelter. As she drives up to the farm she stops to look at the fields. She notices a gap in the fence and
barbed wire lying across the farm track. String used to tie the gap in the fence has broken and is wrapped
around one of the fence posts.
On entering the farm yard, Inspector Moss drives around the broken cattle grid and parks in front of the barn.
Inspector Moss puts on her wellington boots, disinfects them and walks towards the farmer’s house, being
careful not to trip on old plastic feed bags.
The farmer comes out of his house and takes Inspector Moss to the barn where the cattle are living. The
cattle are in a good condition and have access to food, water and shelter. Inspector Moss gives the farmer
an animal welfare notice, which is a list of jobs he should do on the farm to ensure that the cattle are not in
danger. She tells the farmer she will visit again to make sure that all the jobs have been completed.
Task B
Task C
Can you guess the four common farm animals that live in
Scotland using the picture clues below?
1
2
Think about why we have farm
animals in Scotland. What do the
animals listed below produce and
what do they need to be safe and
healthy?
• Cow
• Sheep
• Chicken
• Alpaca
3
4
• Deer
• Salmon
• Pig
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Farm and food animal welfare
ANSWERS
Task A
• Fix the gap in the fence
• Remove the barbed wire lying across the farm track
• Remove the string wrapped around a post which could be a choking hazard
• Fix the broken cattle grid
• Remove the old plastic feed bags
Task B
Task C
1
Sheep
2
3
Cow
Type of farm animal
Pig
Produce?
4
Chicken
Needs?
Cow
Beef, dairy (milk, cheese, yoghurt,
cream), pate, veal (calves) and leather
Shelter, space, access to outdoors, fresh water,
grass and silage in winter
Sheep
Mutton (older sheep), lamb, cheese,
milk, haggis and wool
Shelter, space, access to outdoors, fresh water,
grass and silage in winter
Chicken
Chicken, pate and eggs
Shelter, space, access to outdoors, fresh water,
pelleted food and grass
Alpaca
Wool
Shelter, space, access to outdoors, fresh water,
pelleted food, grass and silage in winter
Deer
Venison
Shelter, space, access to outdoors, fresh water and
pelleted food
Salmon
Salmon
Clean water, space and food
Pig
Pork, sausages, bacon and ham
Mud for outdoor pigs (which acts as sunscreen
and stops insects biting), shelter, straw to make/
build a nest, space, access to outdoors, fresh
water and food
Extension Task
In groups choose one of the farm animals listed above and draw a picture showing everything each animal
would need to keep it healthy and happy. Think about whether it likes to live alone and where it would go in
bad weather.
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Pet for life challenge
ACTIVITY SHEET
Task A
The Scottish SPCA helps thousands of abused and neglected animals each year, in particular pet animals. Many
people take on pets without thinking about what their ownership responsibilities are and the time and costs involved
when taking care of an animal.
You have been asked to go shopping for the following items. Can you identify the item and which animals the
items are used for?
a
Item:
f
Animals:
b
Item:
Animals:
g
Animals:
c
Item:
Item:
h
Item:
Item:
Animals:
i
Animals:
e
Item:
Animals:
Animals:
d
Item:
Item:
Animals:
j
Animals:
Item:
Animals:
Task B
In groups, choose a pet from the following: dog, cat, rabbit and iguana.
Imagine you are rehoming this pet from one of our animal rescue and rehoming centres. Research everything
you would need to buy before you can take your new pet home and how much it would cost.
Task C
Imagine you are looking after a dog, cat, rabbit or iguana for one week. Write a diary about how you would
care for this animal, remembering you would still need to go to school each day.
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Pets for life challenge
Task A
Item
ANSWERS
Animals
a
UV lamp
Terrapins, Lizards, Tortoise
b
Bed
Dogs
c
Water bottle
Rabbits, Guinea pigs, Gerbils, Hamsters
d
Bed
Cats
e
Food trough
Budgies, Cockatiels
f
Food and water bowls
Cats, Dogs
g
Waste bags
Dogs
h
Toys
Dogs (but all animals need toys)
i
Bird treats
Budgies, Cockatiels
j
Hay
Rabbits, Guinea pigs
Task B
Consider the following when discussing these animals:
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What would it eat?
What would it drink?
Where would it sleep?
Does it need to be kept in a cage, tank or hutch?
What exercise will it need?
Task C
Example time schedule
Rosie the rabbit
During the week:
07:00Feed Rosie fresh hay, rabbit mix food and fresh vegetables.
Change the water in her water bottle and dish. Change her litter tray.
08:00 Go to school.
16:00 Play with Rosie. Give her some space to exercise.
17:00 Make sure there is fresh hay and food in her hutch and that her water bottle has been changed with fresh
water. If she is kept outside make sure all the latches on her hutch are secure.
Weekend:
Do the same as during the week and also clean her hutch out completely, give Rosie new bedding and change
the litter in her tray. Spend extra time playing with and grooming Rosie.
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Wildlife alert challenge
ACTIVITY SHEET
The Scottish SPCA has a National Wildlife Rescue Centre which allows us to rescue and rehabilitate up to 5,000
sick, injured and orphaned wild animals each year. It is also the only centre in Scotland with facilities to care for oiled
birds, with staff being able to treat and care for up to 1,000 oiled bird casualties at any one time.
Task A
Can you guess what the wild animal is from the pictures below?
1
2
3
4
Can you guess what the animal is from the descriptions below?
a
I am one of the heaviest flying birds
I sometimes get caught up in fishing line and hooks
I have a long neck which helps me feed on plants at the bottom of a pond
When I am young I am called a cygnet
b I am nocturnal
I like to eat insects, snails, frogs and bird eggs
I like to hibernate in the winter
I can have up to 6,500 spines which help protect me from predators
c I am nocturnal
I have sharp, taloned feet
One of my ears is higher on my head than the other
I like to hunt for mice among farmland, grassland and woodland
d
I have sharp, curved claws which help me climb tree trunks, branches and walls
I have strong hind legs to help me leap gaps between trees
I do not like to share my food with others and prefer to live alone
My nest is called a drey
Task B
The animals described above have been patients at our National Wildlife
Rescue Centre. When we release an animal back into the wild it is important
we choose a suitable environment. For example, it is important that the animal
has access to water, the right type of food and shelter. In groups, choose one
of the animals you have guessed correctly from the clues above and draw a
poster showing interesting facts about that animal and what it needs to be
healthy and happy.
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Task A
Wildlife alert challenge
1
Badger
a Swan
2
Otter
b Hedgehog
3
Bat
c Owl
4
Fox
d Squirrel
ANSWERS
Extension Task
As a class, draw a poster to tell the rest of the school how they can be responsible wild animal citizens in
your area. The following points may help you.
Be a responsible wild animal citizen
• Always tell a responsible adult to phone the Scottish SPCA animal helpline if you find an injured wild animal.
• Never touch or pick up a wild animal.
• Try not to disturb bird or hedgehog nests.
• Leave baby animals in the wild unless they are injured.
• Ask an adult to check there are no hedgehogs under a bonfire before it is lit.
• Always put litter in the bin.
• Provide shelter for animals, such as bird and bat boxes.
• If possible, have lots of plants in your garden to provide food for animals.
• Ask adults to be careful when using pesticides in gardens.
• Always keep dogs under control when outdoors, especially near wildlife.
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Helping animals
TEACHERS NOTES
Task A
These activities are specifically aimed at P1 – 3
Sometimes when the Scottish SPCA is called out to rescue an animal they can be difficult to find. Imagine
that you are each of these animals. How would you sound? How would you move? Where would you be
hiding?
FOX
OTTER
PIGEON
DEER
Task B
Draw a picture of where you think each of these animals might live and what they would like to have in their
homes (trees for shelter, water, food etc.)
Discover what wildlife is living in your playground or at your local park. Look for signs of wildlife (footprints,
feathers, nests, food sources, dens, burrows etc.)
Task C
Can you guess what each of the animals are in the pictures below?
1
2
3
4
Task D
Photocopy the picture sheet below and ask the children if they can match the farm animal to the food it
produces. What else might these animals produce? (lamb, beef, sausages, cheese etc.)
Upside down: Task C answers 1) Goldfish 2) Cat 3) Terrapin 4) Guinea pig
How you can help
Help save Scotland’s animals from
abuse, neglect and injury
Call our Animal Helpline
on 03000 999 999
if you see an animal in distress
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Fundraising
We receive no government or lottery funding and rely on donations to continue our vital work. You can request a
fundraising information pack by completing the order form in this booklet.
Why not fundraise for us and put your money towards sponsoring a space?
Sponsor a Space
Your sponsorship, which lasts for a full year, will help pay for food and veterinary treatment of the animals cared for in
the ‘space’ you have chosen to sponsor.
Sponsors will have their name displayed at the centre they have chosen and will receive a certificate of thanks, a
window sticker and an update letter about one of the animals their sponsorship has helped along with a photo.
Rehoming
Scottish SPCA animal rescue and rehoming centre staff rehome thousands of animals every year. Visit our online
rehoming section at scottishspca.org/rehoming to view some of our dogs, cats, rabbits and many more animals
looking for new homes.
Our animal rescue and rehoming centres are open to the public seven days a week, 10am to 4pm.
Donate food
You can donate food for the rescue dogs, cats and other animals in our care at any of our
animal rescue and rehoming centres. Whether it’s tins, dried food or treats, all donations
are very gratefully received!
We also have special food collection boxes which can be placed in shops, offices and
other outlets in your local community. Once they’re full they can either be handed into one
of our centres or we’ll arrange for them to be collected.
Recycle and help the Scottish SPCA
You can donate to the Scottish SPCA by recycling your mobile phones, printer
cartridges, electronics, foreign currency and jewellery.
What a great way to be eco-friendly and help Scotland’s animals at the same time!
For further information please call
03000 999 999 or visit scottishspca.org
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03000 999 999
education@scottishspca.org
FEEDBACK SHEET
Date of visit
Local authority
School name
Class
Please take a few moments to answer the questions below
Topic (please tick):
Did all sessions start at the pre-arranged times?
Animal 999
Wild about animals
Pet patrol
Food and farming
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
If not, why?
Was the workshop interactive enough?
Comments:
Were the animal welfare messages clear?
Comments:
In what areas do you feel the programme links with the Curriculum for Excellence?
Responsible
citizens
Confident
individuals
Effective
contributors
Successful
learners
Expressive arts
Religious and
moral education
Health and
wellbeing
Sciences
Languages
Mathematics
Social studies
Technologies
Car stickers
Activity pack
Other (please specify)
What materials were left behind?
Animal stickers
Please rate your visit:
Poor
Excellent
Any further comments?
)
Complete and return the form
)
Visit
)
Fax

by freepost in the envelope provided
scottishspca.org/education
01383 841 049
(or to RSAH-KYLH-XUAT Scottish SPCA, Dunfermline, KY11 8RY)
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How to book
)
)
@
@
)

)

Call free on 03000 999 999
Email: education@scottishspca.org
Visit: scottishspca.org/education
Complete the booking form below and return
Name of school or community group
Full postal address
Postcode
Contact name
Phone number
Email
Type of visit (please tick)
3
Scottish SPCA visit to you
School
Community group
Scottish SPCA centre visit
School
Community group
Number of classes interested
Resources (please tick)
3
Pre-school pack
Primary pack
Secondary pack
Community group pack
Fundraising pack
Scottish SPCA card game
(£2 per pack + £1.50 postage and packing) Quantity
Payment by cheque or postal order only.
Please make cheques payable to Scottish SPCA.
Please return this form to:
Scottish SPCA Education, Kingseat Road, Halbeath, Dunfermline KY11 8RY
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03000 999 999
scottishspca.org
Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Kingseat Road, Halbeath, Dunfermline, Fife KY11 8RY | Scottish Charity No. SC 006467