Pupils had a wild time and raised funds for their Darlington school when a petting farm paid a visit.
Year 6 pupils at Skerne Park Academy arranged for Joe’s Mobile Petting Farm to visit their school as part of a fundraising initiative – and as a reward for good behaviour.
The young entrepreneurs raised £300 for school trips by offering paid photo opportunities with the animals, including an alpaca, a donkey, a miniature cow, a sheep, a goat, a pony, and a Flemish giant rabbit.
As well as organising the photo shoot, the Year 6 pupils showed their leadership skills by supervising younger pupils.
Year 6 teacher Joanne Beaton said: “We like to reward good behaviour, and this term they’ve been outstanding.
"The class came up with the idea themselves and pitched it to our headteacher, Mrs Gooding, who loved it.
"We’ve been really proud of their business instincts – organising photo opportunities to raise money for future trips.
"They’ve stepped up as young leaders in our school community.
"For some children, this was their first time seeing these animals in real life, which made it extra special.
"Part of what makes Skerne Park Academy is the school’s dedication to creating these moments of wonder.”
The children paid £1 to have their photo taken with any of the animals.
Pupil Layton Hill said: "It’s been a really good experience.
"It’s been really different to a normal day – you don’t see animals at school every day.”
