New ‘distraction’ helping private school kids de-stress

An elite Brisbane school has found a novel way to provide ‘therapy’ to stressed out students ahead of exams.

PUPPY love was on the class schedule yesterday with a private school bringing in therapy dogs to de-stress Year 12 students ahead of the all-important Queensland Core Skills test.

Somerville House welcomed a bunch of Paws for Thought therapy dogs to provide their senior students a “much-needed” distraction from the high-pressure exams, with the first kicking off this morning.

Top student shares his secrets to QCS success

Elite school under fire after ‘low-performing’ kids told to skip test

List: how our priciest schools scored in NAPLAN

Dean of Students Julie Brunckhorst said the idea had been a surprise for the students, and as well as giving the Year 12s a playful break from their studying, also recognised their hard work preparing for the QCS and their other upcoming exams.

“Patting, cuddling and playing with the therapy dogs is a positive, warm experience which will help the students de-stress, laugh and connect to another being, as well as each other, eliciting positive emotions and countering the negative,” she said.

Somerville House Year 12 students Laura Jobling and Gracie Titmarsh get a visit from therapy dogs Oscar and Poppy to take the stress out of end-of-year exams. Picture: Lachie Millard

This year’s QCS test is the final time it which will be taken by students in their senior year of high school, with the state transitioning to the new Queensland Certificate of Education system.

Education Minister Grace Grace said the final tests marked “an end of an era” for the QCS, which was introduced in 1992.

“I encourage all year 12 students to relax and try their best,” Ms Grace said.

“A big thanks must go to all our Queensland teachers, staff and parents for supporting students in the lead up to the test.”