Welcome to Ivy, the new Norwich High Sixth Form dog.
Norwich High Sixth Form has welcomed someone very special to the Pastoral Team this term: Ivy, our new Sixth Form dog.
Ivy, aged 4, is a calm and sociable dog who loves people. She is a Portuguese Water Dog, a naturally low-allergy breed. She is based in the Sixth Form building, Lanchester House, on Tuesdays and Thursdays each week.
Ivy’s owner is Mrs Louise Johnson, who is a Sixth Form Tutor and Teacher of Psychology at Norwich High School for Girls.
“Ivy has already proven a hit in the Sixth Form. She’s been booked for walks when people need a break for fresh air, and this afternoon she provided cuddles for someone who was struggling with a piece of homework.”
Along with Casper and Bailey, the Senior School and Prep School dogs, Ivy complements the pastoral support offered to our students by their teachers, tutors and Heads of Year.
Mrs Hazel Packer, Director of Sixth Form, said: “Ivy has already inspired delight, hugs and selfies in our students. Our pastoral programme equips our students to be confident, independent and ambitious young people whilst also helping them to maintain positive mental wellbeing. Research shows that being around animals triggers our release of endorphins, alleviating anxiety and improving our mood. Ivy gives our older students the opportunity to be playful and energetic as well as cheering them up if they’re having a bad day.”
“I think that having Ivy as a sixth form dog is really good for the wellbeing of the students, as she is a friendly face for when people are feeling a bit stressed and overwhelmed. She helps create high levels of morale in the Sixth Form.”
Ivy is a firm favourite with the students. Like many members of our Sixth Form, she enjoys a busy calendar of co-curricular activities. Ivy is a breed ambassador for the Portuguese Water Dog club of Great Britain and attended Crufts this year to promote the breed.
