What Our School Surveys Tell Us

Our school chickens have become a much-loved part of daily life at Scoil na mBuachaillí — and our recent surveys show just how positive their impact has been.

Teachers report increased engagement with science and nature, improved responsibility and confidence, and calmer behaviour after pupils interact with the chickens. Parents strongly agree, with 100% supporting the school keeping chickens and many noting how often children talk about them at home.

Pupils love caring for the chickens — from feeding them and collecting eggs to simply spending time outdoors. Many say the chickens help them feel happy and relaxed, and most would love even more lessons involving them!

Based on the voices of our pupils, parents, and staff, one thing is clear —
life really is better with chickens at Scoil na mBuachaillí 🌱🐓

🧑‍🏫 Teacher Feedback: Learning & Wellbeing in Action

Teachers overwhelmingly agreed that the chickens have had a positive impact across learning and wellbeing:

• 91% observed increased engagement with science and nature lessons

• 100% agreed chickens support hands-on learning about food chains, life cycles, and sustainability

• 91% noticed improved responsibility and confidence in pupils caring for the chickens

• 82% reported calmer behaviour after pupils interacted with the chickens

• 100% confirmed the school has appropriate care procedures in place

Teachers also shared how chickens are used across the curriculum, including:

• Science investigations and sustainability learning

• English writing, storytelling, and script-writing

• Art activities and creative expression

• Baking and recipes using eggs

• Wellbeing and sensory regulation breaks

Overall, 100% of staff agreed that keeping chickens has been beneficial to the school.

👨‍👩‍👦 Parent Feedback: Strong Support & Real-Life Impact

From our parent responses, support for the chickens was extremely strong:

• 95% were aware the school keeps chickens

• 86% said their child talks about the chickens at home often or sometimes

• 92% believe the chickens positively influence their child’s learning

• 100% support the school continuing to keep chickens

Parents highlighted benefits such as responsibility, empathy, calmness, understanding where food comes from, and improved wellbeing. Many shared stories of children checking on the chickens before school, worrying about them during bad weather, and proudly collecting and talking about eggs at home.

🧒 Pupil Voice: Happy, Calm, and Curious Learners

Pupil feedback shows just how much joy the chickens bring to school life:

• 80% of pupils said the chickens make them feel happy

• 82% would love even more lessons and activities involving the chickens

• Many pupils shared that spending time caring for the chickens helps them feel calm, relaxed, and settled

Pupils spoke enthusiastically about their favourite moments — collecting eggs, feeding the hens, watching them run, and enjoying extra time outdoors. The chickens have become a source of excitement, comfort, and curiosity throughout the school day.

Children also demonstrated a strong sense of empathy and responsibility, thoughtfully thinking about the chickens’ safety and wellbeing — a clear sign of how caring for animals supports social and emotional learning.

🌱 A Living, Breathing Learning Experience

The survey results confirm what we see every day: the chickens support learning, wellbeing, responsibility, and connection to nature in meaningful ways. They have become a valued part of our school community and a powerful example of learning beyond the classroom.

At Scoil na mBuachaillí, we’re proud to say — based on the voices of our pupils, parents, and staff — life really is better with chickens.