STUDENTS will be taking a walk on the wild side by attending lessons in a school farm and exotic animal house.

Snakes, spiders and other creatures are to help Wey Valley School students with their science studies.

The newly-opened menageries will also allow the Weymouth students to understand, appreciate and get involved in the care and welfare of animals.

The exotic animal accommodation was built in partnership with Thomas Hardye School in Dorchester.

The miniature farm includes a poly-tunnel where the students learn to grow vegetables and herbs.

It has a garden for free range laying chickens and quails, from which produce is sold to staff and parents.

There is also a pets corner where students can handle guinea pigs and rabbits during their break time.

The farm was introduced following a headmaster’s challenge to staff to ‘Inspire and Achieve’.

It is one of a number of projects started at Wey Valley which have seen an increase in science GCSE results and allows pupils to gain vocational qualifications in animal care.

Both facilities were opened by Richard Drax, Conservative parliamentary candidate for South Dorset.

Headteacher Phil Thomas said: “Richard is very keen for students to understand the countryside and how food is produced.

“He recently hosted a farm visit for students at Wey Valley and since then has maintained a close association with the school and its farm project.”