Tarantulas, terrapins and tortoises are bringing biology lessons to life at Inverclyde Academy

Pupils are no longer the 'teacher's pets' at the school after the introduction of animals to their science department including Alex the tarantula and Sheldon the tortoise.

The students say they have learned a lot from the animals.

Jason Dinnie, 15, who is studying for a national 5 in biology, said: "It's nice to have some animals in the classroom and see how they work.

"Biology's one of the my favourite subjects."

Aimee Provan, 17, a sixth year pupil who is also studying for a national 5, added: "It brings biology to life.

"It means you really understand what you're learning about.

"It's really interesting to watch them getting on with their daily lives."

John Harkins, a biology teacher at the school, explained that he and chemistry colleague Fiona Walker, thought it would be beneficial to have creatures in the classroom.

He said: "When you're talking about biology it's good to have them learning things like this in the classroom.

"It makes lessons interesting for them."

Alex and Sheldon are meanwhile set to be joined by a new friend - the school is preparing to welcome a bearded dragon to the classroom.