Hospital schools: Crucial support for young patients
Queensland Teachers' Journal, Vol 130 No 2, 11 April 2025, page no 25.
Hospital schools in Australia play a vital role in ensuring that children and young people who are hospitalised for short and extended periods do not miss out on their education.
These schools cater to students who are unable to attend regular schools due to illness, injury, or medical treatment. The goal is to provide continuity in education, support emotional wellbeing, and facilitate a smooth transition back to mainstream schooling once the child is well enough.
I was lucky enough to be shown around the Queensland Children’s Hospital School by Executive Principal Michelle Bond (pictured), who shared that hospital schools across Queensland had catered for more than 7,000 students in just 12 months. The Queensland Children’s Hospital School caters for students from all education backgrounds.
The role and importance of hospital schools
Hospital schools aim to minimise the disruption that illness or injury can cause to a child’s education. Being in hospital is often challenging for young patients, and continuing their education can offer a sense of normalcy and routine. Education in a hospital setting also helps to alleviate the anxiety and stress associated with being away from the regular school environment.
These schools are tailored to meet the individual needs of each student, taking into account their medical condition, treatment schedule, and academic level. Teachers in hospital schools work closely with healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and psychologists, as well as the students’ base schools to create a supportive learning environment. They also align to the Australian Curriculum, making the transition back to mainstream education as seamless as possible.
Curriculum and teaching approaches
The curriculum in hospital schools is flexible and adapted to the student’s current health status. Teachers often work with students on a one-on-one basis, as well as in small classrooms, allowing for personalised attention. This individualised approach is essential, as it accounts for the varying energy levels, cognitive abilities, and emotional states of the students.
Hospital schools cover the core areas of the curriculum, including mathematics, English, STEM and HASS. Queensland Children’s Hospital School caters for multimedia and has its own Internal production group called Juiced TV.
Online learning platforms, educational apps, and virtual classrooms are employed to enhance the learning experience and keep students connected with their regular schools. This technological integration ensures that students can access educational resources at their own pace and according to their health needs.
While there are multiple onsite programs across Queensland, the virtual program also gives students access to education if they cannot be near a hospital or are in recovery before transitioning back to their school. Michelle was very grateful for the support and resources available to the school, enabling them to increase their geographical access to students and education across the state.
Challenges faced by hospital schools
The transient nature of the student population, with students staying for varying lengths of time, can make it difficult to maintain continuity in education.
Another significant challenge is the emotional and psychological impact of hospitalisation on students. Teachers in hospital schools must be particularly sensitive to the emotional needs of their students, who may be dealing with fear, pain, or uncertainty about their future.
The future of hospital schools
The future of hospital schools in Australia looks promising, with increasing recognition of their importance. There is a growing emphasis on the integration of mental health support within these schools, acknowledging the strong link between emotional wellbeing and educational achievement.
Advancements in technology also offer new possibilities, enabling more interactive and engaging learning experiences. As telemedicine and virtual education continue to evolve, hospital schools may further expand their reach, providing quality education to even more students.
In conclusion, hospital schools in Australia provide an indispensable service, ensuring that young patients continue to receive education during challenging times. By addressing both the academic and emotional needs of students, these schools play a critical role in helping children and young people to maintain a sense of normalcy and achieve their educational goals despite the obstacles they face.
Thank you to all the educators and medical professionals in hospital schools.
