The Royal Children’s HospitalEducation Institute

Suite 1.4, Level 148 Flemington RoadParkville Victoria 3052Telephone +61 3 0345 9700

www.rch.org.au/education

Education Institute

The hospital space is a learning place

ERC150652

ContentsThe year in review Messages from the Minister for Education, our Chair and The Royal Children’s Hospital CEO � � � � � � � � � � � � � 2

You see patients, we see learners Introducing the RCH Education Institute � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 3

The hospital space is a learning place Ensuring that learning continues away from school � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 4

Learning that rocks Using innovative teaching to engage students � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 6

Smart arts Learning through the arts � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 8

Cut to fit Individual learning plans in action � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 10

Word nerds and number crunchers Progressing literacy and numeracy � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �12

Mind the gap! Connecting patients’ school-, home- and hospital-life to support learning � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 14

Keeping it real Creating stimulating, authentic experiences � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 16

Feeling appy Using technology to engage patients in learning � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 18

Leaps and bounds Supporting patients and their families through school transitions � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 20

Feedback Accolades from our Satisfaction Surveys � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 22

Our supporters and friends Thanks to the people who make our work possible� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 24

The RCH Education Institute is proud to acknowledge the People of the Kulin Nations as the traditional custodians of the land on which we work�

Funded by

RCH patient and student Tamara shares her writing with RCH teacher Hamish

Cover: RCH patient and little learner Daniel

You see patients, we see learnersThe hospital space is a learning place, thanks to our teachers.

A place that honours every child’s right to a quality education�

A place where healing and learning can happen side-by-side�

A place where curiosity, wonder and inquiry dance and intertwine�

There’s nothing more normal, for the average Aussie kid, than going to school.

We give a taste of that normality to a child grappling with ill health�

We give a guiding hand as they navigate their education�

We give a powerful message that we believe in their future�

Our vision is for all children and young people with a chronic health condition to be engaged as learners.

We know our program makes a difference�

We know because it’s evidence-based�

We know because we hear it…from our students…their parents …their teachers�

The Royal Children’s Hospital Education Institute. Learning happens anywhere.

We believe that a quality education is the right of all children and young people. At The Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH), this right is realised through the work of the RCH Education Institute.

The RCH Education Institute engages the hospital’s patients in learning through a unique, pedagogically-robust, arts-based curriculum� It is delivered within a holistic, community-centred framework which engages parents in their child’s learning, and builds connections between each child’s hospital-, home- and school-life�

The RCH Education Institute is funded by the Victorian Department of Education and Training, and I want to acknowledge the impact and significance of the Department’s commitment� I’d also like to recognise the financial support provided to the Institute by the Fight Cancer Foundation�

In 2014–15, the RCH Education Institute moved from its offices across the road from the hospital to a new, on-site space at 48 Flemington Road� We also, this year, said farewell to Glenda Strong, the Executive Director of the RCH Education Institute for the past seven years� Glenda has been a passionate advocate for in-hospital learning, and I acknowledge her significant contribution�

To the RCH Education Institute’s Acting Director, Ian Patrick, and the team, congratulations and thanks for your continued commitment to the delivery of great care�

John StanwayChair The Royal Children’s Hospital Education Institute

The RCH Education Institute makes a significant contribution to the delivery of great care at The Royal Children’s Hospital.

In 2014–15, the RCH Education Institute provided early childhood, primary and secondary education support to 2,295 hospital patients�

Many of these children and young people also benefited from the RCH Education Institute’s commitment to collaborating with families, and education and health professionals, to help students stay connected with the school community while in hospital, and to transition back to school following treatment�

The RCH Education Institute’s contribution to children’s health was recognised with a silver medal in the ‘Excellence in person-centred care’ category at the 2014 Victorian Public Healthcare Awards�

Several reviews of the RCH Education Institute’s governance were undertaken in the past year, and as a result we are now working on opportunities to further enhance the integration of learning and healthcare services for patients�

Professor Christine KilpatrickChief Executive OfficerThe Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne

The Andrews Labor Government has made a commitment to make Victoria the Education State, building an education system that produces excellence and supports every individual student in achieving his or her full potential, regardless of personal circumstance or background.

I have seen first-hand how the RCH Education Institute’s program supports the development of students, expertly balancing the health and education priorities for children and young people with chronic illness� It is impressive to see such high-quality learning opportunities in a hospital setting�

The RCH Education Institute team continues to tailor and deliver outstanding programs for students from kindergarten right through to Year 12 level, while supporting parents and carers to be actively involved in their child’s learning�

I congratulate the team on its success in meeting students’ and families’ needs in a challenging environment whilst advancing the Government’s commitment to improve opportunities for all learners�

The Hon. James Merlino MPMinister for Education

Theyear inreview

RCH patient and student Cameron

The Messy Sea by RCH patient and student Brodie (detail)

3

The Royal Children’s Hospital Education Institute: who, what, why, when, where and how?

Who?

We’re qualified teachers (early childhood, primary and secondary) plus a small team of researchers, partnerships/projects specialists and admin whizzes�

We’re part of an integrated, interdisciplinary team at The Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH), where education is a key component of patient care�

What?

We devise and deliver creative, innovative, and personalised learning programs for patients with chronic illness—so that getting hospital treatment doesn’t mean getting left behind at school�

We work collaboratively with patients’ families and teachers: to engage parents in their child’s learning, and to help kids get the benefit of staying connected to their school community� These efforts also help children and young people with their school transitions�

We also support the educational needs of outpatients who have chronic conditions, and inpatients who are in rehabilitation� The focus here is not on teaching, but on providing a vital link between a child’s school and their interdisciplinary hospital team so that the school is equipped to cater for the student’s needs�

Why?

Evidence informs and guides our practice� Research tells us that children who have frequent or extended absences from school due to a health condition are at risk of disengaging from formal education� Feeling isolated or lonely is one of the biggest predictors of this disengagement�

On the upside, research also shows clear, measurable benefits for children when their parents are actively engaged in their learning�

When?

We’re there for patients with chronic illness, from three to 18+ years, supporting their learning during their RCH stay� We believe that children learn by actively engaging in exploring and solving problems, and that these learning opportunities are everywhere�

Where?

Our teachers work in classrooms on the wards, and also one-to-one in patients’ rooms and in clinics, but our impact extends beyond the hospital’s walls� We believe that a quality education is the right of all children and young people—and that it’s a community responsibility� So, our broader role is to make connections between a patient’s school-, home- and hospital-life, to support their learning�

How?

We develop rich learning opportunities for RCH patients, using creative, evidence-based methods� We offer an immersive, arts-based program—drawing on our external partnerships with cultural organisations and others—that supports students’ individual learning plans� We engage our students via technology, and by providing stimulating, authentic experiences that motivate them to investigate creatively, solve problems and make decisions�

We have high expectations of our students—and of ourselves� By upskilling our team members, and extending our partnerships, we drive continuous improvement and innovation: bringing new spark to our teaching program and igniting patients’ passions�

The hospital space is a learning placeThanks to our teachers, learning happens anywhere.

RCH patient Charlotte in our kindergarten program

RCH teacher Hamish works with Abby who is visiting from country Victoria while her brother has an extended stay in hospital

‘ We help kids’ learning to thrive when they’re uprooted from school�’RCH Education Institute teacher Emma Fraser

5

Wonder. Curiosity. Passion. All teachers aspire to this beat, but when your students are grappling with chronic illness, it can take an inspired approach to get young minds jumping.

Our teachers use innovative, proven methods to engage their students� An inquiry-based approach allows learners to follow their interests, to develop problem-solving processes, and to generate fresh ideas� Design-thinking methodology gives a shout-out to the innovator within, encouraging students to learn to think versus learning content�

The monster beat

‘We give children a real opportunity to initiate their learning aspirations� All their ideas are listened to, and challenged supportively, in an adventurous environment where their creations are valued,’ says Head of Teaching and Learning, Lauren Sayer�

‘One of the things that sets us apart is the way we honour our students’ work by sharing and celebrating it� Our publishing projects—like the Monster Rock book that features kindergarten kids’ artwork and story writing—are a great example�’

This rollicking, rhyming picture book has been designed and printed professionally, thanks to the generous support of Shine Australia, and is sold in bookshops across Melbourne� The project was inspired by the children’s interest in monsters, capturing their love of language (and the way monsters ‘boing’, ‘boogie’ and ‘stomp’), and prompting lots of counting of arms, legs and eyes�

Some monstrously-talented Australians are jiving to the Monster Rock beat, including The Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) Education Institute ambassadors, Eddie Perfect and Alison Lester�

Eddie, who now adds Play School host to his long list of writer/composer/performer credits, generously gave his time to launch the book, reading the story aloud before belting out the Monster Rock song with our talented music teacher, Becky Hall�

‘I think missing out on an education because of chronic illness is a real injustice,’ says Eddie� ‘Children are born to learn� They can’t help it� I know from having my own kids that it’s like feeding a hungry hippo! You just have to keep shoving information, and games, and ideas, and music and creativity down the throat of that hippo�’

Making words and pictures dance

Alison Lester, one of Australia’s best-loved children’s authors and illustrators, is also a huge Monster Rock fan, being a passionate advocate for childhood literacy�

As the Australian Children’s Laureate in 2012 and 2013, Alison worked to champion and promote the transformational power of reading—and this inspirational work continues, in partnership with our teachers�

Alison hosts monthly workshops that engage patients of all ages with a variety of art techniques and tools� The children delight in the experience as they develop skills in visual literacy, learning how text and illustration can entwine to create magic on the page�

‘The kids learn so much as they create their own stories and share them with others,’ says Alison�

Hooks for tweens and teens

Our older students also respond to the catchy hooks pitched to them; our team has a stellar track record of snaring students’ curiosity by drawing on relationships outside the hospital�

‘ One of the things that sets us apart is the way we honour our students’ work by sharing and celebrating it�’Head of Teaching and Learning, Lauren Sayer

‘We create a wide range of projects and events for students via our arts partnerships, our ambassadors and our friends network; they’re a core ingredient in making our learning programs captivating and engaging,’ says Head of Communications, Events and Stakeholder Engagement, Bridie Mackay�

‘If there are specific needs that aren’t being met, we also seek out new relationships—it’s great to be able to put that icing on the cake for our students�’

Film is a popular springboard for our teachers to bounce around big themes like cultural diversity, language, emotional intelligence and human values� Our special in-hospital screenings of the Little Big Shots film festival allow our students to access the best in local and international shorts, animations, documentaries and child-produced films�

Student interest in what it takes to be a performing artist prompted us to invite a posse of comedians, in town for the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, to step up to the hospital’s microphone� Performers including Arj Barker, Jimeoin and Akmal Saleh answered questions about developing and testing material, the journey to becoming a comedian and how it feels to get up in front of people and make them laugh�

Our teachers are also skilled in using the hospital’s facilities to promote innovative learning programs� To celebrate Fight Cancer Foundation’s Footy Colours Day, primary students research, write and star in a footy trivia show that is recorded in the hospital’s studios and broadcast to an enthusiastic audience of bed-bound barrackers�

RCH early childhood educator Sonja with Monster Rock contributor Asher

Learning that rocksOur passionate teachers pump up the volume on creativity, rocking their hospital classrooms so that learning rolls on.

7

Visual arts. Music. Opera. Film-making. All these art forms are springboards to learning for the patients who become students in our education programs.

Teaching through the arts is what it’s all about: immersive experiences that encourage children to follow their own lines of inquiry�

‘By nurturing and growing our relationships with a range of arts and cultural organisations, and talented individuals, we offer fresh opportunities to our students to support their individual learning goals,’ explains Head of Communications, Events and Stakeholder Engagement, Bridie Mackay�

Expressing themselves!

Visual arts are a mainstay of our program, thanks in part to the unique opportunities offered by our ambassador, children’s author and illustrator Alison Lester�

The Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) Education Institute is also delighted to be able to draw on the education programs of visual arts institutions like the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV), the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art (ACCA) and the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI)�

Our students explored the whimsical and sometimes psychedelic designs of Australian fashion label Romance Was Born via the Express Yourself! Kids on Tour program, thanks to the NGV and a Children’s Week grant from the Department of Education� In a week-long program at the hospital, students explored colour, pattern and repetition as they contributed to a vast, vibrant mural and joined in a variety of other arts activities�

Music to their ears

Music is integral to our teaching and learning program� Our music teacher, Becky Hall, runs several group learning sessions at the hospital each week, highlighting the links between music, literacy and numeracy�

‘Our music program supports all learning goals, allowing children different ways of representing their thoughts and ideas via the medium of music,’ says Head of Teaching and Learning, Lauren Sayer�

‘Counting and clapping beats complements the way you break words in to syllables to help spelling� Notation works well when studying fractions, and songwriting is such an engaging way to progress literacy skills�’

Our arts partnerships in music are hitting the right notes for our students, giving many of them an entrée to the worlds of classical music and opera�

The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra has collaborated with us since 2013 to present concerts and workshops at the hospital, introducing patients to the instruments, musicians and music of a symphony orchestra�

During the Orchestra’s 2015 Education Week, our patients tuned in for a live stream from the Arts Centre of the interactive and entertaining concert, Meet the Orchestra, with patients playing and singing along to popular pieces from The Incredibles, Star Wars and Beethoven’s Symphony No 5�

Students were thrilled to see The Messy Sea, a watercolour painting by their classmate Brodie, 8, form part of the backdrop to the concert (see page 2)� Students’ artworks, inspired by classical music, had been submitted to the ABC Splash educational website ahead of the event, and selected pieces were projected onto the big screen behind the stage�

This cross-fertilisation of art forms will continue in 2016, with our teachers partnering with The Australian Chamber Orchestra (ACO) to develop and implement a tailor-made music and visual arts program for the hospital� The program will encourage students to explore their emotive responses to music through visual art�

Our musical trail also has an operatic bent, with the Victorian Opera presenting tailored events in the hospital since 2013: most recently, a mesmerising performance of Hansel and Gretel, which was simulcast to children on the wards� The RCH patients have also relished the chance to participate in pre-performance workshops with Victorian Opera singers, learning about music-making and the rich cultural history of opera�

Music educators from not-for-profit organisation The Song Room partner with our teachers to present a collaborative program that supports patients to develop soundtracks for films and to produce music electronically using a variety of iPad and tablet applications�

‘ I usually paint inside the lines but this music made me want to splat!’RCH patient and student Eloise

RCH patient and student Hunter joins our music teacher, Becky, in a songwriting session—a fun and

engaging way to progress literacy skills

‘ The positive academic and social impact of a quality arts education has long been recognised; academic achievement, school attendance and social cohesion are all enhanced when an imaginative lens is applied to the way children learn�’Head of Policy and Research, Tony Barnett

Smart artsThe arts throw open doors for our little learners. Patients bound through into new, imaginary worlds where they create, discover, explore…and learn.

Collaborative artwork by RCH patients, inspired by the NGV’s Express Yourself! exhibition

9

At The Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) Education Institute, our teachers put enormous effort into tailoring our program to fit students’ various learning profiles, rates of learning, individual interests and, of course, the constraints imposed by health issues.

We chiefly provide a group learning environment—reflecting the importance of social, as well as academic, competencies—with a strong emphasis on personalised goals and strategies�

‘Collaborative learning with their peers allows students to talk, argue, reason, share and laugh as they learn from and with each other,’ says Head of Operations, Education Support, Ross Dullard�

‘Learning is a social process and, with careful planning and facilitation, our teachers often see a random group of individuals transformed into a supportive learning community�’

We now provide more than 50 hours of group learning every week, up from 12�5 hours in mid-2014�

Working to a personalised plan

Some 95 per cent of our students have an individual learning plan (ILP) if they participate in three or more learning sessions with us�

Our teachers prepare each ILP in consultation with the patient, his or her school and, as required from a medical perspective, an interdisciplinary team at the hospital�

The ILPs capture students’ passions, enabling teachers to successfully engage the students in a range of learning activities�

The plans are shared with parents and sent to the student’s regular school, creating a link between the learning environments�

In group learning sessions, learning intentions are displayed so that students can see—literally—what they’re trying to achieve, and can reflect on how that supports their own learning plan�

‘We provide a learning environment where our students are challenged, but also supported� We promote independence and self-motivation; we want students to have a sense of accountability for their own learning� It’s great to see kids quickly grasp that they can learn anywhere at any time,’ says Head of Teaching and Learning, Lauren Sayer�

students in the past year

of students have individual learning plans developed by our teachers

hours of group learning each week

RCH patient and student Lorenzo

50+

2,295

95%

Our teachers are skilled at capturing patients’ passions: like Lorenzo’s love of Shaun Tan’s book The Lost Thing, which inspired his amazing sculpture�

Cut to fitWe develop individual learning plans because every student is unique.

11

Word nerds and number crunchersGetting hospital treatment doesn’t mean getting left behind in maths and literacy.

‘ In group learning sessions, the students dig out their best material, talk about it, and experiment with new kinds of writing�’RCH Education Institute teacher Hamish MacLeod

Proudly published

Our book projects transform our little learners into published authors and illustrators, and we’re building quite a library, with eight publishing projects since 2012, including Monster Rock (see page 6).

Other recent releases include There’s a Park Outside My Window, which celebrates the sights and sounds of our neighbouring parkland, From Here to There, a pack-your-bags adventure about travel, and A Feast in Peggy Village, a delicious exploration of food.

Guided by our primary and kindergarten teachers, these publishing projects help children to develop literacy and problem-solving skills and encourage young learners to explore a variety of art techniques for creative expression.

‘Our books are a real celebration of the learning that takes place in the hospital. They’re a tangible message that children’s work is worth treasuring—and it’s a joy to see other kids love them and learn from them,’ says Head of Communications, Events and Stakeholder Engagement, Bridie Mackay.

Many thanks to Kids’ Own Publishing for their role in bringing two of these books to life, and to the sponsors who each supported one of these publications: Sovereign Financial, Specsavers, and Monday Morning Cooking Club.

We’re also grateful to our friends at Scholastic Australia, who generously donated a book for every inpatient to celebrate International Book Giving Day, which aims to increase children’s access to, and enthusiasm for, books.

While our teaching at The Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) is done through a creative lens, there’s a strong emphasis on core skills. Learning intentions are displayed—big and bold—in every class, guiding students on the purpose of the session.

Our program is shaped by the Australian Curriculum—in particular, the General Capabilities, which include literacy and numeracy� Each student’s individual learning plan (ILP) has a literacy goal focused on reading, writing or oral language—or a combination of all three—and numeracy� In line with best practice in teacher professional learning, we also provide regular, quality coaching for our teachers, so they’re highly capable and confident in delivering our programs�

Inspiring writers

We are unleashing our students’ ‘writer within’ via spiral-bound notebooks, which they’re encouraged to personalise� These Writers’ Notebooks are central to our literacy program, with students prompted to write daily� They can jot down personal thoughts, plans, brilliant ideas, memories, favourite quotes—whatever tickles their fancy� These seeds are planted in the notebooks and can be grown into writing pieces at a later date�

‘The Writers’ Notebook project focuses on developing the student’s voice as a writer,’ says RCH teacher Hamish MacLeod� ‘The adolescent students have so many good ideas and are developing their opinions and understanding of where they fit in the world, but they stumble when they have to express all this in writing� The Writers’ Notebooks are about practising this in a natural way, using personal topics�’

Our collaborative literacy program with KOALA Kids, a project of the Children’s Cancer Foundation, allows kids in long-term cancer treatment to access fabulous materials to write or draw every day� KOALA Kids generously provides pens and pencils, a journal and a book bag, plus books galore� Each month a visiting children’s author partners with one of our teachers to encourage children and young people to read and discuss books for pleasure�

Letting maths ideas fly

Maths is also taught with a creative bent, with paper planes a soaring hit on the hospital’s Main Street�

‘The kids measured how far their planes flew, and they learned that their decisions about design had an impact on the outcome,’ says RCH teacher Oliver Harris� ‘They became increasingly aware that engineers and technicians must change and refine their ideas to achieve success�’

Our students’ maths learning is not all fun and games� Serious, senior numeracy is also on offer� With the support of our dedicated volunteers—all qualified teachers or in the final year of their studies—we’re able to meet students’ specific learning needs� VCE trigonometry, vectors in three dimensions or statistical inference? We’ve got it covered!

RCH patient and student Tamara personalises her Writer’s Notebook

13

The Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) Education Institute plays a unique role in providing a continuum of learning for chronically-ill kids as they traverse from hospital to home to school and, often, back again. We believe that education is a community-wide responsibility, so we aim to connect the child’s community to support their learning.

We partner with a patient’s school or kindergarten to bridge the gap between their hospital stay and their return� We advise parents on how they can support learning while their child is in hospital or recovering at home� And we guide students on ways they can stay connected with their friends and classmates, for an easier transition back to the classroom� Our focus on group learning also allows patients to connect with their age peers�

‘We liaise with a student’s regular teacher about their learning needs, seeking their input to develop an individual learning plan� We’re also a source of information for the teacher� It’s a big ask to expect them to know what resources might be available to help a chronically-ill child—we provide a much-needed link there,’ explains Head of Operations, Education Support, Ross Dullard�

Engaging parents in their child’s learning

Connecting with parents is equally important: research shows there are clear, measurable benefits for children when their parents are actively engaged in their learning� Various studies have shown that this influence appears to outweigh factors such as parental education, socioeconomic background or the quality of the child’s schooling�

‘We help parents connect to the patient’s learning, whether that’s offering tips on what they can do themselves to help their child, in hospital or at home, or responding to questions about further educational support for a student’s transition back to school� Our advice and support will depend on what’s needed� Sometimes the biggest difference we can make is boosting a parent’s confidence in talking to the school,’ says Ross�

Connecting learners, peers and teachers

Our teachers use online portfolios (e-portfolios) to store students’ work and to track progress against learning goals, making these a great ‘show and tell’ tool to share with parents and teachers�

RCH primary teacher Ali Klazinga has been working with student Josh on-and-off over a couple of years, and his e-portfolio is a vibrant record of his learning� Originally used by Josh to review and reflect on his progress, it also became a great way to share his work with his peers at school, to help maintain a connection with his classmates, and to reassure Josh that his regular teacher valued his in-hospital learning� Josh’s teacher also found the e-portfolio a useful tool when planning for his return to school, using it to assess strengths and challenges�

The RCH Education Institute team also manages arrangements for patients to take their exams from hospital� William, who has had a long association with the RCH, says, ‘When I had an unexpected admission to hospital it was a huge relief to know that (RCH teacher) Naomi was there to help coordinate with the University so that I could sit my exams in hospital� I was able to study and prepare as well as look after my health, all in the one location, which made it one hundred times less stressful�’

Our approach: backed by research

‘There is now an overwhelming body of evidence that identifies feeling isolated or lonely as one of the biggest predictors of students’ disengagement from education and learning,’ says RCH Education Institute’s Head of Policy and Research, Tony Barnett�

‘This underlines why it’s so important to keep patients connected to their school, teachers and peers�

‘Consultation with patients, their parents, education professionals and junior medical doctors also told us that good communication between hospital teachers, school teachers, regional support services and families is essential to meeting patients’ educational needs�

‘We also heard loud and clear that parents need assistance to advocate for, and have an active role in, the child’s learning�’

Mind the gap!Hospital. Home. School. We join the dots so patients feel connected to their learning—wherever it happens.

‘I can’t work in my hospital room, it’s too hard� It’s just so quiet� I need the atmosphere of the group!’RCH patient and student Jera

RCH patient and student Jera enjoys group learning with RCH teacher Erin

15

The Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) Education Institute provides stimulating and authentic experiences for young people to explore real world concepts and ideas—so that their minds leap beyond the constraints of their physical environment.

We offer open-ended learning opportunities, like the student photography project that culminated in the stunning exhibition, Raw and Unfiltered�

Renowned celebrity photographer Gina Milicia generously volunteered her time so that our secondary students could develop their skills in digital photography and post-production� If a picture’s worth a thousand words, these images speak volumes�

The Writers’ Notebooks used in our literacy program also help students to explore real world learning�

‘Students can write about their family or pets, their memories or observations, whatever interests them, whatever they find easy,’ says RCH teacher Hamish MacLeod�

‘Ideas are then shared and workshopped in group writing sessions� It can work really well because the kids have a personal connection to what they’re doing� They explore their understanding of the world in these notebooks�’

Keeping it realWe inspire our students to see past the hospital’s walls to the wide world beyond.

‘Photography is extremely effective

for re-engaging kids who feel

disconnected from more traditional

forms of education�’RCH Education Institute teacher

Naomi McBride

Cooking up a storm

Our primary teachers are also skilled at cooking up real world projects focused on student-led planning and problem-solving—both important aspects of inquiry-based learning�

What looked, to the untrained eye, like a simple cupcake stall in the hospital’s Main Street reflected four months of student effort: from planning the menu, working with our Allied Health team to get approval to use the hospital kitchen, calculating quantities, through to securing a City of Melbourne food permit so they could sell the treats to the public�

Katie by RCH patient and student RosieImage from the Raw and Unfiltered photography exhibition by RCH patient and student Alicia (detail)

Image by RCH patient and student Rosie

Image by RCH patient and student Patsy

Bringing the world inside

Thanks to RCH Education Institute events at the hospital, our students don’t have to miss out on educational play just because they’re away�

We take ‘real world’ events like National Science Week and Children’s Book Week, celebrated at schools and pre-schools across Australia, and create a program tailored for RCH patients�

During science and technology celebrations, patients investigated the science of movement, delighting in hands-on activities facilitated by our teachers and team members from the RCH Laboratory Services: making simple motors with magnets, experimenting with electronic circuits using play dough, and peering through microscopes�

Another great example is National Simultaneous Storytime, an annual event of the Australian Library and Information Association that attracts thousands of young readers across the country to

read the same Australian picture book at the same time� This year, master storyteller Aaron Blabey hosted the event at the RCH, captivating patients as he read his book The Brothers Quibble� Thanks to the generosity of Penguin Australia, there were no quibbles from inpatients: every child was given a copy of the book so they could follow along from the wards, via a live simulcast on RCH TV�

Similarly, our students have been able to participate in Cultural Diversity Week, courtesy of creative activities that the Immigration Museum kindly brought to the hospital�

To celebrate NAIDOC week, Aboriginal artist Jida Gulpilil sourced Indigenous grasses from the gum-studded landscape that surrounds the hospital and helped the children to create traditional grass bracelets—literally bringing the outside in�

17

Motivating with movie-making

Our teachers at the RCH are skilled at using technology to supplement, and show off, students’ storytelling skills.

We roll out the red carpet for Jumbunna Short Film Festival, an annual event at the hospital where patients get to see their own small productions light up the big screen. Our students complete the entire filmmaking process, from researching genres through to scripting, storyboarding, editing, filming, casting, and then editing the final product.

Head of Teaching and Learning, Lauren Sayer, says, ‘Learning about filmmaking is a great way to develop understanding of storytelling and to enhance knowledge of how different modes of expression can be combined to make meaning. Our students get a lot out of it: teenagers right down to the three-year-olds.’

Our movie-makers are now ready for a wider audience, via the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI). Our teachers are sharing with students the new tricks they’ve learned in ACMI-run sessions on sound recording, camera angles, and green screens, and they have submitted students’ films to ACMI’s annual Screen It competition.

Our teachers have also undertaken professional development in music, learning to use the GarageBand music creation app so they can teach patients to play, mix and record their own songs and soundtracks.

Skype brings the art to us

Technology is also supporting our visual arts program� A collaboration with the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art (ACCA) is bringing arts workshops to the hospital classroom via Skype (live video chat)�

‘It’s great that our secondary students can benefit from ACCA’s VCE Education Program� Our arts partnerships give the kids access to cool stuff happening across Melbourne, and technology brings us what can’t be transported,’ says RCH teacher Erin O’Rourke�

‘We’re delighted to have developed a new app that puts the hospital—and some of its behind-the-scenes action—at kids’ fingertips,’ says Head of Communications, Events and Stakeholder Engagement, Bridie Mackay.

Ed and the Curious Crew takes children on an adventure via games and videos that tease out themes including nutrition, philanthropy and sustainability� Take a virtual visit to the RCH kitchen, then create a nutritious meal on-screen or meet the pet therapy pooches who volunteer at the hospital� Fun and free, the app was funded by The Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) Foundation and is supported by teaching resources that prompt creative explorations in the classroom�

This new app complements our award-winning Create Explore Learn, which highlights some of the wonderful features and special creatures that help to make the hospital an exciting place: mischievous meerkats, a kaleidoscopic aquarium and the friendly, four-storey ‘Creature’�

Create Explore Learn has also expanded with the addition of the Wurundjeri creationist story of Bunjil the Eagle, encouraging children to build their own nest artwork to celebrate the things that they care about�

Go to www�rch�org�au/education to download the free apps�

Our new app, Ed and the Curious Crew, takes kids on an educational journey behind-the-scenes at the hospital �

Technology can open new worlds of learning for patients like Cameron, says Ross (Head of Operations, Education Support)

Feeling appyApps. Movie-making. Skype. Our students are keen on the screen, and we use it to full effect as a learning tool.

19

School transitions can be exciting—and nerve-wracking—at the best of times. For a child whose education has been interrupted by ill health, the idea of new routines, new teachers, and new surroundings can be overwhelming—unless they have an experienced guide. Even re-entering a familiar school environment after a stint in hospital can be a major challenge for a young person without the right support.

We coach our students, and their families, to help them navigate these changes so their learning stays on track�

Support to re-enter regular school

Making the transition back to school can be a complex, challenging process for a patient�

‘Research shows that lack of communication between the patient’s family, medical team and school personnel can be a major barrier to a smooth transition back to the regular school environment,’ explains our Head of Policy and Research, Tony Barnett�

This highlights the importance of supporting patients like Dilara (see opposite) to reconnect with school�

Prepping new preps

New research from our team shows that for children who experience chronic illness during the transition to formal schooling, learning and behaviour problems can be ongoing: right through to grade five�

The research, The Impact of Chronic Illness Timing and Persistence at School Entry on Child and Parent Outcomes: Australian Longitudinal Study, published in Academic Paediatrics, also shows that the parents of chronically-ill children have poorer mental health during the transition to school, with mothers showing significantly higher stress levels than fathers� This underlines the importance of creating support mechanisms for each child that takes into account their individual circumstances�

Tony Barnett says, ‘While this study does suggest a lower average performance in learning and behavioural outcomes for sick children, it should not be seen as a prescription for worse outcomes�

It suggests that intervention by our teachers, the practical support that we offer, may make a real difference�’

Supporting senior study

Our teachers also provide valued advice to patients during their final years of schooling� They are always ready to help with exam preparation strategies and information for students who want to seek special consideration for any educational disadvantage resulting from their health� In 2014–15, we contacted 73 of our secondary students to assist them in completing an application for the Special Entry Access Scheme (SEAS)�

Planning for life after high school

We also support and guide adolescents as they transition to higher education and life beyond school� This is familiar turf for all secondary teachers at The Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH), but for Nicole Edwards it’s a specific field of focus�

Nicole works as an Education and Vocation Consultant for ONTrac at Peter Mac Victorian Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Service, offered at Melbourne’s Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre� Through the juicy arts offerings of the SPLICE (Succeed, Participate, Learn, Imagine, Create, Empower) program, which includes visual arts and sculpture, current and former cancer patients are re-engaged with learning, and supported by Nicole as they prepare to enter, or return to, higher education or the workforce�

‘SPLICE is a 12-month program for young people who are at risk of disengaging from learning� We cover topics like how to improve work or study performance, how to manage side effects from treatment; we also explore employment and study options,’ says Nicole�

‘The feedback shows that SPLICE enables young people to establish career goals, improve their confidence and self-esteem, develop a sense of future, and re-establish a sense of belonging�’

The program, established in 2011, is a partnership between ONTrac at Peter Mac and the Centre for Adult Education, with sponsorship by Redkite enabling free participation�

Leaps and boundsStarting school. Entering secondary school. Moving on to tertiary study. We give patients the boost they need to leap over these hurdles and to clear that challenging high bar: returning to the classroom after a long stint on the sidelines.

RCH teacher Morgan visits Dilara at St Michael's Primary School: 'I'm stoked to see her settled back into the classroom'

‘It’s brilliant to know we really helped Dilara by supporting her connections to school life�’For Morgan Wall, and all our teachers at the RCH, teaching is only one aspect of the job.

‘Our priority was ensuring Dilara’s education wasn’t put at further risk due to her health, that she continued learning while she was in hospital. But our ultimate goal was bigger than that: to support her successful transition back to school. She formed a strong attachment to the teachers here at the hospital, which is great, but school is real life,’ Morgan explains.

Dilara visited the hospital for treatment six days a week for many months, and the RCH Education Institute provided personalised learning support for one to two hours a day, based on a learning plan developed with her regular teacher, Michael.

‘Dilara’s schooling had already taken a hit due to her health. She really needed some encouragement: “Get in there and see what you can do! Don’t give up!” We also talked about building friendships at school, that kind of emotional/social development. I guess I taught her that we all need to tap into the right resources; I was a kind of mentor, showing her that education is important.’

For Dilara’s return to school, tapping into the right resources was paramount. In addition to preparing a funding support application, Morgan supported the transition by being the central link between the RCH and Dilara’s school.

‘We all worked as a team: Michael, the St Michael’s student co-ordinator, the Catholic Education Office and I. They were all fabulous, ready to support Dilara; my role was to explain how. It was about collaborating and sharing experience and resources.

‘It’s really rewarding to see Dilara benefit from that.’

21

Our innovation applauded on a global stage

The RCH Education Institute has received international recognition as an Innovative Learning Environment� It’s big kudos from a big name—the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Centre for Educational Research and Innovation—and it follows in-depth analysis of learning environments demonstrated to be highly innovative and effective�

FeedbackAt The Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) Education Institute, we’re constantly looking for ways to refine and improve what we do.

Our Satisfaction Survey for parents and carers provides us with regular, valuable feedback…and some accolades that we’re proud to share:

‘ The teachers were fantastic� They provided space that was both fun and educational� They knew when to push and when not to if my child was too unwell� It really helped keep her head above water during a 10-week admission and made getting back to normal school much easier�’

‘ Would not change anything, it was great for us and our teenager�’

‘ Fantastic group of people making a big difference to sick kids’ lives�’

‘ The RCH teachers offered my daughter the opportunity to come to school at any time she was in the hospital� She felt so comfortable and supported…that she often attends school if she is in the hospital for outpatient appointments, etc� This means she does not miss a whole day of normal school and gets some additional support (and fun) with her learning�’

‘ We have had the privilege of partnering with the RCH Education Institute for more than 10 years, supporting educational resources for students in the Children’s Cancer Centre� This relationship has ensured we are truly working together to meet the needs of children in the Cancer Centre, funding the latest equipment, exceptional teachers and innovative programs that we know will benefit children now and for years to come�’Eric Wright, Managing Director, Fight Cancer Foundation

‘ …a great way to take their mind off the hospital stuff and focus on what they would be doing if not in hospital�’

‘ (Our daughter) loves to catch up with her teachers and they continue to encourage and support her�’

‘Thank you for giving our child and others an opportunity to learn new things� My daughter has a big smile on her face when she sees her teacher walk into the treatment centre�’

‘…a great system of learning and support�’

RCH patient Asher

22

Our BoardThe Royal Children’s Hospital Education Institute is a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee, a controlled entity of The Royal Children’s Hospital. We are governed by a Board of Directors that oversees our policy, direction and governance. Individuals are selected to the Board following nomination.

John Stanway – ChairBEc, GradDip IR, FAICD

Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director Clinical Operations, The Royal Children’s Hospital Director since April 2006

Professor Frank Oberklaid OAMMBBS, MD, FRACP, DCH

Foundation Director, The Royal Children’s Hospital Centre for Community Child Health; Co-Group Leader (Policy, Equity and Translation), Murdoch Childrens Research Institute; Honorary Professor of Paediatrics at the University of Melbourne Director since August 1998

David HugginsBA, DipEd, BSoc Studies, GradDip (Vocational Educational Counselling) MAPs, Vic Psych Reg MACE

Director since August 2000

Professor Field RickardsBSc (Hons), MEd, PhD

Dean, Melbourne Graduate School of Education, the University of Melbourne Director since October 2004

John AllmanDipEd, MEd Management

Director May 2005 – April 2015

Jayne DullardBA (Hons), GAICD

Executive Director Communications, The Royal Children’s Hospital Director since July 2013

The Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) Education Institute acknowledges the support of our key funding body, the Victorian Department of Education and Training.

We extend a warm thank you to the Fight Cancer Foundation for their ongoing financial assistance�

Our sincere thanks also goes to dozens of people and partners, including:

Aaron Blabey

Alison Lester (RCH Education Institute Ambassador)

APN Outdoor

Arts Centre Melbourne

Australian Centre for Contemporary Art

Australian Centre for the Moving Image

Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership

Barry, Dianne and Jennifer Gerrard

Bastow Institute of Educational Leadership

Bialik College

Children’s Cancer Foundation

Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne

Eddie Perfect (RCH Education Institute Ambassador)

Fight Cancer Foundation

Gina Milicia

Good Friday Appeal

Gorman

Harry the Hirer

Immigration Museum

Ink & Spindle

Jumptank

KOALA Kids

Let’s Read

Little Big Shots International Film Festival for Kids

Melbourne Graduate School of Education, the University of Melbourne

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra

Melbourne Zoo

Mitchell and Partners

Monash University

Monday Morning Cooking Club

Music Education Victoria

NAB Workplace Giving

Nancybird Australia

National Gallery of Victoria

North Melbourne Primary School

ONTrac at Peter Mac

Our Lady of Sion College

Paediatric Integrated Cancer Service

Penguin Australia

Posterscope

Professor Stephen Dinham

Redkite

Ronald McDonald House Charities

Royal Flying Doctor Service

Safe Schools Coalition Victoria

Scholastic Australia

Shine Australia

Sovereign Financial

Specsavers

Sportsgirl

Starlight Children’s Foundation

State Library of Victoria

St Michael’s Primary School

Supreme Incursions

The Australian Ballet

The RCH Centre for Adolescent Health

The RCH Centre for Community Child Health

The RCH Department of Nutrition and Food

The RCH Educational Resource Centre

The RCH Family Advisory Council

The RCH Foundation

The RCH Laboratory Services

The RCH Youth Advisory Council (Y@K)

The Song Room

Verso

Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority

Victorian Opera

Victorian Paediatric Rehabilitation Service

Vine Animations

and to our volunteers, to our colleagues in health and education, and—most importantly—to the children, young people and families we support�

Our supportersand friendsOur small team achieves huge things, thanks to the generous support of dozens of people and partners.

‘ I love the way stories take patients to another world, no matter what’s going on in their life�’

Alison Lester RCH Education Institute Ambassador

‘ When you give a child an education, you’re also giving them an identity� It says that they matter, that they’re worthy� I can’t think of a situation where that’s more vital than with a chronically-ill child�’Eddie Perfect RCH Education Institute Ambassador

Alison Lester with RCH patient Eloise

Eddie Perfect with his daughter Kitty at our Monster Rock launch

25