The Minister for Education experienced a ‘day in the life’ of RCH learners.
In June, the Royal Children’s Hospital was delighted to host the Minister for Education, Martin Dixon, during a visit to see the RCH Education Institute in action.
CEO Prof Christine Kilpatrick, Chairman of the RCH Tony Beddison AO, and John Allman, Director of the Education Institute, welcomed the Minister on a tour of the unique learning spaces and activities happening each day at the RCH.
The Community Weave was an appropriate starting point celebrating the community spirit of our GREAT children’s hospital. RCH Education Institute volunteers were on hand to explain how the community weave encourages learning and brings together patients, families, staff and volunteers during the transition to the new RCH.
The Minister was guided through some of the unique learning spaces in the hospital visiting the Ambulatory Care Centre and outpatient clinics where children explored a diverse range of games and information and communication technologies.
In the Learning Space, young people demonstrated how iPads, provided as part of the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (DEECD) iPads For Learning Trial, contribute to learning and shared their progress on collaborative projects such as the ‘Trans Tasman’ project.
The ‘rock hub’ was also a clear favourite with the Minister as students showcased their music skills.
Glenda Strong, Executive Director of the Education Institute was excited to be able give the Minister a glimpse into what a ‘day in the life’ of RCH learners is like,
“It was a pleasure to welcome Minister Dixon to the RCH Education Institute and demonstrate that no matter where children and young people are on their health journey – you never stop being a learner”.
Walking around the hospital, the Minister took time to speak with children, young people and their families about their experiences, and the importance of the work of the Education Institute in continuing children and young people’s learning journey.
A former teacher himself, Minister Dixon was clearly pleased to visit the RCH for the first time since his appointment and impressed by the work of the Education Institute, thanking all involved.
The RCH Education Institute works in partnership with the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development to engage and support children and young people with their education.