To support hospitalised children and adolescents’ continuous learning and smooth transition back to school, teaching service is provided at HKCH by the Hong Kong Red Cross Hospital Schools. The curriculum spans across primary one to secondary six, covering not only academic subjects like Chinese, English and Mathematics, but also Visual Arts, Music, Self-development, etc.

Teachers would liaise with healthcare staff to identify patients who are clinically fit for lessons. They will then adjust the teaching mode and content based on the patients’ needs and ability. There is a designated classroom in the hospital where patients can attend classes together. Bedside teaching is also offered, while those requiring strict infection control could have online lessons.

▲ If conditions allow, patients can attend lessons together in this dedicated classroom located within the ward.

As patients need to have treatment and sufficient rest during their hospital stay, every lesson would only last for 20 to 30 minutes, enabling them to achieve learning objectives within limited time.

Stephanie, an inpatient student said, “My teacher is very kind. She would ask if I feel tired and how long I want the lesson to be. I look forward to my Visual Arts lesson so much!” Her mother also praised the arrangement, “Children can advance academically to prevent them from lagging significantly behind their syllabus. More importantly, they can feel the care and support of others.”

▲ Incorporating virtual reality in teaching enables children to explore the world during their hospital stay. For example, they can “tour” around the Longping Rice Museum in Changsha, Hunan and learn about Chinese farming culture and technology.