Who wants to go to school when they’re feeling poorly? Not many people. But when you’re stuck in hospital it can be amazing. You get to make friends, have fun and learn new skills – and wear your pyjamas in class!
Did you know that lots of hospitals have schools and teachers right there inside them? And they even have people whose job it is just to play games with you!
It’s all been set up so kids who are sick don’t miss too many lessons – and don’t get too bored. But it might not be quite like the school you normally go to. Let’s visit one and check it out.
Big and bright
The school at Great Ormond Street Hospital, in London, is a big bright room. There are colourful pictures all over the walls – dinosaurs, animals, kings and queens and photos of all the people who work there. Bits of art made by the pupils hang down from the ceiling on string. And there are computers and other hi-tec gadgets set up.
Des, who is 11, likes the school.
“With the maths lesson, it’s not like a maths lesson at my school. It’s more like art. It’s good fun and that’s what counts – but you still learn a lot.
“It’s really important that it is here and there’s a good range of stuff to do,” he says.
New friends
Val Miller is the assistant head teacher. She thinks the school is a great place to meet people.
“If you’re in hospital and you can make it to the school, you should go because it is fun. Everyone feels shy at first but after the first lesson they realise everyone is in the same boat. And they can come to school in their pyjamas,” she says.
Amazing visitors
As well as lessons in maths and English, the school has lots of visitors. One day a musician might come in and play some tunes. Another day, someone from a museum might bring in ancient artefacts. Then you might do a play with actors from a nearby theatre, not to mention cooking lessons with a celebrity chef!
You actually don’t have to go to school when you are in hospital. But lots of kids do because it is fun. And if you can’t make it to the classroom then a teacher can visit you on the ward.
Val says: “Everything is done to make you feel welcome and comfortable. Some people come for months and months and others just come for a few days.”
Brothers and sisters
Unfortunately, there isn't the space for brothers and sisters to come to the hospital school too.
But if you know you are going to be away from home for a long time, ask your family to speak to the hospital school headteacher. They will then tell you whether your brother or sister can join you.
The Centre
Next door to the school is the Centre. It’s full of toys, games and space to chill-out.
Tom, 11, was playing a game of pool when we visited.
“I have just discovered it and it’s great fun. There are lots of different activities around which you can play with friends or make new friends,” he says. “It’s important to have something like this in hospital. You have to keep patients active or they get bored.”
Playing about
In the Centre there are lots of people to help you relax, learn new things and have fun.
The staff know all sorts of games. They’ll help you find something you enjoy doing – or find you all the things you need for your favourite hobby. We’ve got games consoles (Xbox, Wii, Dsi), iPads, pool/football tables and lots and lots of arts and crafts activities.
Don’t get bored!
Sometimes you will be surprised at how much fun you can have in hospital. Can you believe that some children don’t even want to go home? You may learn something new, meet a new friend, pickup a new hobby. What’s definite is that you will have lots of fun!
