Accessible learning for Queensland Children's Hospital School students through 'Live at the Library'
By Rachael Ryan | 1 December 2023
State Library of Queensland’s 'Live at the Library' program has provided students at Queensland Children’s Hospital School (QCHS) an opportunity to explore Queensland's history without the need to leave the hospital premises.
QCHS provides educational programs to school-aged children impacted by hospitalisation, including patients and family members of patients undergoing treatment in hospitals across Queensland.
Some of my students are unable to leave the hospital due to their medical conditions so an excursion would not be possible. 'Live at the Library' is a truly engaging and inclusive experience for all.
'Live at the Library' workshops provide students with opportunities to analyse primary sources from State Library's heritage collection and to learn research methods and strategies that will help them succeed in their assessments. Students from QCHS have participated in workshops across a range of curriculum-aligned topics, including the contributions of Queensland women during WWI and WWII; significant Vikings and their influences in the present day; the historical context of Banjo Patterson's ‘Waltzing Matilda’; and stories of Aboriginal resistance.
Queensland Children’s Hospital School students showcase dioramas inspired by Banjo Paterson’s Waltzing Matilda during a 'Live at the Library' workshop.
'Live at the Library' workshops harness modern technology to provide a dynamic and accessible means for students to stay connected with learning beyond the hospital setting. Each workshop is purposefully designed in response to students’ individual learning needs, as well as the specific subject matter they are studying in class.
I loved the way that the presenter linked our classroom learning to the relevant historical events in Queensland. It helped enormously with the students' assessment task. She showed the students amazing resources such as photos, paintings and artefacts that provided evidence of the historical figures and events they have been learning about.
Gratitude card made by Queensland Children’s Hospital School student displaying an artefact from State Library’s collection.
I have already recommended 'Live at the Library' to my teaching colleagues. I can't thank you enough for this wonderful initiative. It has made the State Library accessible to all.
We look forward to continuing to provide opportunities for students in diverse educational settings to access and explore State Library’s collections in 2024. 'Live at the Library' bookings are now open for 2024.
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