Walker program
The Walker learning centre, located within the grounds of Concord Hospital, provides a supportive educational environment for students in years 7 to 12 who are admitted through the Concord Centre for Mental Health (Department of Health). The Walker unit has a multidisciplinary team consisting of adolescent mental health specific nursing, allied health, medical professionals, teachers and school learning support officers (SLSOs). Students participate in a variety of daily activities, one of them being the learning centre.
The teachers and SLSOs assist students by providing access to a continuing academic program appropriate for each young person, liaising with medical professionals, school staff, family and community support personnel.
All students in the learning centre have a Personalised Learning Support Plan consisting of schoolwork in line with NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) curriculum. Their study may combine home school, Sydney Distance Education School, OTEN, TAFE or Rivendell units of work targeted to the appropriate year level. Students may also participate in an integration program within the broader Rivendell campus, school workshops, timetabled sport or a transition back into their home school.
Academic Program
- At Rivendell School, all students learning and welfare is managed using a Personalised Learning Support Plan (PLSP)
- PLSPs can incorporate units of study through Sydney Distance Education High School, the student’s mainstream school and/or Rivendell
- Students who are 15 or over may also access courses at TAFE
- Students may be able to access the Rivendell School Sport and Workshop Programs once they are able to have leave onto the grounds of Rivendell
Integration/Transition
- Many young people have not attended school for an extended period before coming to Walker. On the ward, we have a learning centre staffed by teachers from Rivendell School. Rivendell is part of a network of Schools for Specific Purposes (SSP).
- When planning for a young person to transition out of the hospital, our school teachers and the Walker team work together to identify the most suitable school. Once a school has been chosen, we meet with the principal, school counsellor, and teachers to develop a transition plan for the young person to return to school. The Walker team also provides ongoing support to help the young person and the school address any challenges.
- Typically, the young person begins by attending school for one class per week, gradually increasing their attendance over time. As they spend more time at school, their transition shifts from hospital-based to home-based. During this phase, family support is often needed to assist with transportation, such as dropping off and picking up the young person.
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