The RFDS in TAS

Primary Students

In the Primary School setting we offer opportunities for in-class and excursion based learning. Teachers in registered schools are offered a variety of web based activities, curriculum units, and supporting resources for use in their classrooms. All resources are linked to the Australian Curriculum and are complete with cross curricular links, standards of achievement, lesson plans, assessment tasks and assessment evaluation tools. They are designed to be ready to use. In addition to the in class learning we also offer two excursion opportunities. Registered schools are invited to visit our base in Launceston where students are able to participate in a variety of hands on activities depending on their level. The second excursion opportunity is our Education Simulator which currently visits from Victoria. The interactive aeromedical simulator is a life sized replica of the fuselage of a flying doctor plane. It is fully equipped with stretchers and the medical equipment used daily and includes a cock pit with a flight simulator. Students hear the stories and history of the RFDS and are able to climb on board and pretend to take on a role from patient, to doctor/nurse/paramedic, to pilot.

Secondary Students

Our program for secondary schools differs depending on the level, and is divided into years 7-10 and senior. Junior and Middle Secondary are currently offered experiences within their Careers Education framework. Working in a diverse multifaceted organisation we have a variety of career paths on offer. This makes the RFDS an attractive invitee to careers days where we present talks and run hands on activities. Schools with senior secondary year levels and colleges are offered the opportunity to participate in our Senior Health Studies Presentations. This presentation is based on The Senior Health Studies Curriculum, Unit 3; Health in Australia. The presentation details health issues in rural and remote areas of Australia, investigates the disparity between health outcomes in these areas and outlines the work the Royal Flying Doctor Service is doing to minimise these inequities.

Tertiary Students

Tertiary students in Tasmania, undertaking further education in related areas, are invited to participate in our scholarship program. We currently sponsor 6 scholarships; The Fred McKay Scholarship provides a final year medical student with a two week placement with the RFDS, The Robin Miller RFDS Nursing Scholarship provides a two week placement in Port Augusta to a final year nursing student, The John Flynn Dental Assistant Scholarship provides a two week placement for dental assistants who are studying a Certificate III with TasTAFE and three Commercial Travellers Association (CTA) Student Scholarships which provide 4th year medical students from rural or remote areas with financial assistance to undertake their practical placement.

Non-school based organisations are also invited to access our education programs, with After School Care and Vacation Care programs accessing holiday programs on offer.