SUTHERLAND Hospital School celebrated its 50th anniversary on Thursday, much to the delight of sick children and their carers.
It is run by the NSW Department of Education and Communities for patients aged 5-18.
Children work in groups or on individual projects in the school room on the child and adolescent ward.
Lessons are based on the NSW primary school curriculum and high school syllabus.
Principal Jacqueline Conwell, of Cronulla, said the school helped children feel better about being in hospital.
"Having a school gives the children a sense of normalcy, and provides a continuum of learning," she said.
The school room is equipped with a mini library, computer lab and teaching resources funded by the Education Department.
"It takes the focus off the illness," Mrs Conwell said.
Patient Abbey Harmston, 5, of Illawong, was busy decorating a jewellery box with glitter paint when the Leader visited on Thursday.
Abbey's mother Jo said the school was a wonderful resource.
Lessons can be modified to suit patients.
The school also works closely with home school educators to help children who have missed out on a lot of school due to illness get back into learning.
Not every hospital in NSW has a school; the South Eastern Sydney Local Health District supports the school at Sutherland Hospital.