The Year 12 VCE VM Personal Development Skills (VM PDS) cohort has just concluded an inspiring intergenerational project, ‘Stories From My Life’ (SFML). Run in partnership with the Banyule Nillumbik Local Learning and Employment Network, the program connects students with older members of the community, including residents of aged care facilities, to capture their life and career stories.
Through a series of interviews with six residents of the Ivanhoe Grand Care Community, our students have uncovered rich histories, personal achievements and insights into the changes and challenges experienced over a lifetime.
The project addresses a key Unit 4 PDS outcome: participation in an extended community initiative focused on cultural, social, economic or environmental issues. Our chosen focus is social connection and community awareness, exploring how storytelling can bridge generational divides and strengthen community bonds.
Our VCE VM students developed interview questions, conducted conversations and collated stories into a hardcover book, which was gifted to the residents at a celebration this week. Along the way, they have built vital skills in research, communication, empathy and collaboration while learning to value the lived experiences of our elders.
It has been a joy seeing moments of laughter and recognition shared between generations and a reminder of how much we can learn from one another.
As the project concluded, we enjoyed celebrating with the residents, honouring their stories and recognising the powerful bridges built between generations.
Ms Suzie Bradmore
VCE VM Teacher
