A Window of Wonder - An Insight into Intergenerational Learning in the Irish Second-Level Education System

Oct 15, 2026

Uploaded by Đào

A window of wonder presents Living Scenes, an intergenerational learning programme operating in selected Irish second-level schools for thirteen years. The paper outlines the initiative’s structure, then examines its hidden curriculum and how it transmits culture within an educational setting. It frames intergenerational learning as an antidote to Ireland’s competitive, results-driven system, emphasizing social capital and the value-led, community-based approach of the schools.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages17

Reading Time43 min

AccessFree to download

Abstract

Introduction

Living Scenes: An intergenerational programme of learning

Key features of Living Scenes

Aim

Teaching methodology and content

The hidden curriculum

A window of wonder: An insight into intergenerational learning in the Irish second-level education system mary surlis, national university of ireland, galway Abstract This paper introduces Living Scenes, and intergenerational programme of learning which has been in operation in selected schools in Ireland for the last thirteen years. An overview of the programme is followed by a description of the hidden curriculum and the transmission of arbitrary culture in an educational context. This is followed by an introduction to intergenerational learning as an antidote to the competitive and results driven Irish second-level education system exploring the potential of investing in social capital in schools. Introduction Living Scenes is a collaborative education initiative, involving schools, teenagers and older adults, working together within a community learning environment. It encourages, supports and accommodates active experiential learning among participants of the programme, thus eliciting specific learning outcomes from the curriculum based objectives ofthe programme. Living Scenes: An intergenerational programme of learning Living Scenes seeks to promote and cultivate the enriching relationship that has been established in the course of the programme’s thirteen year history. The concept of intergenerational learning in a school-based setting with a devised and planned curriculum is relatively uncharted territory in this country and abroad. The changing socio-economic landscape that is now an integral part of Ireland’s development as member of the European Union brings its own burdens on family and community life. The effects of this change have permeated every aspect of society. Increasingly, parents, professionals and educators find themselves experiencing the dilemmas associated with a populace that is struggling with identity and values. Through its value-led approach in traditional and community-based education, Living Scenes seeks to highlight the need for re-establishing and preserving Irish heritage and cultural identity whilst embracing the ever-changing multicultural dimension of our society. The programme takes into consideration and responds to the needs of younger and older adults in our society through a specifically designed curriculum that provides a platform for equal expression from both groups. Strong emphasis is placed on the holistic development of the participants. In an intergenerational context equality of opportunity, empowerment and personal development are promoted and encouraged. The objectives of the programme are: to discover common links between generations that are perceived as diverse; to foster and promote mutual respect; furthermore, to empower both groups through consultation to actively participate in the development of the curriculum, thus developing a sense of ownership of a non-hierarchical nature within the programme. Living Scenes is transferable in nature and is responsive to the needs of a fast-changing society. Key features of Living Scenes Aim The aim of Living Scenes is to promote the sharing of culture, heritage, tradition and experiences between two diverse generations through a structured programme of work. The perceived barriers of age, social background, culture and inequality are addressed and engaged in the course of the programme. The curriculum process is consultative and participative in nature and aims to promote reciprocal learning and experience. The intergenerational focus of the programme seeks to create a climate in which the participants will develop interpersonal skills, self-realisation, character building skills and cross-generational awareness and respect, which are encouraged in practical terms through application and self-expression in the four identified modules of Living Scenes, Art, Music, Drama and Writing. Teaching methodology and content Adopting an open, inclusive and consultative approach is one of the key aspects of this

FAQs

What is Living Scenes and what problem does it address?

Living Scenes is a collaborative, school-based intergenerational programme linking teenagers and older adults. It is positioned as a response to the competitive, results-driven Irish second-level education system.

How does Living Scenes structure learning and participation?

The programme uses a devised, planned curriculum that supports equal expression from both groups. It emphasizes consultative, participative work and reciprocal learning across four modules: Art, Music, Drama, and Writing.

What teaching methodology and learning principles are emphasized?

Living Scenes adopts an open, inclusive, consultative approach with a non-hierarchical, non-judgmental stance. It is grounded in a multiple intelligence approach, along with self-directed, integrated, and lifelong learning principles.

Oct 15, 2026

Uploaded by Đào