Tynecastle High School IG Event

Overview

In March 2010 Tynecastle High School hosted an intergenerational event on behalf of the City of Edinburgh Council to publicise a survey on intergenerational activities. The event showcased certain current IG projects and 65 delegates from older people’s groups in Edinburgh attended as well as pupils, teachers and guests from the public, voluntary and community sectors. The groups surveyed had interests in gardening, exploring history, the local area and science. There were also senior school pupils attending adult education classes, a lifestyles and health group for people from 6 to 76, money management (budgeting and bills) and caring for babies. The survey had approached 48 schools and centres in Edinburgh.

The event was chaired by the Head Teacher of Tynecastle High School, Tom Rae. He welcomed the opportunity to celebrate the new school, “rooted at the centre of a community”, with its strong local identity where different generations still get along. He recounted a number of anecdotes, drawing parallels between the Curriculum for Excellence (which draws on a range of skills and knowledge from different settings), and intergenerational activity (the bonds linking generations together).

Three specific examples of intergenerational working were showcased.

1. The Citadel Youth Centre and the Pilmeny Development Project made a successful joint application to the Big Lottery to develop the New Spin Project. It will bring older and younger people together for new hobbies and mutual learning experiences.

2. At Wester Hailes Education Centre, school pupils and adult learners have been ‘working in harmony against ageism’. The ‘Free to be your age’ Project brought people together to explore the concept of ageism through song-writing, poster and web design.

3. Through the Schools Retired and Senior Volunteer Programme, over 30 older people are working with pupils in primary schools across Edinburgh in a wide range of activities.

Councillor Marilyne MacLaren, Convenor of Education, Children and Families spoke about the benefits of IG activities. These included building confidence, developing interpersonal skills and relationships, experiential learning about historical events and the local environment, changing attitudes towards responsible citizenship and learning new skills. She stressed the tremendous value in IG work; especially involving vulnerable young people who may land in trouble and who are less likely to be involved in existing activities.