Scones & Stories Outcomes:
Stage 4

Outcome: PH4-RRL-01: Explains and applies strategies for promoting safe and respectful relationships in a range of contexts. 

Students:

• demonstrate empathy and respect when communicating with others 
• consider perspectives and experiences different from their own 
• apply active listening and effective communication skills 
• recognise behaviours that promote inclusion, dignity and respect 
• adapt communication to different people and social situations 

How this is addressed in Scones & Stories 

Students prepare for and participate in meaningful conversations with older Australians. They practise active listening, asking appropriate questions, showing genuine interest and responding respectfully to residents’ experiences. The intergenerational setting gives students an authentic opportunity to apply respectful relationship skills with people outside their usual peer and family groups. Students discover that empathy, patience, communication and genuine curiosity can help build meaningful relationships across generations. 

Outcome: PH4-IBC-01: Investigates and explains factors that shape identity and sense of belonging. 

Students:

• investigate factors that contribute to identity and belonging 
• explore the importance of social connection 
• consider how relationships and community participation influence belonging 
• examine the importance of feeling valued and connected 
• consider how participation in community activities can strengthen a sense of belonging 

How this is addressed in Scones & Stories 

Students explore the universal importance of connection, belonging and feeling valued, regardless of age. Through their interactions with aged-care residents, students consider the importance of maintaining social connections as people move through different stages of life. Students also reflect on their own place within their community and recognise how volunteering and connecting with others can strengthen their own sense of purpose and belonging. 

Outcome: PH4-SMI-01: Refines and applies self-management and interpersonal skills to manage complex situations. 

Students:

• apply interpersonal and communication skills in unfamiliar situations 
• demonstrate active listening 
• initiate and maintain conversations 
• adapt communication to suit different people and contexts 
• demonstrate confidence and initiative 
• respond appropriately to social cues 
• reflect on the effectiveness of their interpersonal skills 

How this is addressed in Scones & Stories 

For many students, interacting independently with older Australians in an aged-care environment is a new social context. Students need to initiate conversations, listen carefully, ask follow-up questions and adapt their communication based on the person they are speaking with. This provides a genuine real-world opportunity to develop confidence, communication and interpersonal skills beyond interactions with their usual peer group. 

Outcome: HI4-SOU-01: Uses evidence from sources to support historical accounts and explanations about the past. 

Students:

• engage with oral histories as historical sources 
• gather information from people’s recollections and experiences 
• ask questions to obtain information about the past 
• identify information within a source that provides evidence about past experiences 
• compare past experiences with contemporary life 
• use information gathered from conversations to communicate an understanding of the past 

How this is addressed in Scones & Stories 

Students engage directly with older Australians and use their personal recollections and stories as oral-history sources. Students can ask residents questions about: 

• childhood and family life 
• school 
• work 
• entertainment 
• technology 
• significant events 
• transport 
• communication 
• their local community

Students then use these stories to develop an understanding of how everyday life has changed across generations. 

Outcome: HI4-CPP-01: Describes different contexts and perspectives of the past. 

Students:

• recognise that people’s experiences of the past differ 
• explore different perspectives and lived experiences 
• consider how age, place, family and circumstances influence people’s experiences 
• listen to different accounts of past events and everyday life 
• develop empathy when considering people’s experiences in different contexts 

How this is addressed in Scones & Stories 

Students hear first-hand accounts from different older Australians, helping them recognise that there is no single experience of the past. Residents may have grown up in different locations, family circumstances, cultures or time periods and therefore have very different memories and perspectives. Students learn to listen to and value these different experiences and recognise that understanding history involves considering multiple voices and perspectives.