Storytelling Across Generations at Kirrawee

Supporting creativity within the wider community

At Kirrawee Public School, storytelling has taken on a new form. The school’s podcasting initiative, led by David Mahoney, Makerspace Teacher, has become a cornerstone of authentic learning and local engagement. As David explained, “As a keen podcast listener, I’ve learnt a lot about topics and of interesting people. Through listening, one can see how podcasting is also a creative method for storytelling, as it allows people to come together and share their stories". For Kirrawee Public School, that spirit of connection has shaped a program that reaches far beyond the classroom.

Listening formed the foundation of the program. Students explored examples of professional podcasts to analyse what makes an interview engaging. They listened to series such as En Route to Paris on Spotify, where athletes shared their personal stories during the Olympics. As David described, "this stage helped students identify the structure of effective questioning and learn when to use each type". Practising these skills in peer interviews allowed students to develop confidence and empathy, as well as the ability to listen actively and respond naturally.

David encouraged teachers to demonstrate interview techniques first, pausing to “think aloud” so students could observe how to craft better follow-up questions. He modelled how to recognise interesting responses and extend them, for instance, noting when someone mentions an unexpected detail and asking them to “tell me more".  Once students had practised with several peers, they were ready for their community interviews. This stage gave them the confidence to lead thoughtful conversations and apply professional skills in a real-world setting.

The highlight of the project came when students visited the local retirement village to conduct their interviews. As David recalled, it was “such a beautiful scene seeing the two demographics come together. The inquisitive nature of youth and the caring, nurturing elderly guiding their interviewer along, education at its best!”. Each student worked with a resident, recording 30 minute interviews filled with personal stories, memories, and reflections. 

Students edited their interviews using WeVideo, learning how to cut, mix and publish their final audio pieces. As David noted, “here, the students have a product of their work which can be used as an artefact of their skills. But more importantly… the residents and their families now have a recorded snapshot of their life that will always be available". The finished podcasts were uploaded to an online platform, creating a lasting archive of community stories and a sense of shared legacy between generations.

Throughout the process, students developed vital interpersonal and technical skills. David explained that “interpersonal skills such as communication, active listening and showing empathy are big skills that are challenged and we have seen develop”. Many also gained confidence in speaking and interviewing, growth that will serve them well in future experiences such as high school interviews and job applications. By stepping into the role of journalists, editors and storytellers, students began to see real-world pathways in media, communication, and creative industries.

Reflecting on the project’s success, David believes the outcomes speak for themselves. His advice to others is to start small and embrace the learning journey. “Give the project time. Play around with the tools and app first. Students will surprise you both technically and when communicating with their subjects,  this is the touching part". For Kirrawee Public School, podcasting has proven to be more than a digital exercise, it’s a bridge between generations and a celebration of storytelling at its most human.