Intergenerational learning with Sky Academy

A day of collaboration, creativity, and community with Age Scotland and Spark at the Sky Academy studios in Livingston.

It’s not every day you get to spend an afternoon in a film studio, learning about creating, directing, and producing media content alongside members of the local community and guided by the experts at Sky Up Academy Studios.

Here at Age Scotland, we love any opportunity to connect older people in the community, and working with Sky Up Academy Studios in Livingston provided just that. This was a truly intergenerational event that included our older members and young people aged from just 6 years old to 17 years old. 

Most cast members were from Spark, a charitable group based in Craigshill, Livingston. Spark are one of Age Scotland’s many community group members, providing social connections for older people in the area as well as a social enterprise and activities for younger generations. The common purpose is providing opportunities for people to get together in person, combating isolation and loneliness in Craigshill. 

The main purpose of the afternoon was working together to create video features in the format of news reports on topics that are important to older generations. With faces young and old, behind and in front of the camera, and taking various production roles such as directors and producers, the group worked across 4 different studios and discussed important issues such as the cost of living, health and wellbeing, digital exclusion, and politics. 

Many of the discussions were led by the younger members, asking their older peers about their own experiences, offering a fantastic learning opportunity for all. The conversations were all captured on camera and will be edited into short clips that Age Scotland can use to help amplify the voices and opinions of older people and some of the challenges they face.  From politicians and policy makers to funders and colleagues, the content gathered will help to shape future services and support offered by organisations like Age Scotland and Spark.

Sky has been supporting Age Scotland via their Sky Cares programme since 2019. The partnership includes everything from Sky staff taking part in fundraising events through to staff volunteering as callers on our friendship line. The Sky Up Academy Studios in Livingston includes cutting-edge studios designed for children and young people aged 8-18 to develop their digital and media literacy skills.  

Nishy Lall, Group Head of Youth & Social Impact at Sky, said:

"Sky Up Academy Studios in Livingston has empowered over 80,000 young people across Scotland, equipping them with vital transferable skills like communication, collaboration, and creativity.

Witnessing these skills come to life during the intergenerational day was truly inspiring — every participant, young and old, had the chance to get hands-on with the tech and share their unique stories. It was a powerful reminder of the impact of inclusive, skills-based learning experiences no matter what age."

Age Scotland has been working with Spark for many years.  As a member of Age Scotland, Spark receives advice and support via our community development programme, plus access to additional funding opportunities.

Kirsty Robertson, Activities and Volunteer Co-ordinator at Spark said:

"It’s always a pleasure to be involved in Age Scotland UK’s activities, and collaborating with SKY made this intergenerational project particularly special. Our Spark members had a truly memorable experience.

The children’s thoughtful questions and confident interviewing really got them thinking - they were genuinely impressed. It was a hugely positive experience for everyone involved."