Through qualitative interviews and self-administrated online surveys, this study critically examines how 104 first-year student teachers experience The Scottish Storyline Approach, a cross-curricular approach to teaching and learning. Framed by Dewey's (2005) concept of experience, The Storyline Approach is discussed as a possible didactic tool for making teaching and learning meaningful. Although not all students experience Storyline as positive, this study finds that the majority of the students report Storyline as relevant for their future profession. •The demands on teachers of the 21st century require alternative approaches to teaching and learning.•Storyline provides one alternative approach to teaching and learning for student teachers in their education.•71% student teachers described their experience with The Storyline Approach as good or excellent.•86% student teachers experience The Storyline Approach as relevant for their future profession.•Experiencing The Storyline Approach influences student teachers' attitude towards implementing Storyline in the future.