Big Picture Learning

Each term, students create their own Personalised Learning Plan in collaboration with their Advisory Teacher and family. Their learning is shaped around 6 Big Picture Learning Goals:

• Knowing how to learn
• Personal qualities
• Quantitative reasoning
• Empirical reasoning
• Communication
• Social reasoning

These goals reflect key skills for life, learning and employability in the modern world

Big Picture Learning design is a dynamic approach to learning, doing and thinking. The program is based on three foundational principles:

• first, that learning must be based on the interests and goals of each student;
• secondly, a student’s learning experiences must be relevant to people and places that exist in the real world making connections to the communities in which they live;
• finally, that a student’s abilities are demonstrated authentically by the quality of her or his work.

The Big Picture Learning program is founded on flexible and negotiated, highly individualised learning plans. Parental involvement is encouraged to support the learning and real-life immersion of students.

Big Picture students learn through projects, community action, field trips, and internships—all based on their interests.

• Ideally, one day a week, students will leave school to learn from a mentor in a real-world setting such as a business, trade, creative industry, or community organisation.
• They develop valuable skills like planning, research, communication, and time management.
• Students may also take external courses or electives from the mainstream school, depending on their learning plan.

Instead of exams, students present their learning at the end of each term through an Exhibition.
They showcase their progress to an audience of family, peers, mentors, and teachers.
These are joyful, meaningful events that celebrate each student’s unique journey.

In Years 11 and 12, students may choose to complete the International Big Picture Learning Credential (IBPLC). This qualification is recognised in some contexts as supporting pathways into further education, including university, or employment, although these opportunities may depend on the industry, institution and course requirements. Students may also transition into VCE ATAR or VCE VM, at the successful completion of their Year 10 program.

Big Picture Learners

• Identify, explore and pursue their interests and passions
• Explore the 6 learning goals with your Advisory teacher
• Complete the learning in your personalised learning plan
• Exhibit your learning publicly each term – no tests or exams
• Build a portfolio of work that reflects what you have come to learn about your areas of interest
• Attend Advisory each day being on time and ready to learn at your own pace – become a member of a supportive learning community
• Take responsibility for your learning process – steer your own learning
• Develop independence