Big Picture Academy

Students complete and exhibit one personal interest project each term, while also participating in weekly Learning Through Internship placements that align with their interests and goals. Additionally, they are required to take part in one to two mainstream elective subjects to broaden their learning experience. Every student’s personal interest project must be aligned with the six learning goals.

The advisory is the space where students complete their work, each having their own personalised learning space and working consistently with the same advisor.

Advisors help plan each student’s learning journey with a program that’s challenging but also fits their unique interests, needs, and abilities.

They closely monitor and support students’ academic and social progress through written narratives, weekly journal entries, regular phone communication with families, and weekly one-on-one meetings with students. Students are expected to read one book per term.

Advisors are expected to maintain accurate, complete, and compliant student records in line with school requirements, NESA standards, and the new Australian Curriculum. 

In Big Picture we believe learning can happen anywhere including in the community. Learning Through Internship (LTI) Placements go beyond traditional work experience. Students spend at least one day a week with a business or organisation of their choice.

Internships may begin with expert interviews or shadow days and can extend across a term or longer. Each student is guided by a mentor who shares their interests, and together they co-design a project that develops real-world skills and contributes meaningfully to the host organisation.

These projects are showcased in student exhibitions each term as evidence of their growth and learning.

Students in Years 8-10 will work towards receiving a ROSA and Gateway Certificate.

Students in Years 11-12 work towards receiving an International Big Picture Learning Credential (IBPLC) which can gain them entry into Big Picture affiliated universities such as The University of Newcastle. 

Students will also create an online portfolio throughout Big Picture, showcasing their ability to explore, research, and grow as a learner in their areas of personal interest. It highlights their preparedness for employment, vocational training, or higher education.

A student’s online portfolio can be used as a digital résumé.

The International Big Picture Learning Credential offers a comprehensive assessment of senior students, it is designed to capture and measure an array of student capacities, experiences, and strengths. It is awarded to graduating Big Picture students as they pursue pathways to employment, further training, or university.

Students showcase their achievements through a personalised online portfolio highlighting real-world experiences, personal qualities, and academic results. Developed with the University of Melbourne, this credential serves as a personalised assessment for further study and careers.  Big Picture have upwards of 20 affiliate Universities that accept the International Big Picture Learning Credential as university admission.

If you're interested in joining the Big Picture Academy, please complete an Expression of Interest form, available from the Big Picture rooms in D Block.

Once submitted, a member of the Big Picture Academy team will get in touch to share more about the program and guide you through the application process.