- Big Picture learning is offered at Launceston Big Picture School and Hobart City High School.
- Students in Years 9-12 who cannot access the program in these locations, can now access it virtually!
- If you are interested in joining virtual Big Picture, email SeniorSecondaryProvision@decyp.tas.gov.au.
Is Big Picture learning for me/my child?
Does your child like the idea of:
- learning through their interests and passions
- self-directed and independent learning
- learning on an internship with a mentor one day a week to gain experience in an area of personal interest
- learning in a small supportive group
- being assessed through exhibitions rather than exams?
What is Big Picture Learning?
Big Picture Learning Australia (BPLA) is a not-for-profit organisation established in 2006 that works with DECYP to offer an innovative, personalised approach to learning both inside and outside school.
In Big Picture, school and learning are organised around:
- learning through personal interests and passions
- managing your own learning
- connecting to people and places in the community
- developing the confidence and skills for life beyond school
- six Learning Goals:
- Communication
- Social Reasoning
- Quantitative Reasoning
- Empirical Reasoning
- Personal Qualities
- Knowing How to Learn.
In the program, each student has a personalised learning plan, based on their interests, passions and learning preferences. Accredited Big Picture Advisors support students through their personalised learning journey.
Students learn in small groups, where there is a culture of belonging, support and respect.
Learning through internship is an important part of Big Picture learning. Students spend time in a workplace that matches their interests and complete practical projects. They work with a mentor who is an expert in that field. This gives students the chance to learn from an adult with similar interests and gain real-world experience.
Families are involved in helping their children develop Learning Plans and attending exhibitions of their learning each term.
A range of learning styles are encouraged and supported.
Virtual Big Picture Learning
Learning for students in the virtual program will be, depending on their individual learning plan, a mixture of:
- accessing learning virtually from home
- attending classes at their local school
- internships
They will be connected with peers at Launceston Big Picture School and Hobart City High School, alongside opportunities to connect with students in Big Picture programs nationwide.
What qualification will I/my child gain from this?
Through Big Picture, students can get the International Big Picture Learning Credential (IBPLC).
This credential can contribute to the attainment of the Tasmanian Certificate of Education (TCE).
What does Big Picture Learning look like?
Years 9 and 10
As part of the program, students in years 9 and 10 may:
- explore interest topics in-depth, both inside and outside school
- consider school subjects or external courses of interest
- read books
- build a digital portfolio
- plan and present exhibitions
- develop and engage in Social Action Projects
- regularly review their learning plan and check progress against learning goals
- plan and participate in learning experiences outside school.
Years 11 and 12
As part of the program, students in years 11 and 12 may:
- play a leadership role in the advisory group
- plan and manage in-depth learning projects
- engage in pathway planning and preparation
- undertake pathway-aligned school subjects or external courses
- continue learning experiences outside school
- meet regularly with mentors
- read broadly
- complete a Social Action Project
- finish building a digital portfolio
- doing activities to prepare for life after school.
- Find out more at Home | Big Picture Learning Australia.