Big Picture School Distinguishers
All Big Picture schools share common characteristics that are called ‘distinguishers’ (or principles). These distinguishers exist as a comprehensive whole. They are interrelated and inform one another and so no one distinguisher is more important than another and none work in isolation.
It is the combination of the distinguishers, the degree to which Big Picture Schools employ them and intensive conversations of reflection and action, which results in the powerful success of the design.
Our Distinguishers
These are:
Academic rigour: ‘Head, heart and hand’:
Powerful learning goals are set for each student:- Quantitative Reasoning
- Empirical Reasoning
- Social Reasoning
- Communication skills
- Improving Personal Qualities
Learning in the community
We build in adult world immersion-learning. Each student works two days a week in an interest based internship with a mentor from the community on an intellectually rigorous project connected to their learning goals. This is known as Learning through Internship (LTI).One student at a time
Students all have a personal learning plan which is based on their specific interests. It is developed with input from the students, their advisor and parents. It includes an individual project.Authentic assessment
Each term the students exhibit their work, providing evidence of achievements of their learning goals and reflecting on the process of their learning.Collaboration for learning
Students work in one-on-one or small group learning environments around their interests both inside and outside the school. Through the LTI the community plays an integral role in the education of the students.Learning in advisory
Students are in an advisory with up to 17 other students with one teacher advisor for the whole of their secondary education. The teacher advisor manages students’ learning plans and ensures that all learning goals are covered in these plans.Trust, respect and care
One of the striking things about Big Picture Schools is the ease with which students interact with adults. There is a culture of trust, respect and care between students and adults, as well as among students themselves.Everyone’s a leader
In Big Picture Schools, leadership is shared between the principal, staff, students and family and relevant community partners. Opportunities for leadership are provided and created for everyone.Families are enrolled too…
Big Picture schools aim for real family engagement. Parents and families are regarded as essential members of the learning team, starting with the application process, through to learning plan development, exhibitions and graduation.Creating futures
All students are expected to graduate from school to further learning. They are prepared for and connected to opportunities for learning at University and/or TAFE.Teachers and leaders are learners too…
New ideas are constantly required as the learning cycle is constantly being reviewed. Teachers and leaders need to deal with new ideas and learn new ways of working and develop reflective practice and find ways of sharing this learning with others.Diverse and enduring partnerships
A Big Picture School has a strong focus on building and creating external partnerships. These include partnerships with the family, mentors, local councils, businesses, corporations, Universities, TAFEs and other training providers. These partnerships enable students the opportunities to pursue their learning and achieve their goals.