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NSW Coaching Coordinator – 2023

Big Picture Learning Australia (BPLA) requires a NSW Coaching Coordinator to work in our 17 NSW schools as a Coach, while also coordinating events, training and communications across the NSW BPLA network. The position involves travel to a designated number of schools each term, as well as office-based work.

Big Picture Learning Australia (BPLA) is a registered not-for-profit whose core business is the transformation of secondary education – both in schooling and final-year credentialing. We have a distinct design for learning in high school that is implemented in over 50 largely public schools around Australia.

Our students learn through their interests and passions inside and outside school, they do internships connected to their interest one day a week, develop personalised learning plans and organise their learning around the 6 Big Picture Learning Goals. They do not have timetables, multiple subjects or exams. They learn in a small group of 17 known as an Advisory and have a single Advisory teacher who knows them well. At the end of each term, students present what they have learned at an ‘exhibition’.

In their senior years, students can successfully transition to university, training college or employment using the new International Big Picture Learning Credential (IBPLC).

The design requires that Big Picture campuses (whole schools or academies within a mainstream school) are visited each term by a BPLA Coach, who works with students, Advisory teachers and school principals to support and strengthen the implementation of the design through advice and consultation.

• This is a full-time contract position for one year, with the potential for extension. Commences in Term 1, 2023.
• The salary is at the Head Teacher range of $116,000 – 127,500 specified by the NSW Department of Education and Communities.
• This position reports to the CEO and liaises regularly with the National Leadership and Coaching Teams.
• While BPLA Head Office is in Sydney, candidates may be based elsewhere in NSW, preferably close to one or more of our schools.

The main responsibilities for this position are to:

• arrange coaching visits to new and existing schools
• liaise with the BPLA Coaching Team and Leadership Team
• coach students, Advisory teachers and principals in member schools
• support new schools to promote the design to their community and prepare for implementation
• observe, listen and research, in order to find ways to enhance implementation of the design and to assist schools with challenges
• produce regular communications bulletins and updates
• channel quality resources to Advisory teachers
• coordinate a network of BPL Principals
• assist to plan and coordinate network events (training workshops, conference sessions, assessment moderation, etc.)
• advise member schools about the International Big Picture Learning Credential (IBPLC) for senior students and provide advice on entry processes associated with our partner universities and training colleges
• report to the CEO on the details of school visits.

Skills and qualities of the ideal candidate:

• an interest in educational innovation
• familiarity with the workings and systems of secondary schools
• ability to self-manage and balance coaching and coordination tasks
• confidence to liaise with member school principals
• resourceful, organised and a good networker
• a good observer, listener and guide
• ability to work in a small, multi-skilled team
• enjoyment of working with young people and adults alike.

Would suit current or former teachers and Advisory teachers.

Knowledge of and experience with the Big Picture Learning design would be highly desirable, but is not essential.

For further information about BPLA, our schools and the design visit our website: www.bigpicture.org.au

BPLA is a child-safe organisation. We are committed to providing a safe environment for our students. We have zero tolerance towards any form of abuse or maltreatment and are active in ensuring our students are able to participate in decisions affecting their learning and lives. BPLA understands its legal and moral obligations to treat any student safety concerns seriously and report allegations or concerns to the appropriate authorities.

How to apply:

Please submit a resume and a cover letter to tell us about yourself and the reasons that you think you would be suited to this position and our organisation.

Closing date: Monday 14th November by COB.

Enquiries:
Joanne Pettit
Communications and Resources Leader
joanne.pettit@bigpicture.org.au