Enrolling in a Big Picture Education Package is an important step in a style of life-long learning and enquiry that focuses on project based, personalised learning programs and working in an authentic real world model. The Big Picture Program is student centred and student directed and places the student in the middle of the learning.
"All the components that make up the student's learning experience - the curriculum; the learning environment; the use of time during the school day; the choice of workshops or college classes; the focus and depth of investigation through the Big Picture learning goals - is developed based on the student's individual interests, talents, and needs". – An LTI (Learning through Internship) allows students to explore their interests in a real world setting with an expert mentor to guide them. Students are linked carefully from the school to internship and ILP (Individual Learning Plan) by an Advisory Teacher who works with the student as an individual to set goals each semester. Students are supported by a literacy class and a numeracy class and all classes are small by design. The learning goals in classes are focused on skills that support the projects and tasks that students undertake on the internship with the Mentor. Learning goals are based on knowledge of self and aspirations or personal qualities. Students will be required to use real world strategies to communicate in a variety of forums and using a range of strategies including technology, writing, speaking and listening. Students will present their work to a panel and show how they conducted their study at the internship. This will involve students using empirical and quantitative reasoning. In other words, using mathematical and scientific thinking in the real world. The Project is based in social reasoning and relates to looking at the perspectives of others and how they influence work in the real world. The Big Picture Program is committed to help students gain direction, personalise their learning, connect students with the world beyond school and to ultimately ensure that post school destination is relevant. We can negotiate around CIT placement, potential enrolment in the UPP (University Preparation Program) at the University of Canberra and, of course, direction straight into employment. The Big Picture Program blends pastoral care with critical intellectual engagement and flexibility. It is an 'opt in' program which makes it a desirable choice for students and families. Student Services is responsible for the referral process into the program and all students must have an intake interview before enrolment. Recommendations can come from LTC staff, directly from parents/carers, and transfers from other high schools and colleges. Recommendations can also come from external sources (CAMHS, Turnaround, other community agencies). |
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