Toormina High School - Big Picture Academy
Big Picture Learning is a personalised approach to education that places students at the center of their learning, connecting their interests, passions and real-world experiences to meaningful academic outcomes. Through strong relationships, individual learning plans and community-based learning opportunities, students develop the skills, knowledge and confidence needed for success in further education, employment and life.
Why choose Big Picture Learning Australia as an option for your child?
What years can my child access the Big Picture Academy at Toormina High School?
Students will be able to access the Big Picture Academy at Toormina High School from late 2026 in Year 9.
- 2027 there will be a Year 9 and Year 10 advisory.
- 2028 there will be a Year 8, Year 9, Year 10 and Year 11 advisory.
- 2029 there will be a Year 8, Year 9, Year 10, Year 11 and Year 12 advisory.
To see our implementation plan, click on the link below:
Big Picture Learning – Next Steps for 2026–2027
With applications now closed for the inaugural Big Picture Learning class commencing in Term 4, 2026, the selection process will now move into its next phase.
All students who have submitted an application will be invited to participate in a one-week Big Picture Experience Program. This experience will provide students with an authentic insight into the philosophy, structure and expectations of Big Picture Learning. Throughout the week, students will engage in a range of activities designed to explore their interests, strengths and suitability for the program.
As part of this experience, students will participate in an Out-Learning visit to Ballina Coast High School. During this visit, students will observe a functioning Big Picture Learning environment, meet with current students and staff, and gain a firsthand understanding of how learning is personalised and connected to real-world interests, projects and community partnerships.
Following the completion of the experience week, the school will undertake a comprehensive review process. This will include consideration of each student's application, participation during the experience week, and discussions with both students and parents/carers. Individual meetings will be held to ensure families have a clear understanding of the commitments and opportunities associated with Big Picture Learning.
Based on this information, the school will determine the priority list for the inaugural cohort. Offers will initially be made to the first 17 students, with a reserve list also established should positions become available.
It is anticipated that this process will be finalised by approximately Week 8 of Term 3, 2026, providing families with sufficient notice before the program commences in Week 1 of Term 4, 2026.
A similar process will then be undertaken for students seeking entry into the Year 9 Big Picture cohort commencing in Term 1, 2027. Applications for this intake are currently being received and reviewed. These students will also have the opportunity to participate in a Big Picture experience program, engage with students and staff involved in the initiative, and attend interviews with their families prior to enrolment decisions being finalised. This staged approach will ensure that all students entering the program have a clear understanding of the expectations and opportunities associated with Big Picture Learning and are well prepared for success.
This careful and considered process aims to ensure that students selected for Big Picture are well-positioned to benefit from the unique opportunities that the program provides, while also ensuring the program is the right fit for each student's learning needs, interests and future aspirations.
The Big Picture Academy Learning Space
The Big Picture Academy learning spaces are known as advisories. Toormina High School has invested heavily to provide all students with a high quality learning environment. Students will be able to personalise their own space, using the various pin boards attached to the desks. Students will have their own dedicated laptop/chromebook and will have a small lockable drawer and filing cabinet. Students will still be required to ear school uniform and will be able to attend up to one mainstream class in addition to the Big Picture class.
Big Picture Learning Australia
To find out more about Big Picture Learning Australia, click on the link below to their website: