The concept is simple and yet complex - individual student passions are the drivers. Individualised Learning Plans (ILP) are 'negotiated' between students and staff for each research area based on the following framework:
1. Make it work for you - the learning plan
2. Pursue your passions - internship placements
3. Making it real - learning through internship
4. Organise and do it
5. Exhibit it
6. Reflect and assess it
Intellectually challenging for linear thinkers, but based on Guy Claxton and Daniel Pink's (and more) thinking and research.
http://msuctlt.blogspot.com/2010/01/daniel-pink-on-motivation.html
Graham et al have customised for Montrose Bay High School in Glenorchy and created a fantastic matrix of experiences and outcomes for students. Each student has a main contact who acts as a supervisor and they earn points to lead to graduation. Much too complex to get my head round in a morning so have been invited back to meet with Mark and Graham and for a third time to observe lessons. Thursday I meet the architects of the Big Picture School and the project manager of the percent for art element of the new build ... it will be interesting to see how they have interpreted the concept. One key factor - schools in Tasmania have complete autonomy to design a curriculum that suits their context - oh until the Federal Government imposes 2 hours of literacy and numeracy on all schools per day as they head towards national testing.....hmmmm. Graham Speight has 28 years as a Principal behind him to add gravitas to his idea. Will be able to go through the recorded interviews and update at a later date. Why are all schools not like this???
The image was in the school!
www.bigpicture.org.au
