BIG PICTURE ACADEMY NEWS

Construction Futures Centre Excursion

In February, Big Picture Academy students attended an interactive trades experience at the Construction Futures Training Centre in Belmont Students were given an interesting insight into the new technologies that are slowly being integrated into the areas of Building and Construction, Civil Engineering and Interior Design.

Students participated in interactive Virtual Reality activities, digital simulations and simulated roleplays. They were able to experience the roles of bathroom and kitchen designers, site management and supervision, and scheduling supervisors.

It is fair to say that we were all surprised by the variety of careers available in the construction industry and the many opportunities that are becoming available for women

Levi, our onsite lecturer and guide, outlined the myriad of career opportunities available for all skill levels and interests, focussing on VET and University Pathways as well as the more traditional apprenticeship routes to careers in the trades

Ongoing advice and support is available from the staff at the centre who are able to offer excellent career guidance to students who are interested

Sculptures By The Sea Excursion

Monday March 13th came around really quickly and suddenly it was week Week 7 and time for our annual runout to Cottesloe to see the Sculptures by the Sea.

This year was bigger than ever, as were some of the exhibits! Palaarn, the giant turtle, a Tribute to the Great White Shark fin, and the giant-sized Ghost Crab all grabbed our attention. Beautiful, bold and brightly coloured, there were lots to challenge our ideas, inspire our minds, or simply just make us stand still and appreciate the effort and the vision of the artist.

The Kiss Me love hearts were popular, and it was lovely to see the different generations all mingling around all the works of art, especially on such a perfect Autumn day. There was a lot to see in such a short time and plenty of content for some great journaling. An awesome excursion that students and staff look forward to every year.

- Sue Owen, Advisory Teacher

Bpa Workshop And Student Networking Day

In early March, the Sevenoaks Big Picture Academy participated in the inaugural workshop and student networking day at Yulebrook College We joined several other schools for a day of discussion around the Big Picture design and the potential it has to allow students to follow their passions and interests. There were students from Kiara College, Thornlie SHS, Northam SHS, Kelmscott SHS and of course Yulebrook College.

Students were asked to share their thoughts and ideas about projects and exhibitions, and they learned about the importance of internships and shadow days. Perhaps the most important message of the day was that we all need to take control of our learning needs and direction, and not be just a passive passenger on our learning journey Find your passion and you will find your pathway, whether you want to be an academic or an artisan, a leader or a team player, a carer or an entrepreneur; you will be successful if you love what are doing!

Elizabeth Quay Excursion

The Big Picture Academy students took a stroll through Elizabeth Quay this term to learn more about the Western Australian landmark that is located between Perth's central business district and the Swan River.

The students used the public art walk map to navigate themselves around the Quay and took photos of the various sculptures, statues and mosaics. They read the history of each piece and took time to study it Once they were finished reflecting, they then selected their favourite piece to sketch.

Student Guild Representatives

A huge congratulations to Year 11 student; Jayden Hansen, and Year 12 students; Ella Giovenco and Bobby-Jay Taylor, who were elected to the Sevenoaks Student Guild for 2023! This is the first time the BPA has been represented in the Guild and we couldn't be more proud of you! We are very much looking forward to seeing you grow as leaders and having you as the voice of the students in our program. Have the best time on your upcoming over night camp and congratulations!

Kings Park Orienteering

Several Big Picture Academy students attended an orienteering excursion in the last week of a very busy term It was a lovely way to finish Term 1 and all our students completed the course in good time.

Drawing on map reading skills and a trusty compass, the students were able to follow the clues and complete the course in the idyllic setting of Kings Park The weather was beautiful, and the park was as stunning as always. Whilst we did not see a lot of the local wildlife, a couple of students were swooped by the local cheeky kookaburra who relieved them of a spring roll. As always, our students were impeccably behaved and we all managed to increase our average steps for the day!