BIG PICTURE ACADEMY NEWS

Bentley Tafe Excursion

Early this term, Big Picture students visited Bentley TAFE to research courses in Hospitality, Vet Nursing and Animal Studies, and Fashion and Design. We were shown around Piney Lakes Restaurant, where hospitality students learn front of house duties and food preparation. Rob, Head Chef has worked in some of the best hotels in the world and was passionate about Hospitality as a career and the immense rewards that can be had We were also shown around the Patisserie, bakery, and new Cafe that students run themselves. The government is also investing millions of dollars of funding into kitchen facility upgrades so if you are interested in any aspect of hotel and catering careers, Bentley will be the place to be.

We were then given an interesting tour of the Vet training hospital and actually saw a patient in the operating theatre undergoing a procedure

We finished the day with an indepth tour of the Fashion Department, meeting students who were designing and creating clothing from scratch

Bentley is a beautiful campus, very chilled with an excellent canteen and other facilities. The staff are super friendly and helpful and keen to meet all potential students. Looking to the future, it would be a great campus to continue your studies especially if you live close by

Food Bank

The Big Picture Academy students were very fortunate to take part in the pilot stages of the new Sustainability and Cooking Program, offered by Foodbank.

The incursion ran over two weeks as students learned strategies to reduce individual waste in landfill, how to eat foods in season, meal planning and budgeting (to reduce waste), mindful eating and food safety skills

The sessions also included hands-on cooking where the students prepared a range of healthy cold and hot food plus sweets. After all the preparation and cooking was complete, the students enjoyed their meal. Some even went back for seconds!

SEXUAL HEALTH QUARTERS (SHQ)

Educators and facilitators from SHQ have been informing and empowering our Big Picture students by promoting positive relationships and healthy well-being this term. During the four weeks, students learned strategies to foster respectful relationships, take care of their sexual health, and practice consent Following the final information session, we headed out to their headquarters in Northbridge to explore the sexual health clinic and speak with health care professionals.

SHQ offers a range of services and is located just a five-minute walk from the Perth Railway Station, or two minutes from the Perth Bus port.

FOYER OXFORD - BOBBY TAYLOR

Bobby is a Year 12 Big Student with a natural talent for art. It was, therefore, no surprise to us when she was asked to get involved with some Aboriginal painting workshops with Foyer Oxford

Before the event, Bobby collaborated with the Volunteer and Projects Facilitator to provide input on what needed to be done and set up. Bobby also created posters and coordinated the purchase of necessary supplies, such as food, drinks, and equipment

During the event, Bobby set up the activity and food, ensuring everyone felt comfortable and included. She provided guidance on different styles of Aboriginal art and symbols and encouraged creativity among participants Additionally, Bobby facilitated conversations and effectively managed the mood of the room.

After the event, Bobby took the responsibility of cleaning up and packing away all the supplies and resources used. Overall, Bobby's active participation and guidance were essential in creating a successful and engaging event. Well done!

Thornlie Tafe Visit

Late this term, the Big Picture Academy completed our annual visit to Thornlie TAFE, which is always an interesting morning out. This year was no exception. Several Big Picture students are interested in future career pathways in the trades; specifically painting and decorating, carpentry, cabinet making and automotive

This visit, we were lucky enough to see second and third year students at work in each of these areas. In the near future Thornlie will be offering an Automation qualification, specifically geared towards students who want to work in the Mining Industry, an exciting new opportunity for our future students.

Thanks as always to Shirley Eason for organising our tour and for her insightful commentary. She has also volunteered to come and complete some one to one course counselling in preparation for TAFE applications next term. We are so grateful for Shirley's support.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW? LUCIA BENGE

Lucia Graduated from the Sevenoaks Big Picture Academy in 2021, successfully completing her Certificate II General Education for Adults and Certificate II Skills for Work and Vocational Pathways. She was presented with the Top Achiever Award for her excellent effort

During Year 12, Lucia successfully applied for her Certificate III in Community Services (Childcare). She is currently completing her Diploma in Childcare and is working full time in a local childcare centre. She is considering applying to university next to year to train as a Paediatric Nurse. Congratulations Lucia we are so proud of you!