One student at a time
Big Picture started in the US 20 years ago and has undergone widespread growth all over the world. Big Picture schools feature in Business Insider’s list of the 13 most innovative schools in the world. It is by far the most well thought out educational framework that can truly prepare our children for the modern world.
KEY DISTINGUISHERS
PERSONALISED
The Big Picture framework allows us to personalise each child’s education. Each child is a unique individual with different needs, talents and interests. But a standardised system has no room for such differences. By personalising education, we are able to cater to the unique needs and interests of each child. So education can be about what the child wants to learn, their passions, interests and curiosity. This makes education relevant and engaging for each child, as opposed to a standardised system where knowledge is force-fed to children regardless of what they want to learn – their interests, talents and needs.
REAL WORLD
Big Picture puts a huge emphasis on real world learning. From a young age students gain an understanding of the real world economy, industries and careers. Big Picture focuses on developing 21st century skills like creativity, collaboration, communication, planning and goal-setting. This is in stark contrast to the traditional education system which is becoming increasingly disconnected with how knowledge and skills are used in the real world. Big Picture students typically have a long resumé of projects, experiences and internships before they even finish schooling.
How does Big Picture deliver a personalised, real world educational experience? Learn about the structures and practices that make this possible.
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“We’ll follow the example of places like the Met Center in Rhode Island (first Big Picture school) that give students that individual attention, while also preparing them through real-world, hands-on training for the possibility of succeeding in a career”
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In 2001, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation announced that the Met (first Big Picture school) was its favorite high school in America, and that the U.S. needed more schools like it, providing Big Picture Learning with two large grants to replicate its design nationwide.
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"Big Picture Learning has redefined — indeed, revolutionized schooling. By bringing students and their interests to the forefront, it is a model of student-centered learning, which is key to intrinsically motivating students”
Harvard Business School Professor and Author of 'Disrupting Class'
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“Big Picture is the ‘iPhone’ of education to the ‘walkman’ of old. I’d be proud and eager to send my own kids to a Big Picture school"
Billionaire entrepreneur, fashion designer and philanthropist
THE BIG PICTURE STORY
Big Picture was founded in 1995 by Elliot Washor and Dennis Littky, both world renowned, award winning educators and leaders with the sole mission of putting students directly at the center of their own learning. Big Picture Learning was born with an intention to demonstrate that schooling and education can and should be radically changed. Today, hundreds of BPL network schools in the United States and around the world work together and in their communities to reimagine and reshape education.
Elliot Washor – Co-Founder Big Picture Learning
Elliot has been involved in school reform for more than 45 years as a teacher, principal, administrator and writer. He has received awards from the Ford Foundation, Harvard University, and has recently been selected as one of the Twelve Most Daring Educators in the World by George Lucas Educational Foundation. Elliot has been working very closely with the team at NEXT.
Watch Elliot speak at the NEXT launch keynote Learn more about Elliot>
Dr. Dennis Littky – Co-Founder, Big Picture Learning
Dr. Littky holds a double Ph.D in psychology and education, and is known for his extensive work in education, spanning over 45 years. He has been awarded the Harold W. McGraw Jr. Prize in Education. Fast Company ranked Littky #4 among the top 50 Innovators, and he has also been selected as one of the Twelve Most Daring Educators in the World by George Lucas Educational Foundation.
Big Picture Learning has a stellar global team that is constantly innovating and supporting schools across the planet.
Learn more about the Big Picture team>
The current system of education is increasingly ineffective and outdated. Big Picture seeks to convince opinion leaders, parents, and the public that there are better ways to engage our children in learning – one student at a time.