There are many pathways into university—ATAR is not the only one. The International Big Picture Learning Credential (IBPLC) is a personalised, real-world alternative recognised by Avondale University. Instead of relying on exams, the IBPLC allows students to demonstrate their capabilities through projects, portfolios, and exhibitions.
The credential focuses on five core capabilities—Empirical Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, Communication, Social Reasoning, and Personal Qualities—and provides a comprehensive picture of what a student can do with what they know. At Avondale, high school students can use the IBPLC to gain entry into our undergraduate programs, offering a flexible and meaningful pathway for those who learn best through real-world experience and personalised learning.
Avondale University’s Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Professor Paul Race, said, “Avondale supports multiple pathways into university study and the IBPLC is a key non-Atar option that allows students to demonstrate their capability for learning and achieve their career goals through their chosen university course.”
Avondale University spoke with Big Picture Learning Australia about their broader mission. The organisation said, “[We hope] to transform secondary education with its innovative learning design and end-of-school credential (the IBPLC). Our purpose is to provide choice for students in largely public settings, from all kinds of backgrounds, in the way they ‘do’ schooling.”
“Avondale supports multiple pathways into university study and the IBPLC is a key non-Atar option that allows students to demonstrate their capability for learning and achieve their career goals through their chosen university course.” - Professor Paul Race
Big Picture Learning Australia’s sole aim is to redesign secondary education to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing world. The model reimagines learning, school structures, and assessment methods to better prepare young people for their futures. Its student-centred approach increases accessibility and offers a more inclusive high school experience.
“We are finding that students – those high-flyers who were bored in mainstream, those with a disability, those from low SES backgrounds, and those in remote Indigenous communities – thrive in the personalised approach. They can work at their own depth and pace, drive their own learning, experience supportive relationships from their dedicated advisory teacher and mentors, build their networks of contacts in the community, and gain real-world experience and qualifications – all while still at school,” Joanne Pettit from Big Picture Learning Australia shared. She continued that the Big Picture experience “puts [students] a step ahead upon graduation.”
More than 46 schools across Australia have adopted the Big Picture Learning design, and 17 Australian universities, including Avondale, accept the IBPLC as an admission option.
One such school is Morisset High School, which adopted the program after seeing its success at Hunter Sports High School. Current Big Picture teacher Sherin Boogaard led the initiative which began with two advisories of 17 students in Years 9 and 10. Today, the school offers the Big Picture program to students in Years 7–12, with five active advisories.
“Some students were not finding the appropriate pathway to self-pace and accelerate or work towards an apprenticeship or other forms of employment.” said Tim Post, Head Teacher of the Big Picture Academy at Morisset High. “Big Picture offered [a learning model] that encouraged self-directed, inquisitive learning where students could explore their interests.”
The programme has proven successful both academically and socially. “We have students who have successfully progressed to university, completed SBAT (School Based Apprenticeship or Traineeship) courses continuing on to a Diploma then entering University as Early Entry Students, successfully gained apprenticeships and employment, starting their own business within their field of interest,” said Post. “Our students are praised by the University lecturers for their ability to communicate and be self-directed in their learning. We are proud that in the past eight years every Morisset High School Big Picture student who has applied for university has been offered a position.”
“Big Picture offered [a learning model] that encouraged self-directed, inquisitive learning where students could explore their interests.” - Tim Post, Head Teacher of the Big Picture Academy at Morisset High
Professor Paul Race concluded, “Avondale promotes Excellence and the IBPLC allows students to pursue excellence in areas that align with their passion… [The model] supports students to learn, communicate and be able to relate positively to others – qualities that are key for success in life, the workplace or further study.”