The Big Bang. Big Picture Conference Trip
The Big Bang is the US Big Picture annual conference. The idea is to bring everyone interested in new school ideas together and encourage learning.
A group of Australian teachers traveled to America to attend this year’s Big Bang Conference.
Stephen Walley and Dale Goldsworthy from Prospect, Carolyn Bamberg and Bruce Skewes from Yule Brook and Jennifer Blackall from Erindale College all attended the Big Bang Conference at Bryant University in Rhode Island.
They were joined by Oliver Reams, BPEA intern from the Met Sacremento, and Keith Reams, member of the board.
Each of the visitors was assigned to an advisory program that we followed for the four days of the conference.
Following the conference the school folk visited Big Picture schools in Nashville, NY Bronx Guild and Sacremento and Oakland.
‘BIG BANG V11’ AND USA TRIP
This conference and school visits inspired the travelling teachers and has helped shape the future work of BPEA.
A group of Australian teachers traveled to America to attend this year’s Big Bang Conference.
Stephen Walley and Dale Goldsworthy from Prospect, Carolyn Bamberg and Bruce Skewes from Yule Brook and Jennifer Blackall from Erindale College all attended the Big Bang Conference at Bryant University in Rhode Island.
They were joined by Oliver Reams, BPEA intern from the Met Sacremento, and Keith Reams, member of the board.
Each of the visitors was assigned to an advisory program that we followed for the four days of the conference.
Following the conference the school folk visited Big Picture schools in Nashville, NY Bronx Guild and Sacremento and Oakland.
Dale Goldsworthy from Prospect High in Tasmania writes:
‘Participating in the Big Bang 2008 and visiting Nashville and Sacramento BP schools has given us a rare insight into how effective different models of small schools can be.
We participated in workshops that reflected exemplary practice in BP schools and witnessed first hand the excitement and enthusiasm students had who participated in the program. Although Australian contexts are different the ideology and practice that has been developed over the last 10 years in BP schools are transferable. Interestingly enough the practice and BP model has been informed not only by theory but more evident is the fact that it has been shaped by what works for students in the pursuit of quality outcomes and not by bureaucratic process.
I Loved the people we meet and the places we visited - BP people are so welcoming and giving of their time. I guess that’s what makes brilliant schools!’
Jenny Blackall from Erindale College in ACT writes:
‘BIG BANG V11’ AND USA TRIP
The best part of my trip to the ‘Big Bang V11’ Conference and the USA, was being with like-minded people who all shared my enthusiasm for working with young people. The commitment and passion of all of the teachers attending the conference was inspirational. My own philosophy about teaching and learning was affirmed and strengthened by listening to student reports on success and motivation within the ‘Big Picture’ schools structure, and then by visiting the amazing Nashville and Sacramento Met schools.
The Australian contingent was warmly welcomed by both students and teachers wherever they went. I know that I can speak for all of my Australian colleagues, when I say, that we have the highest regards for the outstanding achievements of both teachers and students at the schools we visited. I just wish that I could have had the opportunity to stay longer and visit more schools. Anyhow, as a result of my visit to the USA and the conference, I am in the early planning stages of a ‘Big Picture’ inspired academy to be part of the Erindale College structure in early 2009.’
Jenny Blackall
Deputy Principal
Erindale College
This conference and school visits inspired the travelling teachers and has helped shape the future work of BPEA.