Big Picture FAQs
HENDERSON BAY HIGH SCHOOL
PENINSULA SCHOOL DISTRICT 401
At Henderson Bay Big Picture, our goal is for students to internalize our three core values of Empowerment, Curiosity, and Compassion. We partner with students in realizing their growth potential and owning their education, in preparation for post-high school success!
We believe:
- Strong relationships lead to powerful learning.
- Students drive their own learning by pursuing their interests and passions.
- Learning should be connected to college, career and life readiness.
- Experiences are essential. The best learning happens in real life settings. Internships and projects allow students to be hands on with their education.
- Assessment should be meaningful to students and connected to what they have learned.
Our school looks and feels different than other schools. We want school to be a safe place where every student can pursue their interests and learn at his/her highest level possible.
What is Henderson Bay Big Picture?
Henderson Bay Big Picture is a school built around strong staff/student relationships where students are empowered to learn while pursuing their interests. Students get hands-on learning in professional environments alongside a Mentor as they explore their career aspirations. Students develop an Individual Learning Plan where they are supported in pursuing their interests while also taking a mix of academic and exploratory classes. Big Picture was developed over 20 years ago in Rhode Island and there are more than 65 Big Picture schools across the country today.
Henderson Bay Big Picture is a “School of Choice”.
Henderson Bay is a public school in the Peninsula School District built upon a model where the student experiences personalized and relevant real-world learning. Big Picture is a great opportunity for students of diverse academic abilities, school experiences and interests. Students design much of their own learning, are supported by caring mentors and are provided the opportunity to meet their own greatest potential.
What kind of student is a good fit for Henderson Bay?
Henderson Bay Big Picture is a model for students of all abilities and personalities, but really appeals to students who seek a nontraditional learning environment. Students who feel overwhelmed or uncomfortable in the large high school setting will like our small classes and family feel. Students who enjoy hands-on experiences and are able to work independently will thrive here. The Big Picture model does requires a strong student commitment and their active participation – it’s not an easy way but a different way. Students who are not truly committed to learning will struggle in this program.
All students have an Advisor and work in an advisory setting. What is advisory?
Advisory is both a class and a relationship. The class focuses on team building, goal setting, problem solving and the social/emotional well-being of students. The relationship is a consistent connection between the student, their Advisor and their advisory cohort. Over the high school career this group becomes a family that supports one another as they pursue their academic and personal goals. The Advisor is teacher, counselor, advocate, and cheerleader in addition to many other roles.
What is an internship? How do students find them?
The primary goal of an internship is to promote real world experiences, which allows the student to explore and engage in career pathways of interest. Students work in their advisory to find and develop their interests, investigate career paths and find potential internship options in the community. When a student finds a connection to a work site they work with a Mentor from that site, their Advisor and the Internship Coordinator to clarify responsibilities, expectations and establish learning goals for the internship.
What does a school day look like?
Advisory and Learning Thru Interests (LTI) class time is when students work on independent projects, internship projects, advisory projects, college/career planning, reading activities, writing activities and other grade level work connected to the Learning Plan. Students take some traditional classes with a teacher leading the learning such as math (through Algebra 2 or equivalent), and a selection of other classes to choose from including English, science, social studies, art and electives. Additionally students can take classes at West Sound Tech, Peninsula Internet Academy and Running Start.
How are students assessed at Henderson Bay Big Picture?
Students are assessed by public displays of learning that track growth and progress in the student’s area of interest called Exhibitions. Assessment criteria is individualized including the real world standards specific to that student. Multiple Exhibitions are presented each year which provide students the forum to discuss their learning and growth with staff, parents, peers, and Mentors. Students will need to clearly illustrate how their internship experiences, projects and academic work has met Henderson Bay’s established competencies.
What about post-secondary education (college or trade school)?
All students develop a plan that contributes to their future success – be it through college, trade schools, travel, the military, or their plan to enter the workforce. A Big Picture student will leave Henderson Bay Big Picture with a high school diploma and a narrative transcript that will enable them to continue with whatever his/her future goals entail.
How do I apply?
Go to the Henderson Bay Big Picture website www.psd401.net/hbh/
- click on the ‘Apply Here’ button and complete the online application.
