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International Big Picture Learning Credential (IBPLC)

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The International Big Picture Learning Credential (IBPLC) is a capstone secondary credential built on the founding Big Picture Learning principles that learning is most rigorous when it is relevant to the learner and when the learning happens in relationship with a more knowledgeable mentor in an authentic context. Warranted by the University of Melbourne and Big Picture Education Australia, the IBPLC documents learning using diverse sources of evidence including some often excluded in systems prioritizing conventional standardized assessments. The IBPLC includes a psychometrically warranted progression level score on each of 6 learning goals, a curated digital portfolio, teacher narrative statement, student achievements, and a student video introduction. Now accepted for admissions considerations by more than a dozen Australian universities and increasingly adopted in schools across the United States and other countries, the IBPLC affirms the value of purposeful learning and educator judgment in assessing what young people can do and know.

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Big Picture Learning Goals

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KNOWING HOW TO LEARN

Develops the disposition and strategies to take responsibility for learning. The goal is to be curious, with a drive to explore and be open to doing hard work; to understand that there are many ways of learning, knowing and making meaning in the world. It includes valuing learning from and with others inside and outside of school. 

Each Learning Goal has 5 Progression Levels

Explore Levels

International Big Picture Learning Credential

A Passport to the World

A student photo and an Advisory
Teacher Statement

Personalize the transcript.

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Portfolio

Video

Know How to Learn - Level 5

Students at this level are open to ideas that challenge their current thinking and action and they pursue new knowledge to develop improved solutions..

Social Reasoning - Level 4

Students at this level recognizes the connections and distinctions between social issues through systematic investigation.

Communication – Level 5

Students at this level use a blend of tools to design and refine their communication in order to deliver a compelling message that expands perspectives.

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What do these levels mean

Achievements and Real-World Experiences

Brief lists of Achievements and Real-World Experiences including awards, short courses, internships, part-time work and community activities provide extra information at a glance.

Achievements

Real World Experiences

Flower Graph

The flower graph and accompanying level statements represent a student's level of development from 1 to 5 in each Big Picture Learning Goal.

Personal Qualities - Level 5

Students at this level are insightful and hold themselves accountable for their actions.

Quantitative Reasoning - Level 4

Students at this level are competent and confident users of mathematics in their lives.

Empirical Reasoning - Level 4

Students at Students at this level pose and test hypotheses, applying investigative methods to clarify/explore their new understandings.

Online Portfolio and a Video Profile

Links to an Online Portfolio and a Video Profile provide relevant information to employers, training institutions or universities. These can be updated at any time.

Learning Goal

Each Learning Goal is represented by a different colored petal.

Credential

The credential is warranted by the University of Melbourne.

Criterion-Based

A student is assessed in terms of what they can do and demonstrate

Teacher Judgement is Central

Supported by regular moderation

Formative Assessment

Occurs over multiple occasions and contexts

Underpinned by Psychometrics

Ensures validity and reliability of the assessment tools and processes

Timeline

Australia

Launches IBPLC

Big Picture Australia develops and pilots the International Big Picture Learning Credential (IBPLC), pioneering a new way to recognize real-world learning.

2020

Global

Pilots Begin

The IBPLC expands to Kenya, Barbados, and the United States, with pilots assessing students and awarding the first credentials in:​

 

2022: BPL Kenya
2023: Beyond the Box (Barbados) & U.S. Pilot Schools

2022

International Learning Exchange: Australia 

In May 2025, Big Picture Learning hosted an International Learning Exchange in Australia, bringing together 39 participants from around the world to share insights, strengthen collaboration, and celebrate a fiscally solvent, action-driven international network.​

2025
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Big Picture Learning (BPL) Kenya

Adapting the IBPLC to post-secondary youth pathways

Big Picture Learning Australia (BPLA)

International Big Picture Learning Credential (IBPLC)

International Big Picture Learning Credential (IBPLC) USA

New York, Washington, California, Massachusetts, Hawaii, Texas, Vermont, Rhode Island, and Ohio.

Big Picture Learning (BPL) Barbados

Beyond the Box EducationPhasing out standardized testing

Big Picture Learning in Hawaii

International Big Picture Learning Credential (IBPLC)

Publications

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Assessing The Alignment Of The IBPLC With External Frameworks That Focus On College And Career Readiness And Social And Emotional Learning

Deborah La Torre and Noelle Griffin. UCLA/CRESST.

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International Big Picture Learning Credential Context & Case Study

Scott Boldt. Bath Spa University.​​​​​​

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Destination Study

2024

Big Picture Australia​​​​​​​​

Want to Learn More?

For additional information about this work, services, or upcoming projects, please reach out via email to Andrea Purcell, the Big Picture Learning Program Director for IBPLC, at andrea@bigpicturelearning.org. 

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