Educational Philosophy
Life is Learning
Each human being is a dynamic learner. From our first breath to our last we are interacting with life as learners - discovering, questioning, reviewing, reflecting, recreating and initiating creation. Our passion is our greatest learning gesture; accordingly, our deepest learnings arise when we are impassioned, emotionally and intellectually, and thus engaged with our whole being. This is the basis of enthusiasm-based learning that is reflected in SelfDesign methodology.
At SelfDesign High our goal is to support new ways of thinking about issues of deep concern and importance to our world. We are committed to supporting the qualities and ways of being that inspire health and healing of the earth and all inhabitants, something we consider foundational to building peace in the world. These sensibilities are reflected in all aspects of our school programming, administration and relationships.
The mentors at SelfDesign High have written all of the SDH courses (which meet and exceed the provincial learning outcomes) with a desire to engage the whole person in a way that considers humans and humanity from an integrated, holistic perspective. Each course is designed to engage critical thinking, self and social awareness, and to engage problem solving. Learners are supported to value their own ideas, perspectives, questions and analyses - as well as those of others - as they develop their unique skills and abilities.
It is our experience that when a person begins to identify their world view with a willingness to see their own, and others, prejudices and biases, paths in their thinking are created that help to build connection and understanding of contemporary issues on a personal and social level. Overall, our distributed learning program empowers each learner with the opportunity to collaborate with a certified subject mentor and sculpt individual courses to better meet their unique interests and learning styles, and to achieve their learning goals. Come join with us for your learning journey!
Liberal Arts Approach
Our high school graduation program is based on curriculum developed from a liberal arts sensibility, which considers humans and humanity from an integrated, holistic perspective. Each of our courses is designed to cultivate critical thinking, self and social awareness, and to engage problem solving. Learners are supported to value their own ideas, perspectives, questions and analyses - as well as those of others - as they develop their skills of examination and evaluation. It is not so much about the end result as the process of enquiry, exchange and experience.
Through learning to identify one's underlying world view, individuals can begin to isolate their own and others' prejudices and biases. This process opens paths in our thinking and builds connection and understanding on both a personal and social level. Above all we want individuals to have the courage and skills to think for themselves.
