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Wondertree
Learning Center
Phone: 604-224-3663
E-mail:
info@wondertree.org
Address: Kitsilano P.O. Box 74560, Vancouver,
BC, V6K 4P4
Contact: Brent Cameron
Website:
www.wondertree.org
Year Founded: 1983
Ages Served: 5-14
Estimated Number of Students: 25
Funding: Public/Private
Description:
Wondertree emerges from the enthusiasm of
learners and the mentored collaboration of
children to create both individual and group
learning experiences. The curriculum results
from curiosity and discovery, planned projects
and the inspiration of mentors that are hired by
the learners. Decisions, schedules, agreements
are managed through consensus. Learners start
the year with a learning plan that is mentored
year-long with a Learning Consultant (certified
teacher) and the parents of the learner. As part
of the free-school movement our philosophy
entails getting out of the way of the learner.
In addition, and informed by the latest
breakthroughs by science into human development
we work with children through self-awareness to
design and create optimum qualities and
conditions for personal well-being and
development.
A book describing the first 20 years of research
into this new paradigm methodology has been
written and published in 2006. The book is,
SelfDesign: Nurturing Genius Through Natural
Learning by Brent Cameron and Barbara Meyer and
details the stories and insights into the
methodology that is unique to SelfDesign. Our
work focuses on process rather than content and
relates to the fields of epistemology, ontology,
cybernetics, systems theory, neuro-linguistics
and neuro-biology among others. Our program
began in 1983 when a five year old girl was
swinging in the sunshine during recess. When the
bell rang she realized that she did not really
want to go back in the school as she sensed that
she would have to give up control of her life.
Her father (Brent Cameron) created Wondertree
and SelfDesign in order to support the natural
enthusiasm of every child to learn and discover
the meaning and purpose of being human. The work
has won four major national Canadian awards
including the Prime Minister’s Award for
Teaching Excellence in 2006.
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