We believe all of SelfDesign’s learners are special, but at the Virtual Commencement Ceremony held on June 13, SelfDesign recognized the Class of 2020 for an achievement unique to them.

The SelfDesign learners moving on to the next stage of their lifelong learning journeys this year with newly minted Certificates of Graduation (Dogwood Diploma), School Completion (Evergreen) Certificates, or the Adult Graduation Diplomas (Adult Dogwood) are the first learners to have gone through SelfDesign® Learning Community’s newly designed high school program from Grade 10.

“They have been key to the success of our entire grade 10–12 program from its launch in 2017,” says SelfDesign Principal of Educational Programs Nikki Kenyon. “They have helped us pilot and refine our offerings every step of the way as they learned, grew, matured, and progressed. In the process, we have learned as much from their insights about the program as they learned experiencing it – and the result is an even better program for learners following in their footsteps.”

So amid the congratulations, speeches, performances and presentations were our thanks to this group of remarkable young people.

A theme- and relationship-based high school program

The high school program is unique. It offers a comprehensive approach to high school that is theme – and relationship-based and aligns fully with the BC Ministry of Education curriculum. SelfDesign’s philosophy is woven throughout to support a personalized way of learning where the learner is always at centre. Vice-principal of SelfDesign Learning Community Catherine Dinim says that learners on all paths of completing high school, whether that’s a Dogwood Diploma or a School Completion Certificate, can move through the theme- and interest-based program in a supportive and inclusive environment.

Courses are grouped and integrated into themes, such as travel and adventure, storytelling, entrepreneurship, or STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math). For example, if a learner loves photography, they’ll move through the program taking integrated courses that support the growth of their competencies, academic skills, and so much more through the personalized lens of photography. Or if you’re like recent SelfDesign learner Hannah, who is interested in art and English, you would choose themes that best support and further those interests.

“The thematic approach allowed me to focus my attention in that way,” Hannah says. She credits SelfDesign’s educators for making sure learners get the most out of each theme they choose. “The Learning Specialist gives a lot of the benefit of the thematic approach, because having [a Learning Specialist who] is passionate and encouraging is really what pushed me and gave me the resources to understand and apply knowledge to the best of my abilities. Having the option to personalize or ‘level up’ my work in ways that were specific to my interests and my courses also played an important role in keeping my attention.”

Keeping relationship at the core

In keeping with SelfDesign’s core philosophy and approach to learning, the new approach to high school keeps heart-centred and co-inspirational relationships at its core. All learners incorporate their own personal passions and experiences into their learning opportunities every week.

“Learners in grades 10 to 12 have two educators at a time, with the possibility to engage with more depending on their personalized path,” Catherine says. “They can choose to stay with educators for one semester or longer if they like.”

Educators get to know their learners one-on-one and can support them from year to year. They also get to know the entire family and the learner’s service providers (such as a speech therapist, music teacher, psychologist, etc.).

For some learners, this is key. Other learners prefer to explore a variety of themes, courses and educator relationships from grades 10 to 12.

For example, Hannah says her learning consultant and the different learning specialists she worked with through grades 10–12 supported and encouraged her as she explored new ideas, refined skills, and worked on her personal projects. In particular, she credits one learning specialist for his help and advice while she and her peers worked together to form the SelfDesign Learning Community’s Learner Council, and another learning specialist for mentoring her through her endeavours in writing and the language arts.

When it comes to peer engagement, the new program gives learners many opportunities to interact with other youth. At weekly theme meetings, learners can participate in group-building experiences and interact with their peers online through Zoom meetings (an online video conferencing tool). In-person camps, virtual events, and two online Personal Project showcases also encourage peers to learn and share together.

“Learners can interact with their theme cohort on whatever level is comfortable for them,” Catherine says. “Some learners simply observe with their computer cameras off, but it’s a very safe environment where trust is built and learners usually end up feeling quite comfortable and become more engaged over time.”

SelfDesign celebrates all learners for who they are and their interests and abilities, as a whole person. In grades 10–12, no matter their age or ability, learners are supported to learn and grow. For some, this means going through the program at a slower pace or creating an Individual Education Plan that supports their needs. It all comes down to relationships – between peers, with educators, and with themselves.

Amelia, another learner from the Class of 2020, recalls that her first theme class was exciting and full of new experiences. She says it taught her about what respect feels like.

“On one occasion I was at a real-time meeting,” she says in a video of her reflections on her SelfDesign experience, “and we were talking about what had come out of our discussions. The learning specialist for our group […] always encouraged us to talk about what we knew and what we thought. I remember the exact moment she said something, which I still remember word for word: ‘Ah yes, every time I go to these meetings, I learn so much from you kids! I always tell people how much my students teach me!’ It may seem kind of cheesy, but this moment was a powerful example of respect from a mentor for me. I felt this feeling of recognition and support of my ideas, but most importantly respect of my intelligence. This teacher was acknowledging that we as students have legitimate ideas, that we can teach an elder something.”

The program’s success

“This is an exciting time to be a part of SelfDesign Learning Community,” Catherine says. “This program is really adapted to our diverse group of learners who can design their own path through the lens of what’s important to them. We are so excited for our first learner cohort to have this experience before they enter the next chapter of their lives.”

The success of the new program is evident, with over 400 learners enrolled in grades 10–12 for the 2020/21 learning year, and high re-enrolment rates.

As for the Class of 2020, SelfDesign Principal of Educational Programs Nikki Kenyon says, “While we were unable to gather together in person this year to honour these learners who are transitioning this year to the next stage of their learning journey, our joy and our pride in their growth and achievements are in no way diminished. Thank you to all of you.”

Download our Grades 10-12 Information Pack to learn more about this unique program.