Our Philosophy

At Wilder Learning North Durham, our philosophy provides our guiding principles, and reflects our commitment to fostering a nurturing, curiosity-driven, and holistic educational environment.

Our mission at Wilder Learning North Durham is to inspire a love of learning and deep connection with nature. Our goal is to create an environment where children explore, discover, and grow at their own pace. We are dedicated to child-centred, curiosity-driven, and holistic learning that nurtures the unique intellectual, emotional, social, and physical development of each child, guiding them towards a sense of global responsibility, environmental stewardship, and self-realization. 

We envision an educational paradigm that gives children the freedom to play, explore and make choices. With this approach, children will retain their innate self-motivation and love of learning throughout their lives. Our vision celebrates each child’s unique gifts, and educators help guide them on their individual paths. We believe that children are the future of our society, and by empowering them today, we shape a better world for tomorrow.

• Lifelong Learning: We trust in children’s innate curiosity and joy of discovery. Our emergent curriculum fosters self-motivation and a deeper understanding of the world. Recognizing that we are all on a journey of personal growth, our teachers learn alongside students, families, and fellow educators, exchanging wisdom and collaborating.
• Integrity, the cornerstone of leadership, requires honesty and mindfulness. We encourage truthfulness and demonstrate how it builds trust and mutual respect. Mindfulness helps children respond thoughtfully rather than impulsively, making choices aligned with their values. 
• Big Hearts, Bigger Ideas: Children are creative thinkers. In a safe and stimulating environment, they are empowered to take risks, try new things, and dream big. By modeling empathy and kindness, we encourage them to learn from their mistakes, helping them develop confidence, problem-solving skills, and resilience.
• Access to Progressive Education: Believing in quality education for all children, we value diverse learning styles and offer an alternative to traditional schooling. Our flexible full and part-time options meet the diverse needs of our families. Bursaries are available through fundraising for those who may not be able to afford full tuition fees.

These principles guide us in creating a nurturing and dynamic learning environment that prepares children to become compassionate, responsible, and innovative members of our global community.