Our Vision
We envisage an education system and a world where difference is truly valued. We want young people to develop autonomy and grow into adults with independence, drive, and a passion for making a difference. We all have our own superpowers, and by recognising and celebrating them, we can support one another to continue growing together.
We aim to equip young people with the tools and confidence to take on the challenges they care about, empowering them to create positive change and contribute to a more respectful world.
Our Mission
Our learning community is a place where we bring together many different communities to create a shared sense of belonging. We celebrate our differences, value autonomy, and use our own growth to support others as they grow too.
It is a space where we can each be ourselves, and where the variety of our experiences enriches everyone. Through shared experiences and exposure to new perspectives, we support every person’s journey of growth.
We recognise where people have come from, and through listening, observing, and understanding, we meet them exactly where they are. We move forward together, recognising that each person’s journey looks different, and we use our own growth to support and uplift one another along the way.
Our Values
Our values are the foundation of everything we do at Wayfinders. They guide how we design our curriculum, how we build relationships, and how we support young people to grow into confident, compassionate, and capable individuals. Rooted in trauma-informed practice and non-violent communication, our values help create environments where young people feel safe, respected, and empowered to learn.
Four Core Values:
Community
We believe learning happens best in connection with others. Community at Wayfinders means belonging, shared responsibility, and mutual respect. We actively involve families, the wider community, and different generations in learning, creating spaces where young people feel supported and valued. Through collaboration and shared experiences, learners develop empathy, communication skills, and a sense of purpose beyond themselves.
Uniqueness
Every learner arrives with their own story, strengths, and ways of understanding the world. We honour individuality by moving away from one-size-fits-all education and creating learning pathways that adapt to the young person, not the other way around. Celebrating uniqueness helps young people feel seen and respected, laying the groundwork for authentic engagement and growth.
Autonomy
Young people thrive when they have choice and agency. We support learners to make informed decisions about their learning, pace, and interests. By offering autonomy within clear, supportive boundaries, we build confidence, motivation, and self-belief. This approach is central to our skills-based curriculum and reflects our commitment to consent-based, trauma-informed education.
Growth
Growth is not about speed or comparison, it’s about progress over time. We focus on developing skills, resilience, and self-awareness in ways that allow learners to slow down, reflect, and build confidence. Mistakes are seen as part of learning, and challenges as opportunities for development. This mindset prepares young people to navigate change and uncertainty with curiosity and resilience.
Living Our Values
These values are not just words, they are woven into our curriculum design, daily practice, communication, and relationships. By combining skills-based learning with trauma-informed and non-violent communication approaches, we aim to nurture a new generation of young people who are thoughtful, adaptable, and ready to shape a more compassionate future.
