Learn how to support students who have experienced complex trauma

Complex trauma affects the physical, emotional and social development of children and adolescents.

In order to minimise harm, teachers and school leaders need to respond appropriately using trauma-informed practices and policies.

In this course, you’ll get an introduction to what complex trauma is and how it affects young people’s development at school.

You’ll understand the neuroscience behind the behaviours presented by students who have experienced complex trauma.

You’ll learn how to apply trauma-informed strategies and policies that will minimise the risk to students and school staff.

What topics will you cover?

Attachment and trauma theories
The neuroscience behind the behaviours presented by students who have experienced complex trauma
The impact on those who support students who have experienced complex trauma
Strategies for minimising the risk to students in classrooms and schools
The importance of applying trauma-informed practice and programs in schools

When would you like to start?

Start straight away and join a global classroom of learners. If the course hasn’t started yet you’ll see the future date listed below.

Available now

Learning on this course

On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

Describe what complex trauma is and how it affects children’s and adolescents’ development
Describe the neurobiological impact of complex trauma on children’s and adolescents’ behaviours at school
Identify trauma-informed practices that could minimise risk to school students who have experienced complex trauma

Who is the course for?

This course is designed for teaching staff and education leaders who want to improve their professional practice. It may also be of interest to health and social care workers.

For Australian educators, this course aligns with the following Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (APST):
• 1.1, 1.2, 1.5
• 3.3, 3.5
• 4.1, 4.3, 4.4
• 6

Who will you learn with?

Associate Professor Judith Howard

Judith is an Associate Professor with the Queensland University of Technology in Australia who leads important work in the area of Trauma-Aware Education.

Who developed the course?

Queensland University of Technology

QUT is a leading Australian university ranked in the top 1% of universities worldwide by the 2019 Times Higher Education World University Rankings. Located in Brisbane, it attracts over 50,000 students.

Established
1989
Location
Brisbane, Australia
World ranking
Top 180Source: Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2019

Learning on FutureLearn

Your learning, your rules

Courses are split into weeks, activities, and steps to help you keep track of your learning
Learn through a mix of bite-sized videos, long- and short-form articles, audio, and practical activities
Stay motivated by using the Progress page to keep track of your step completion and assessment scores

Join a global classroom

Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners
Share ideas with your peers and course educators on every step of the course
Join the conversation by reading, @ing, liking, bookmarking, and replying to comments from others

Map your progress

As you work through the course, use notifications and the Progress page to guide your learning
Whenever you’re ready, mark each step as complete, you’re in control
Complete 90% of course steps and all of the assessments to earn your certificate

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