Making SPACE for Learning

Program description

The Making SPACE for Learning Program is a training program that aims to build the capacity of schools and teachers to meet the needs of young people who have experienced trauma and disadvantage.

The program develops teacher knowledge and confidence about trauma responsive principles and strategies and the creation of safe and supportive environments in schools. The training considers how students' experiences of trauma impact on their ability to learn and explores trauma responsive classroom-based strategies.

Intended outcomes

• Increased staff understanding of the impact of trauma
• Increased staff knowledge and confidence in the application of trauma responsive principles and strategies
• Increased connection between students and staff
• Improved student self-regulation and sense of safety

Program details

Implementation considerations

• Target population: All primary and secondary school staff, including non-teaching and support staff.
• Program adaptability: The program is suitable for diverse cohorts including:
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students
  • culturally and linguistically diverse students
  • LGBTIQA+ students
  • neurodivergent students
  • students with a disability.
• Staffing: Backfilling may be required depending on the scheduling of the session. Usually, schools schedule the program on days where students are not required to attend.
• Training requirements: Schools do not need to engage in any training prior to implementation of the program. The session is generally delivered across a school day or 2 half-day sessions and can be delivered face-to-face in the school or online through the Zoom platform.
• Factors to consider: It is useful for schools to have IT that enables a PowerPoint to be displayed.
• Australian context: The program has been developed and applied in Australia.

Cost