Oxford Brain Story

For Professionals

The Brain Story aims to articulate the science of early development and how experiences can shape the developing brain. We can utilise this science to understand our own Brain Story, inform our work with other people and drive service configuration and delivery.

Everyone was a child once, so the Oxford Brain Story is a lifespan story and relevant to people of all ages. The Brain Story uses a series of short metaphors to communicate the science in an easily accessible format. Each metaphor is underpinned by well-evidenced, peer reviewed research, with a wealth of resources for different audiences with varying levels of prior knowledge.

oxford brain story training pathway

For professionals interested in learning more about the Brain Story, we offer a three-step training approach.

All Oxford Brain Story training events are free to access, and most sessions are virtual. Our home page lists current training opportunities. We also host bespoke sessions for groups of 40+ (please contact us).

Step 1: Core Brain Story Metaphors

This 90-minute training session presents the core metaphors of the Brain Story, along with their underlying science. Attend to learn more about the fundamentals of brain development and to participate in engaging micro sessions that apply this knowledge into practice.

This is relevant to anyone working with children, adults or families.

Check training dates

Step 2b: Applying the resilience scale

This 60-minute training session is hosted by the Palix Foundation’s Alberta Family Wellness Initiative. It focuses on the Resilience Scale metaphor, highlighting its application at the individual, organisational and systems levels. Anyone is welcome to attend, but frontline workers are especially encouraged.

Please complete Step 1 and Step 2a training before attending this session.

Check Training Dates

Step 2a: early years or adolescence focus

This 90-minute training session presents more in-depth content on the core Brain Story metaphors, with a focus on either the early years and childhood (0-11-years-old) or adolescence. This training also includes engaging micro sessions that facilitate application of this knowledge into practice. Anyone is welcome to attend, but frontline workers are especially encouraged. Choose the session based on the most relevant age group for you (or attend both!).

Please complete Step 1 before attending this session.

Check Training Dates

Step 3: Brain Story Certification

This free, online, asynchronous course is for professionals seeking a deeper understanding of brain development and its consequences for resilience and lifelong health.

Videos of more than 30 leading experts in neurobiology and mental health
Certification in Brain Story science
19 modules (self-paced)

Brain Story Certification is a course endorsed by our Curriculum Committee. For a comprehensive description of the course contents, download the course outline. Looking for more detailed information? Find our Feedback Report here.

Anyone is welcome to register, but managers & strategic leads are especially encouraged.

Start The Course

Start Building Brains

How do experiences build brains? These resources are a good starting place for learning concepts like brain architecture, serve and return, toxic stress and air traffic control. These metaphors have been tested widely to ensure they impart an accurate understanding of the science to both professional and public audiences.

Contact us if you would like to play the Brain Architecture game withyour team.