The Changemaker Project, an incentivized behavior modification programme, planted a garden early this month at the Westlake Primary School.
Image: supplied
The Changemaker Project at Westlake Primary School combines behaviour modification with hands-on gardening, helping pupils improve their emotional regulation while learning valuable life skills.
The programme, developed by Xchange Connexion founder, Tracy Stallard in collaboration with Szilvia Holloway, a trained social worker and mental health specialist, aims to improve classroom engagement and develop a community mindset.
A school vegetable garden was planted on Wednesday March 5 to form part of the programme’s rewards system and provide hands-on learning opportunities in nature.
The Changemaker project was first piloted in July 2024 with a Grade 2 class, taught by deputy principal Jodi Dawson, before it was implemented across the three grades earlier this year.
Ms Stallard says each class has two 15-minute Changemaker sessions weekly, followed by targeted support for teachers and pupils, offering personalised assistance for those needing extra guidance.
“Teachers track pupils’ behaviour daily, scoring them from 1-5. Parents receive daily updates to help support their child in managing behaviour. The Changemaker Project also includes a rewards system to motivate learners to improve their scores,” says Ms Stallard
Changemakers, pupils who excel with their behaviour and academic efforts during the week, earning scores of 4 and 5, earn the opportunity to work in the garden.
While the garden was being planted, pupils followed the process of the ground being cleared, saw the beds being built and were involved in the planting once the garden was established, Ms Stallard says.
A gardening schedule has been made to allow each pupil opportunity on different days from Monday to Wednesday to work in the garden, with Fridays being reserved for the top Changemakers. Pupils' tasks include watering plants and removing pests.
“The garden is still in its early stages, so harvesting is currently limited. For now, the focus is on supporting learners in their Life Skills and Orientation studies. It provides a hands-on way to explore concepts like plant and insect life cycles, soil health, and weather patterns. Current produce includes beans, rosemary, lavender, spinach, and cauliflower,” Ms Stallard says.
Ms Dawson says the pupils found it difficult to remain calm when faced with challenging situations, however, the behavioural regulation has helped them to face these situations head-on. Using the tools taught to them, they now breathe and think about positive alternatives to any challenging situation.
The project has also been integral in helping pupils think not only of themselves as individuals but part of a larger system, Ms Dawson says.
“The children were working in isolation, not thinking about the entire group. We have encouraged them to think about everyone in the class, as a 'system' and how their behaviour can help or break the system, impacting each and every one.
“We work with the team systems on a daily basis now and the children are more focused on the best outcome for the whole group. The teachers using this program are able to keep a calmer, better managed class which has improved our teaching process. We have been able to accomplish much more learning and teaching with the impact of the Changemaker program. Our aim is that if we can change their mindset in the class this positive mindset will move with them into the entire Westlake community.”
A group picture of Westlake Primary School's changemakers with Xchange Connexion members, partners and school staff.
Image: supplied
Xchange Connexion founder, Tracy Stallard, pictured in class with pupils, provides 15 minute Changemaker sessions twice a week for grade 1-3 classes at the school.
Image: supplied