Catalyst for Change

Riley Tyebji

At the Year 8 Catalyst for Change expo, we celebrated individuals from the world of sports to artists, from revolutionary thinkers to environmental activists who have left a permanent mark on society.  Each student was paired with a catalyst for change and asked to create persuasive arguments as to why the change maker should be included in Big Issues' annual list of the 100 Most Influential People. Students were also asked to create exhibits for an expo to showcase the significance of their chosen change maker. 

On the day of the expo, we arranged our displays within the Middle Years building, an activity that was both hectic and enjoyable. Our friends and family joined us later that day to be part of this wonderful expo. It was a bustling environment, with curious relatives interacting with enthusiastic students. Visitors had the opportunity to engage with multimedia presentations, interactive displays, and engaging narratives from the students who honoured the Catalysts for Change. I believe parents learnt a lot from this expo as it introduced them to many lesser-known change-makers in the world and brought moments in history to life. 

The Catalyst for Change expo was a wonderful experience for all students. It provided us with an engaging platform to dive deep into the lives of influential figures who have left a lasting mark on society. We had the opportunity to celebrate the spirit of courage, innovation, and compassion shown by these catalysts for change. This experience not only broadened our understanding of these individuals and their impact on society but also taught us valuable life lessons that we can apply to our own lives. The in-depth research needed to study our chosen change makers improved our research skills. At the same time, the expo provided us with an opportunity to create amazing exhibits to show our creativity.