As part of a national competition, the pupils were challenged to use their science, technology, engineering and mathematics skills to come up with an idea or invention that will brighten the future.

The grade 4-6 class looked toward a program already operating within the school, developing an app about zones of regulation which links particular colours with feelings and emotions.

“The program matches emotions to colours, so if we use terminology like feeling in the yellow zone, we know what yellow means,” said principal Darlene Cameron.

“It supports emotional regulation. The students identify within themselves what their own personal triggers are … with suggested strategies in how to deal with them.”

The students this week presented their app over video conference to a panel of four judges at the nbn’s Futurists Fair, competing against seven other schools from across the country.

“What our staff really like about the program is it really creates an inclusive culture. We want students to recognise that feelings are ok, just what you do with them and the behaviour that happens after is the issue,” Ms Cameron said.

Pupils have worked to develop “toolboxes” to deal with emotions which could include breathing activities, mindfulness colouring in, speaking to teachers or confiding in a trusted adult.

The app also gives pupils the ability to message their teacher if they don’t want to speak up in public, and the opportunity to keep a diary recording their feelings so they can identify patterns.

“It’s a very empowering program and the students have created an app to match. It’s really positive for us because it’s a really consistent approach to supporting the students and their emotional wellbeing.”

Ms Cameron said the app was incredibly positive for the school, and pupils were already asking when it would be rolled out.

The Ballarat school was representing Victoria in the NBN Co STEM+X initiative, a national STEM competition run by NBN Co and Australian Business Community Network, against seven other schools nationwide.

“This project has been incredibly valuable from a teachers perspective – the core of team work is bringing the whole class together with pupils understanding that everyone can play a role. A lot of students have recognised these were there own ideas and we as staff are now looking to implement that app.

“It’s not something they’ve developed just for the competition, we genuinely think it’s a great idea and an opportunity to dream big.”