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Future Problem Solving
Future Problem Solving (FPS) is an exciting and popular international academic program offered to students from Years 5-12. Our students are the first generation of the 21st Century and FPS is one way we can prepare them for emerging new realities. The FPS Program increases awareness of the future, develops ethical leadership and collaboration skills and uses a creative problem-solving model that encourages young people to actively shape their future. Since 1992, our FPS teams have achieved amazing results in all branches of the competition, with students regularly making it through to Nationals. Many groups of students have been so accomplished in the program that they have attended the FPS International Conference held in the USA to compete with students across the globe. 2020 was a little different due to COVID-19, but our students remained positive and adapted to the ever-changing conditions, competing virtually at both Nationals and Internationals.
The ‘Global Issues Booklet Program’ is the backbone of FPS. Students work individually or in teams of four, using a sixstep problem-solving approach to a topic, which in 2020 were: International Travel, Sleep Patterns, Gamification and Living in Poverty. ‘Community Problem Solving (CmPS)’ encourages the students to focus on being agents of change in their local communities. ‘Scenario Writing’ inspires students to develop futuristic scenarios that may unfold as a logical consequence of actions and events relating to one of the topics. What I particularly love about FPS is how the girls form strong bonds with each other. They grow in their team-building skills, then move naturally into leadership which keeps the program going. Several girls have been employed by FPS after school and continue to inspire others in the program. Future Problem Solving is growing at Loreto. Each year, we have a large group of new students who join us for the Introductory Course in Term 4. The girls are a joy to work with and I would like to thank all participants, and the student and teacher coaches for their ongoing commitment, hard work, creative ideas and enthusiasm.
MRS ROBYN ROFFEY
FUTURE PROBLEM SOLVING COORDINATOR ‘From Nationals in Brisbane and Internationals streamed from America to recordings of some very humorous skits, FPS has so much to offer. My team has improved immensely in collaboration, understanding of topics, time management and writing skills. FPS has taught me invaluable lessons, including how to think critically and creatively.’
Emily, Year 11
‘I have really enjoyed FPS, particularly the group work aspect because it allowed me to make new friends and share ideas with people who have different strengths to me. I was able to enhance my team-building and problem-solving skills and would definitely recommend it to anyone who seeks a challenge.’
Lara, Year 10
‘Some highlights of FPS have been going to Nationals, having fun with my friends and making new friends. FPS is a fun and engaging extra-curricular activity which expanded my teamwork skillset.’
Eloise, Year 9
‘I have learnt so much from FPS, from working better in groups to thinking in depth about futuristic problems. FPS is very challenging, but we had lots of support. It is a great activity where you can have fun, be competitive and develop a broader understanding of global issues in our world.’
Natalia, Year 8
‘Future Problem Solving was an amazing experience. Some of the highlights were working together with my team and the fun and thrill of the competitions. FPS helped me with time management, developed my creativity and gave me greater insight into global issues.’
