Mrs S Pooch — Nov 27, 2018

At Burnside we have a strong group of Future Problem Solvers who challenge themselves to solve the problems facing the world today.

A year spent researching and creatively solving the global issues of Infectious Diseases, Toxic Materials, Philanthrocapitalism and Criminal Justice Systems has culminated in four Burnside High students qualifying for the 25th Future Problem Solving National Finals.

Middle Division (Years 9-10)

Senior Division (Years 11-13)

Held in Auckland from the 2nd to the 4th of November, the top Future Problem Solvers from across the country tackled the topic of ‘cloud storage’, vying for the right to represent New Zealand at the 2019 International Finals held in Massachusetts, USA. On Saturday morning, we wound our minds forward 20 years, envisaging a world set in 2038 where cloud storage challenges were a major threat. Two-and-a-quarter hours later, we had finished out booklets and had a little down time before cracking onto our Presentation of Action Plan. As quickly as it had came, the weekend had ended, with Burnside students claiming a host of prizes to top it off. These included:

Both William and E Wen have been invited to represent Burnside and Aotearoa at the 2019 Future Problem Solving International Conference in Massachusetts next year. A huge thanks to Mrs Parrett, Miss Hiku, Mr Tang, Sue Williams and ex-Burnside student Jess Schofield for their ongoing support and coaching throughout the year.

E Wen Wong (11WTAW)