"To dream and to plan, to be curious about the future and to wonder how much it can be influenced by our efforts are important aspects of being human." Dr. E Paul Torrance, founder of Future Problem Solvers NZ

This year, we have 10 children from Years 7 and 8  taking part in Future Problem Solving (FPS). They train weekly on Friday afternoons with Mrs Campion and Hannah Hudson. Hannah is a Year 13 student from Cashmere High School who has won international awards in future problem solving. We are very grateful for her experience and enthusiasm in coaching our teams with Mrs Campion! Check out Hannah's TEDx talk explaining Future Problem Solving and its benefits.

Year 7 team: Aleksandra B, Felix H, Jessie L, Lucy S and Katherine B

Year 8 team: Kaspar H, Andie S, Zach D, Sailor G and Eliza A

Future Problem Solving is an (international) programme where students, working in teams, learn and apply a six-step problem solving process. As a team they apply the process to consider the challenges and issues contained within complex social and scientific problems set in a world where they will be adults, approximately 30 years into the future. The topic for this term is Space Junk.

The programme encourages students to carry out research, to think creatively and critically, to apply ethical thinking skills and to work as part of a team. The children will be working in the non-competitive division, which is the normal process for students beginning FPS.

Goals of the Programme:

• To develop an active interest in the future

• To encourage creative thinking

• To develop critical and analytical thought

• To strengthen oral and written communication skills

• To present an effective problem solving model

• To develop research techniques

• To work co-operatively in teams.

This team was selected from a large pool of applicants for their creative, futuristic thinking and their ability to contribute positively to a team. They will submit their first booklet for judging next term.