Future Problem Solving

Year 12 student Isabel Rio recently participated in the Future Problem Solving National finals for their work writing creative speculative fiction as part of the Future Problem Solving competition. Hosted at Knox Grammar School in NSW and as the only Government school representative selected for the finals, we are very proud to have Isabel represent our school. Isabel suggested that like Knox Grammar, we too should purchase a dinosaur skeleton, so if families happen to be extra generous in your voluntary school contributions maybe we can buy a bone or two and make her wish come true!

Isabel's written work explored the ramifications of climate change in our future. The outline for their story is below:

“After years of melting icebergs, torrential rainfall, and neglected rising sea levels, the world is dealing with chronic floods. At the breaking point of this climate disaster Olive finds herself in a rundown milk bar seeking warmth and meets a young boy. His innocence pushes her to consider her life in the dystopia and gives her just enough hope to dream of a better world.” What is FPS?

Future Problem Solving is a research-based academic program that teaches problem solving strategies, collaboration, critical and creative thinking, and effective communication.

The interdisciplinary approach helps develop ethical leadership skills, prepares students for future challenges, and equips them with the skills they need to succeed in a rapidly changing world. Students can engage in performance, writing and investigation tasks with an eye on considering challenges in the future and how we all can plan for and adapt to challenges both environmental and technological. This runs as an extra-curricular program for interested students.

If any budding futurists would be interested in knowing more about the program in advance of 2026, reach out to me at dean.ashton@nhs.vic.edu.au.