Programme Information

Goals of the Future Problem Solving 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.

Programme Components

FPS TEAM BOOKLET

Competitive Division:

Students work in teams of four with a coach who facilitates their research into the topic and the learning of the skills. During the year the students work on three set topics. The work is mailed to evaluators who assess it and return it with comprehensive praise and suggestions for improvement. Top placed teams from the Qualifying Problem compete at the National Finals for the chance to win a place to represent New Zealand at the International Finals in the USA in June the following year. 'Y' division competes at Nationals but is not eligible to compete at the International finals. Some students prefer to work by themselves and complete a shorter booklet.

Competitive Divisions (Team or Individual):
Junior B: Years 5 - 7
Junior: Any Junior team which includes Year 8 student(s)
Middle: Years 9 - 10
Senior: Years 11 - 13
'Y' (Competitive Primary) Division:

    'Y' division is for primary students up to Year 6 only. Students in Years 4 and 5 are eligible for this division. This division completes a booklet with fewer challenges and solutions and a simplified future scene. It is therefore important to note that Competitive Primary teams that compete in the National Finals are competing for a National title only. They will not be eligible to compete for a place to represent New Zealand at the International Finals.

If Year 6’s would like to compete for a place to attend International finals, then they would need to enter the JB division of the competition.

Stepping Stones to FPS - Non Competitive

Students work in teams of any size (four is recommended) on the same topics as the regular programme. In 2008 we are giving Stepping Stones division the option of doing alternative topics that may link more closely to classroom units of work. These other topics can be viewed on the topics page.

These students receive feedback on their work, but no marks or rankings. They have a longer period of time than the competitive division to work on their booklets. Schools that are new to the programme are able, on a one time only basis, to register in the programme part way through the year.This division is very suitable for students and coaches who are attempting Future Problem Solving for the first time.

Stepping Stones Divisions:
Stepping Stones Primary: Years 1 - 6
Stepping Stones: Years 7 - 13

COMMUNITY PROBLEM SOLVING (CmPS)

Team or Individual
Students work in teams to identify a problem which exists in their own community, write a scenario, then apply the steps of the Future Problem Solving process which they see as being appropriate for their particular problem so that they can develop a plan of action. They then implement the plan of action to solve their problem.

CmPS Divisions:
Junior: Years 5 - 7
Middle: Years 8 - 10
Senior: Years 11 - 13

SCENARIO WRITING

Students work individually to research one of the year's topics, then write a 1500 word futuristic scenario in short-story format, based on their research. They may submit one or two scenarios to be evaluated over the year. Students or coaches do not have to have FPS experience to enter scenario writing.

Scenario Writing Divisions:
Junior: Years 5 - 7
Middle: Years 8 - 10
Senior: Years 11 - 13