FPS 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.
Future Problem Solving is typically offered as an extracurricular activity or elective course, and it is open to students of all ages and grade levels.
The program is structured around a series of competitions that challenge students to apply their creativity and problem-solving skills to real-world issues and scenarios.
Global Issues Problem Solving students are presented with a complex scenario or problem. They are asked to identify the underlying issues, generate solutions, evaluate the pros and cons of each solution, and select the best course of action.
Students work in teams (or individually) to develop their solutions and are judged on the creativity, originality, and feasibility of their ideas.
In addition to honing their problem-solving skills, Future Problem Solving emphasizes leadership development. FPS equips students with the skills necessary to lead teams and organizations towards solutions for the problems they will face in the future.
Become an FPS Coach and help guide and support your students as they develop their problem-solving skills, teaching strategies for analysing complex issues, and helping develop leadership skills, critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills.
FPS hosts Coach Catch-ups in terms 1 and 2, providing an opportunity for coaches to share information, ideas, and best practices and provide a forum for coaches to discuss common challenges and in coaching students.
Program OPTIONS for Schools
Global Issues Problem Solving
Students involved in GIPS learn & practice powerful problem-solving skills that engage their critical and creative thinking.
Community Problem Solving
A stand out project-based program for schools. Students select a real world problem, identify a solution, and then actively implement their action plan to address the problem.
Scenario Writing
A Scenario Writing competition in which students develop and submit short stories. Students compete individually, developing short stories related to one of five FPSP topics for the year.
Scenario Performance
An oral storytelling activity for individual students offering the opportunity to develop creative and entertaining, short, futuristic stories related to one of five FPSP topics.
Primary Programs
A non-competitive problem-solving program designed for implementation in the regular classroom Foundational Skills (Prep-2); Developing Skills (Grades 3-4)
"It’s been 15 years since I entered my first FPS classroom with intrigue, followed immediately by awe and intractable attraction. Why do I still take my daily dose of FPS? I think it’s because the program is more than just a transient test of knowledge and skill. It develops a lifelong mindset and entirely new outlook through which we can see the world. No longer do problems envelop the globe, rather opportunities do: moments that are ready for positive, sustainable change."
Dylan Sherman, FPS Australia Alumni, now Coach, Evaluator, Future Scene Writer,
Committee Member, Lecturer and PhD Candidate at University of Oxford
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Hear about the program
“20 years ago, I had no idea that one day I would find myself spending a year working in Antarctica …
let alone that I would go back again only one year later. But I already knew that I wanted to do
something big, exciting, and unique. Without knowing exactly where I wanted to end up, I studied languages because I wanted to explore the world, science because I cared deeply for the environment, and many activities ranging from music and martial arts to Future Problem Solving because I enjoyed them and I knew that they would provide me with skills and confidence that I could carry with me forever. FPS taught me that we can come up with creative ways to solve the problems that humans have created.”
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Future Problem Solving Australia acknowledges the traditional owners of this land. We recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respects to Elders past and present.