Future Problem Solving National Success

Twenty-four students accompanied by their coaches Ms Wallace, Mrs Forbes, Dr Gillett and Mrs Dirckze travelled to Melbourne to contest the 2016 National Future Problem Solving Competition.

Sophie Anderson, Jaime Dunn and Madeleine Sylvester were presented with their Performance and Writing Awards at the Opening Ceremony before the Grand Opening Dinner. The community team members began to set up their displays and honed their interview skills ready for the competition. Saturday brought a full day of competition where Sophie and Madeleine competed in the on-site performance and writing competition respectively whilst the community teams manned their stand and participated in a gruelling interview. The students had plenty of time to interact with other gifted students from all over Australia.

The three Community Problem Solving Teams worked tirelessly to make a difference in our community with their projects titled Different Like Me, Social Media in Balance and Voice of Choice. The girls developed their own underlying problem and used the creative six step problem solving process to solve the identified problem. Supported by the wonderful Bennies community, the girls were able to survey a range of people to find out needs and put in place initiatives such as Difference Week and Old Fashioned School Games. Girls presented at Teachmeet held at the College and honed their organisational and project management skills.

At the Closing Ceremony, leading scientist Sir Gus Nossal, posed problems that our country faces and affirmed our students as the thinkers that will tackle the issues. Craig Lapsley, Emergency Management Commissioner, Victoria spoke about the need for flexible thinking when solving problems with climate change and sustainability issues.

Madeleine Sylvester (Year 7) was awarded Champion Writer Middle Division and Sophie Anderson (Year 8) took away the Champion Middle Division Performance Award. Continuing in our outstanding FPS results three students have been invited to compete in the USA next June on the world stage.