Future Problem Solving

To cater for our gifted students at KKPS we offer the following programmes.

Future Problem Solving

Students learn a 6 step problem solving model. This F.P.S. model is a technique for constructively looking at a topic or issue which could be faced in the future.

Students learn to carry out in depth research; to think creatively and critically; to apply ethical thinking skills, and to work as part of a team.

Five general topics are explored across the course of each academic year. Each topic is introduced by a future scene that provides specific and futuristic descriptive information about the general topic.

The first two topics are for practicing the Process. The third topic is known as the qualifying Problem.  The best teams from around New Zealand are invited to the national finals, where they compete against each other, adapting their skills to work on a fourth topic. The top teams in each division are then invited to represent NZ at the international FPS Conference held each year in USA. These students are given a fifth topic to work on, and from this work the International Champions are chose.

KKPS has had numerous teams selected to attend the NZ finals where they have received 2nd, 3rd and 4th placings.

In 2007 one student who entered the competition as an individual, (rather than as part of a team) won the NZ finals and is representing NZ at the internationals in June 2008.

Community Problem Solving

Students learn the same problem solving model, but apply it to an issue they have chosen in their own community. They work through the process, produce an action plan and then put that into practice in their community.

KKPS have had a number of teams selected for the NZ finals in CMPS.  One team gained a 3rd placing at Internationals, and two teams (2000 and 2007) have won the overall junior divisions and become World Champions.

Scenario Writing

Students choose one of the five FPS topics and write a 1500 word futuristic essay based on the chosen topic.

At KKPS we have had a number of students placed in the top three at the NZ finals. One student received a 3rd placing in the International finals and in 2008 an ex student, coach by one of our teachers became the Junior World Champion.

For more information about any of the above three programmes, refer to the future problem solving website –www.fpsnz.co.nz

Kerikeri Primary has a proud history in the competition, look at our children competing in the 2007 Community Problem Solving competition: