"Future Problem Solving is an international educational program for students of all ages from P - 12 that focuses on the development of creative thinking skills. In particular, it centres on the skills of problem identification and positive solutions to those problems. Above all, it aims to give young people the skills to design and promote positive futures for the society in which they live. 

The aim of Future Problem Solving is essentially to develop critical, creative and futuristic thinking skills. It challenges students to apply their imagination and thinking skills to some of the significant issues facing both the world of today, and the future, equipping them with the skills and vision needed to anticipate, comprehend and solve problems associated with these issues, helping them to have a positive impact in the society of the future. "  (from the FPSP Australia website)

To read more about the Global Issues Problem Solving Booklet program can be read by clicking here (this will take you to the FPSP Australia site)

Thinking Ahead is offering students in Years 5 - 10 the chance to be involved this year.

Back to Top

How will my child benefit?

Your child will develop a range of skills as a result of involvement in this program including critical and creative thinking skills, research, communication and team work skills. They will also work with like minded peers on global issues topics, many of which are likely to impact on their lives in the future. The structured 6 step process learned in this program has ready transfer to real life and over time you are likely to hear your child using the FPS 'language' in other settings, particularly when considering new information or in addressing real life problems.
Click here to read some further information about the skills your child will develop and the topics for this year.

Back to Top

When and where is it held?

Training sessions for the Thinking Ahead teams will be held on Wednesday afternoons from 4.00 until 5.30pm at Nedlands Primary School in their library. A map with more details of where to meet will be sent to you when you register your child.

Training sessions will be held as follows:
Term 1 March 10, 17, 24, 31
Term 2 April 21, 28. May 5, 12, 19, 26. June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
Term 3 July 28, August 4

Students who qualify for the National Competition will need to attend 5 additional training sessions which will be held on Sept 1, 8, 15 and 22 (Term 3) and October 13 (Term 4) prior to travelling to Melbourne to compete October 15 – 17.

Back to Top

Who is coaching and supervising the teams?

The Thinking Ahead teams will be coached by Liberty Cramer (with back up from Derrin Cramer, whose coaching experience is not as recent). If there are sufficient numbers of students interested, additional qualified coaches will be added to the team. Liberty participated in FPS during high school, is a qualified coach and has completed the Evaluator's training course. For the last few years she has been part of the coaching team at Penrhos College.

All staff who are coaching or supervising teams have a current Working With Children card or are registered teachers.

Back to Top

Do I need to come every week?

Yes, when you join the FPS teams you will need to commit to attending sessions regularly as these are training sessions where you will learn and refine the skills you will be using when you complete the competition booklets. At times there may also be suggested research for your to follow up on at home in between.

Dates for 2010 are as follows:
Term 1 March 10, 17, 24, 31
Term 2 April 21, 28. May 5, 12, 19, 26. June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
Term 3 July 28, August 4

The additional coaching sessions for those who qualify for the National Competition will be held on Sept 1, 8, 15 and 22 (Term 3) and October 13 (Term 4) prior to travelling to Melbourne to compete October 15 – 17.

Back to Top

How much does it cost? How do I pay?

Cost is $22 per week for the training sessions. This is covers the room hire, the coaching costs, team registrations and a fee payable to Future Problem Solving Australia. You will be invoiced by the term (rather than week to week) and payments can be made by EFT or by cheque to Thinking Ahead. (no refunds can be given for missed sessions or withdrawal from the program. Additional details can be found on the registration form.)

All students will attend the first 17 sessions. An additional 5 sessions will be held for teams who qualify for the National Competition. Cost for these sessions will also be $22 per week. (Other students are welcome to pay for and attend if they wish to continue to hone their skills)

If your child was part of a team who qualified to attend the National Competition there would be extra costs involved in travelling to Melbourne to compete (October 15 - 17 2010). Unfortunately I can't give you any information about how much this would be at this stage as it will depend on how many students were attending and the travel arrangements we could make at the time, but (having paid for 5 trips to the National Competition over the years for my daughters) I will be keeping the cost as low as reasonably possible.

Back to Top

How do I register my child?

To register your child you need to complete the online form that will open when you click here. Please print the confirmation page which opens when you submit the form.
An invoice will be emailed to you after the first session on March 10th.

Back to Top

More questions?

If you have more questions, please email Derrin or try calling on a Tuesday, Thursday or Friday (or leave a message at other times).

Back to Top

 The latest update to this page was on 26/03/10.