Future Problem Solving

August 2009

Beaconhills has participated in the National Future Problem Solving Competition for the previous 3 years.  

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 centers 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.

There are six sub categories of the national competition, in 2009; the students from Beaconhills will compete in the ‘Community’ category which acknowledges the importance of students developing skills to participate in the solution of community problems.  Learning how to investigate community problems and evaluate solutions so they can take actions is an important part of becoming an environmental citizen.

We are delighted that six of the teams from Years 6, 7 and 8 have been selected to present their projects at the National finals at the Gold Coast in mid October.   The winning teams will travel to the USA to compete at the International final in May, 2010.

The following projects were selected to compete in the National final:

	Harnessing the resources of the local community to support Middle Kinglake Primary School after the Black Saturday fires.  The Year 6 team named ‘BART’: Beaconhills Aids Recovery Team ; recognise the importance of education and are doing everything they can to help Middle Kinglake Primary School to get back on their feet following the devastating bushfire activity that affected the school in February of 2009. <Read more>
	Making Indigenous History and Culture Visible in the City of Casey.  This team of three Year 6 girls is named the ‘ICUC’; Indigenous Culture Unites Casey and are concerned about the dwindling presence of Indigenous culture in the City of Casey.  The group of Year 6 students recognise that our indigenous heritage is becoming increasingly removed from current and future generations.  As a team they are determined to help their peers remember and honour those that walked before us. <Read more>
	Improving the eating habits of the children in the City of Casey to help them become healthier and fitter.  Working with a local supermarket to promote healthy food as yummy food, the Year 7, group called ‘KEY’ Foods (Kids Eat Yummy Foods) are concerned about the increasing incidences of overweight and obese children in the city of Casey.  <Read more>
	The Leadbeater’s Possum: Helping a Small Friend in Need. The Year 7 team are called ‘HELP’ (Helping a the Endangered Leadbeater’s Possum) and are committed to ensure the ongoing survival of Victoria’s emblem, the Leadbeater’s Possum. <Read more>
	Improving Literacy Levels in the City of Casey. This Year 8 team are called ‘YELL’ (Youth Elevating Literacy Levels) and are focusing on increasing the literacy levels from youth, by focusing on exposure to books and reading as babies and preschoolers. <Read more>
	Reducing Boredom in the City of Casey The Year 8 team, called GAFT- Getting Active for Teens, believe that teenagers are not aware of the number and range of activities in the City of Casey. As a result of this inappropriate and antisocial behaviours, including theft, underage sex and graffiti are arising, due to boredom. <Read more>