Future Problem Solving(FPS)

Founded by creativity pioneer, Dr. E. Paul Torrance, the Future Problem Solving Program engages students in creative problem solving, stimulates critical and creative thinking skills and encourages students to develop a vision for the future.

In Nanyang Primary School, Future Problem Solving is a year long program where students, working in teams, learn and apply a six-step problem solving process which provides them with the tools to tackle problems which they will meet throughout their life. Throughout the year, students apply the process to consider the challenges and issues contained within complex social and scientific problems to be faced in the future or tackle existing problems in their own communities. The program encourages students to carry out in-depth research, to think creatively and critically, to apply ethical thinking skills and to work as part of a team.  The topics for this year, which are selected by the FPSP committee, are Olympic Games, Cyber Conflict, Space Junk, Counterfeit Economy and Pandemic.

Nanyang Primary School has participated in the program since 2006 and has achieved commendable results, emerging Champions in the Asia-Pacific competitions every year since and our teams have done very well to be invited to the International Conference, held in the USA, every year.

As the words of wisdom from Dr. E. Paul Torrance goes, ‘To dream and to plan, to be curious about the future and to wonder how much it can be influenced by our efforts are important aspects of being human.’ Indeed, through the program, we hope to nurture better thinkers for tomorrow.