2024 National Future Problem Solving Champions

Two students from Pacific Lutheran College’s Pacific Plus program recently excelled at the National Future Problem Solving Competition in Melbourne. Jessica Cronin, Year 8 student, received the title of 2024 Champion in the Community Problem Solving Individual Middle College Division, while Year 9 student, Amy Richards secured 2nd place in the Global Issues Problem Solving Middle College Division. Jessica’s award acknowledged the success of her 2030 in Focus project, while Amy prepared a six-step problem solving booklet, including an action plan, in response to a scenario focused on autonomous transport in the future. As a result of their remarkable accomplishments, both students have been invited to attend the International Conference in the United States next year.

“Participation in Future Problem Solving encourages students to become responsible global citizens and lifelong learners by developing the skills to create solutions to complex problems, evaluate those solutions and turn them into a workable plan of action,” shares Mrs Jo Belchamber, Head of Middle College Learning at Pacific Lutheran College. 

“Pacific Plus students from Year 6 are coached in the skills of innovation to become socially responsible changemakers. They work collaboratively to tackle issues critical to the success of future generations,” said Mrs Belchamber.

This year, Pacific Plus students across Years 6-11 participated in the Global Issues Problem Solving section of the Future Problem Solving (FPS) Competition, exploring the future challenges of Tourism, Urbanisation, Antarctica and Autonomous Transport.

Using the FPS model, Year 7 Pacific Plus participants also took part in this year’s Community Problem Solving program, formulating proposals for projects to tackle issues within the local community. “All students demonstrated the characteristics of effective problem solvers, showing skills of futuristic thinking, innovation, divergent thinking and analytical research,” said Mrs Linda Sydes, English and HASS teacher at Pacific Lutheran College.

Pacific’s 2024 National Champion - 2030 in Focus 

This year, Jessica Cronin participated in the 2024 Community Problem Solving Competition, focusing on the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 4: Quality Education. Inspired by her work last year, on the Youth Advisory Panel for the World’s Largest Lesson, Jessica recognised the significance of the UN’s Global Goals in creating a sustainable future. As part of her 2023 in Focus project, she collaborated with Caloundra RSL Club and presented her project at College functions to raise funds for the Australian Lutheran World Service (ALWS), aiming to support students in Africa by establishing a school garden and providing resources for disabled students.

The funds Jessica raised were presented to ALWS which has since purchased various educational resources for a school in Somalia, including a food farm and learning kits for 52 students. Jessica’s dedication towards her 2023 in Focus Project has not only helped students in Africa attend school but also highlights the importance of the UN’s Global Goals. Jessica has most recently been recognised as a finalist in the Social Impact category of the Edstart Achievement Awards and is now collaborating with the Buderim Men’s Shed to create community book pantries. 

“Jessica exemplifies how young people can drive meaningful change in their communities. Jessica plans to continue building upon her initiatives in the next few months in preparation for her entry into the International Future Problem Solving competition,” said Mrs Sydes.

“Jessica’s involvement in the Pacific Plus program goes beyond individual learning; it promotes both independent exploration and project management, cultivating essential skills such as critical thinking and problem solving. The focus is driving real action. Whether they are informing others, advocating for change, or implementing innovative solutions, students at Pacific participating in the Pacific Plus program are encouraged to delve deep into their own strength and interests to make a tangible impact on their community,” said Mrs Jo Belchamber.