Special Programmes

Future Problem Solving

Mt Carmel runs a “Future Problem Solving” programme for selected Year 5 and 6, as part of our Learning Enrichment Programme. Future Problem Solving was founded by Dr E Torrence in the USA. It is widely taught throughout the world and competitive team winners from participating countries attend a final in the States every year. The children’s work is sent away to be evaluated three times a year and it comes back with valuable suggestions and feedback.

The programme seeks to increase an awareness of the future and encourages creativity. The children are given an open-ended global issue, set at least twenty years in the future. They then have to master up to six steps to complete the booklets. It is a programme that demands excellent concentration and interaction with the other team members. It encourages high level thinking and develops many skills such as research, self- direction, oral and written communication skills. It will provide a problem solving model to integrate into their life, and guide students to become more self-directed and responsible. All these skills will benefit the children in the future. Further information is available on the FPS website – www.fpsnz.co.nz

Problem Challenge (Otago Maths)

Problem Challenge is a mathematics problem solving competition aimed at mathematically able children in year 6, 7 & 8. It is organised by retired members of the Department of Mathematics and Statistics at the University of Otago, and has been running in New Zealand for 25 years with approximately half a million New Zealand children participating over that time.

The problems posed allow children to practise and learn such simple strategies as guessing and checking, drawing a diagram, making lists, looking for patterns, classifying, etc. Children attempt to answer five questions in 30 minutes on each of five problem sheets, which are done about a month apart. They do the problems individually but they can share their answers and strategies in small groups afterwards.

STEPS

STEPS is a programme providing help for children needing extra support in reading and writing. The programme is taken by a specially trained member of our support staff and offers an individualised reading and writing programme for each student.