Mt Carmel School
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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.

  • Our Learning
    • Curriculum
    • Technology
    • Sports
    • Arts
    • Religious Education
    • Our Environment
    • Special Programmes
    • Extra Curricular
    • Home
    • Our School
      • About Us
      • Strategic Plan
      • Reports
      • History
      • Houses
      • Staff
      • Uniform
      • Enrolments
      • Term Dates
      • Calendar
    • Our Learning
      • Curriculum
      • Technology
      • Sports
      • Arts
      • R.E.
      • Our Environment
      • Special Programmes
      • Extra Curricular
    • Our Community
      • Parent Portal
      • Board of Trustees
      • PTA
      • Our Lady of Fatima Parish
      • Te Puna Manaakitanga
      • Noticeboard
      • Links
    • Our News
      • News & Events
      • Gallery
      • Newsletters
      • Spotlight On
    • Contact Us
      • Address & Phone
      • Absences
    • Store
    6 Mt Carmel Place, Meadowbank, Auckland
    Principal: Liz Hennessy
    Phone: (09) 521 5161