Eight students from Covenant Christian School have returned from the United States after representing Australia at the 2026 Future Problem Solving (FPS) International Conference World Finals, where one team achieved second place in the world.
Held at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana, the international event brought together more than 2,000 students from 14 countries to tackle complex real-world challenges through collaborative problem-solving.
The Covenant team explored the future of sustainable forestry, developing innovative solutions to balance environmental protection with the need for building materials, medicine and employment opportunities.
Year 7 students Ava, Caleb, Kara and Levi were awarded second place in the world for their Action Plan Presentation, continuing Covenant Christian School’s strong record of success in the international competition.
Future Problem Solving has become a major extension program at Covenant since it was introduced in 2019 with just eight students. Today, more than 75 students from Years 5 to 12 participate in the program, which develops creativity, critical thinking, collaboration and communication skills.
The school’s Extension and Enrichment Coordinator, Amanda Drain, leads the program and was recognised in 2025 with the Keith Frampton Memorial Award from Future Problem Solving Australia for her contribution as a coach.
Reflecting on the team’s achievement, Ms Drain said the students were proud of the solutions they presented on the world stage.
“They did their very best and came out feeling really happy with their work and their amazing solutions. Super proud!” she said.
Extension and Enrichment teacher Emily Smith said the program encourages students to think deeply while working collaboratively.
“FPS is such a rich learning experience. Students have to collaborate, think flexibly and justify their ideas,” she said.
“We have seen students really come alive in that kind of environment. Some students find their voice because the task gives them room to think in original ways. Others learn that being gifted does not mean things are always easy; they have to persist, listen to others and refine their ideas.”
Following their international success, Covenant’s students will continue preparing for the Future Problem Solving National Finals, to be held in Victoria in October.
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