This year, our students created the FPSPI (Future Problem Solving Program International) Club, an initiative that encourages them to learn not just what to think, but how to think. Through research in French, English, and Turkish, they explore global and social issues, develop innovative solutions, and strengthen their skills in leadership, time management, and future-oriented solution-finding.
Under the theme of our school project “Knowing how to communicate, to be connected in a connected world”, we promote the development of critical thinking and communication skills through interdisciplinary activities. This club is not just an activity, it is a learning journey to think, create and change the world.
Our students shine at the FPSPI National Finals in Kuşadası!
From April 11th to 13th, 2025, our team of nine students competed in the FPSPI National Finals in Kuşadası, Turkey. Not only did they compete, but they also won second place in the Global Issues Problem Solving (GIPS) category, earning them a spot at the International Conference in the United States!
Here’s the article written by our students and their impressions of the competition…
What is FPSPI?
The Future Problem Solving Program International (FPSPI) is a global educational program founded in 1974 by Dr. Ellis Paul Torrance. It helps students develop critical and creative thinking by preparing them to solve complex future problems. Each year, thousands of students from over 14 countries participate in this program, which trains them to use a six-step problem-solving process to address hypothetical future scenarios.
We were at the FPSPI National Finals!
With our nine-member team, we participated in the FPS Turkey National Finals, which took place from April 11th to 13th in Kuşadası, Izmir. Not only did we compete, but by placing second in the GIPS (Global Issues Problem Solving) component, we also earned the right to participate in the International Conference to be held in the United States.
Three Exciting Days at the National Finals
Participating in the finals in Izmir was an incredible experience for us. With a team of nine people, including six competitors and three press and technical officers, we not only created unforgettable memories but also gained valuable experience by being part of such a remarkable organization.
First of all, our bus trip from Istanbul to Izmir reinforced the already existing camaraderie within our group and created a fantastic energy within the team.
From the moment we arrived in Izmir, even though the finals hadn’t officially started yet, our problem-solving experience had already begun. We learned to make decisions independently, accept the consequences of those decisions, and develop strategies. We realized the importance of team spirit and the fact that each member of our team is unique and valuable to us.
At the opening ceremony on Friday evening, when we unveiled our school flag on stage, it was an emotional moment. Reflecting on all the effort put into unveiling the flag on stage, we were deeply moved, yet also filled with joy as we relived our beautiful memories and a growing excitement for the next day’s competition. This moment was crucial for our team: we felt in our hearts how much we wanted to achieve a high ranking in Turkey, and we were more united than ever.
On Saturday morning, we started the day with a quick start to the competition. The four of us put all our research, creativity, cooperation, and collaboration into doing our best. By the time the two-hour competition time limit was up, we were confident in our work. In the afternoon, the whole team came together to work on the second stage of the competition, the “sketch presentation.” We prepared costumes, created a sketch in line with our action plan and presented it to the jury with a team of six people.
Sunday was a great day for us! We already knew we had done a great job, but going to the awards ceremony was very exciting for us. When we were called on stage as runners-up in the GIPS component category, our excitement summed up all the experiences we had gone through together throughout the year, with its hard and soft moments. The excitement and joy we felt upon receiving our trophy on stage are difficult to describe. Although we were only a small group of students during the award ceremony on stage, we always felt the presence and support of our great team behind us—our friends who supported us in our work and research, our school administration who never left us without help in solving the problems we encountered, and the FPS Turkey team who organized this event.
Student Testimonials
“This was my first time as a team coach in an FPS competition, and I truly believe we achieved great success. The synergy within our team was incredible, and we owe this success to all the team members. I would like to warmly thank our invaluable “booklet” team, who filled out the booklet with me and enabled us to achieve a true miracle in two hours; our “sketch” team, who tirelessly prepared all our materials and created an unforgettable memory thanks to their creativity; our press and technical team, who faced every problem with great calm and did everything necessary for our team and our friends without hesitation; and the huge team behind us, whom we always feel support for even if they aren’t there every step of the way. A huge thank you to all!”
– Zeynep E.L2 F (Team Coach)
“The FPSPI competition in Kuşadası was both very competitive and extremely enjoyable for us. Everyone on the team worked in harmony and no one hesitated to do what was necessary. We always helped each other, and the team spirit never wavered. Furthermore, we are very lucky to be part of such a global club.”
-Melisa E. L1 F (Booklet team member)
“It was a very enriching activity that developed both our analytical thinking and problem-solving skills. We learned what we need to do today to address potential future problems. We also had a lot of fun, strengthening our friendships while meeting new people from all over Turkey.”
– Maya K. L1 A (Booklet team member)
“Through this competition, I gained a lot of experience in how to photograph a team at work and I also had the opportunity to meet these valuable competitors from all over Turkey. It was a very enjoyable competition and I hope we can continue working as a team in the future. I thank our President for making our participation possible.”
-Alp ULUKUZ L1 C (Responsible for the press and technical matters )
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