Programs > Scenario Writing
Scenario Writing is an individual competition in which students develop short stories related to one of FPSP’s four annual topics. The story (1500 words or less) is set 20 - 30 years in the future and is an imagined but logical outcome of actions or events taking place in the world.
Scenario Writing can be used as a stand-alone activity by an FPS coach, an English teacher, a parent, or any instructor with students interested in creative writing. Students who are enthusiastic about stories of the future may also be interested in the Scenario Performance component, which is an oral storytelling experience.
To prepare students for the challenges of the 21st century, Future Problem Solving teaches students to think critically, creatively, and futuristically. The Scenario Writing component strives to help students enlarge, enrich, and make their images of the future more precise while honing their creative writing skills. This competition provides students with greater awareness and imaginings about possible futures by personalising the ever-growing perspective a student has on their own.
Participation in Scenario Writing provides opportunities for students to meet and exceed educational standards as they refine their writing skills.
A rubric-based authentic evaluation is provided, giving students tools for continuous growth.
For students who participate in the Global Issues Problem Solving and/or Scenario Performance programs of FPS, Scenario Writing can serve as an excellent complement to their work on any of the annual topics.
Schools can register individual students in one of the following divisions – Junior (Years 5 and 6), Middle (Years 7 to 9) and Senior (Years 10 to 12).
One registration entitles an individual to two evaluations. Two Evaluations will allow the student to submit a trial written scenario, due in May, which is evaluated but non-competitive. The second competitive submission, due in August, may be a revision of the first scenario or an entirely new scenario.
Evaluations are a rubric-based process, providing students with direct feedback and tools for continuous growth.
Prior to submission, coaches may provide direct instruction on the scenario writing, and make general suggestions for improvement, including with spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors. However, each scenario must be original and written by the student.
The second, or competitive, submission is what decides the placegetters in the FPS Australian scenario writing competition. The finalists (stories that progress to the 2nd round of evaluation) of each division of the FPS Australian scenario writing competition are invited to participate in the National Finals.
- The Scenario Writing Handbook
- Two assessment rounds
- Fortnightly coach catch up – via zoom
- Access to our friendly support team 9am - 5pm AEST, Monday to Friday
For the cost of a single individual or team registration, teachers gain access to the program material and can teach the program to as many students as they wish. (However, booklets can only be evaluated if a team/individual has been registered.)
Additional registrations can be added throughout the year.
- Attend coach training
- Register your school's participation
- Purchase recommended publications
- Plan your FPS year
The best way to become acquainted with Scenario Writing is to read published Scenarios. 2021 FPSPI Scenario Writing Champions is available for purchase from the Publications page on this website.
Although knowing the process can help students to think about the future and organise a storyline, it is not a prerequisite for Scenario Writing. Since Scenarios must relate to one of the annual topics, we recommend that students complete background reading and research on their chosen topic.
Scenario Writing skills aligned with Education Standards
The Scenario Writing component of FPSPI strives to help students enlarge, enrich, and make more accurate their images of the future, while honing their creative writing skills. Participation in Scenario Writing provides opportunities for students to meet and exceed educational standards as they refine their writing skills.
Future Problem Solving Australia acknowledges the traditional owners of this land. We recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respects to Elders past and present.
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Visit our topic center to learn more about current and past Future Problem Solving student competition topic challenges.
Storylines present creative and futuristic problems to solve. Our future scenes are imagined “what if” scenarios based on current topic information. Each year teams of experts develop problem situations set 20-30 years in the future needing to be solved.
We prepare young people to find solutions, take relevant action, and be a force for positive change. Our model ignites curiosity in real world issues and equips students with complex problem-solving skills.
An excellent underlying problem has a manageable scope, addresses a significant issue from the future scene through the key verb phrase, and identifies a positive outcome (purpose) of accomplishing the goal.
In the Global Issues program, participants read a provided futuristic scenario based on one of the competition topics for that year. After reading, participants work through our 6-step problem-solving process. In competitive settings, there are two hours to write all six steps.
Example: Future Scene – Ocean Soup. Set in 2035, the scene challenges students to help floating science laboratories in a quest to protect the Hawaiian islands from the devastating effects of ocean soup.
A series of videos created by FPSPI to explain each of the steps in the Future Problem Solving six step process.
Future Problem Solving (FPS) teaches a unique six step problem solving process which can be applied in the real world, in local and global communities, as well as in future societies. This problem solving process teaches critical and creative thinking, problem solving, and decision making.
" Future Problem Solving teaches critical thinking skills, stimulates creativity, encourages development of a vision for the future, and prepares students for leadership roles. 2022 National Finals (Globe Photography)
To prepare students for the challenges of the 21st century, Future Problem Solving teaches students to think critically, creatively, and futuristically. The Scenario Writing component strives to help students enlarge, enrich, and make their images of the future more precise while honing their creative writing skills.