Students Excel at the Future Problem Solving National Finals!
Nanotechnology is revolutionising clinical medicine. What happens when competing nanotech companies vie for supremacy in the medical field?
This was the future scenario our Iona teams engaged with during the 2025 Future Problem Solving National Finals held at Knox Grammar School in Sydney in October. The event brought together some of Australia's most talented young thinkers. This year, Iona College was proud to have two teams invited to compete in the Middle Division, placing them among the top 10% of teams nationwide in the Qualifying Problem: an outstanding achievement in itself!
The National Finals topic of 'Nanotechnology' introduced our teams to a challenging and futuristic field that required deep research and critical thinking. The girls demonstrated remarkable dedication, studying on the plane and even in their hotel rooms to refine their understanding. Their hard work paid off, with both teams producing detailed and highly competitive papers that impressed the judges.
Team M08: Olivia B. (9 O'Dowling), Claire D. (9 O'Dowling), Parahne H. (9 O'Dowling) and Mia Y. (9 Kildare) performed exceptionally well, placing 10th overall, just shy of an international invitation (awarded to the top seven teams). The same team also achieved 5th place in the Action Plan Presentation competition. This is a creative challenge where students had just two hours to produce a dramatic skit promoting their solution, complete with improvised costumes and props. Their performance was highly original and great fun to watch.
Team M04: Mahi B. (9 Moynihan), Alicia G. (9 Moynihan), Lidia L. (9 O'Dowling) and Josephine M. (9 Columba) also produced excellent results, writing a paper praised for its clarity, insight and depth of analysis. Their Action Plan performance blended creativity and purpose to deliver an entertaining presentation.
Some thoughts from our team members on their National Finals experience:
"My highlight of attending Nationals was watching the Action Plan Presentations, as it gave me really good insight into the creative minds of a wide range of people. As a student, I gained a broader perspective on issues facing the world, and what is possible in the future." Josephine M.
"The highlight of attending the FPS Nationals was visiting many memorable landmarks, such as the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House. I also loved watching the other groups' Action Plan Presentations. It was inspiring to see their creative ideas and how differently each team presented them. Meeting students from other schools who were also competing made the event even more enjoyable. From this experience, I learned the importance of teamwork, creativity and confidence when sharing ideas. It also showed me how collaboration and different perspectives can lead to unique and innovative solutions. Overall, it was an unforgettable experience that motivated me to keep improving and think outside the box." Mahi B.
"I loved hanging out with my friends and participating in the Action Plan Presentations. It was great being a part of the Awards Ceremony, as well. I took away that there are many young people who love to participate in FPS and who think like us." Lidie L.
Mr Jonathan Cook and I are incredibly proud of the way our teams competed throughout the event. They represented our College with integrity and enthusiasm. Both teams' achievements reflect not only their academic ability but also their perseverance and teamwork - hallmarks of the Iona spirit.
The National Finals also provided a valuable opportunity for coaches and teachers to engage in professional learning, attending presentations and sharing insights while students completed their examinations. These sessions will help us to continue promoting excellence in critical and creative thinking at Iona.