Two Newcastle Grammar School students recently represented Australia at the prestigious 2025 Future Problem Solving International Conference, held at Indiana University Bloomington, USA, from 4–8 June.
Year 6 student Arianna Stephens and Year 11 student Matilda Dyer were selected to compete at this global event, which brings together over 2,000 top problem solvers from around the world. Since 1974, the Future Problem Solving Program has empowered young people to think critically and creatively about real-world issues, encouraging leadership, ethical thinking and global citizenship.
Arianna competed in the Junior Division of Scenario Writing, which is a timed creative writing challenge where students have two hours to craft a scenario of up to 1,000 words based on a future-focused theme. Arianna’s imaginative story earned her 2nd place in the world—a phenomenal achievement and a testament to her skill and creativity.
In the senior category, Matilda participated in Scenario Performance, where she was the only Australian in her division. She wrote and delivered a powerful five-minute piece exploring the importance of preserving ancient literature in the face of advancing technologies that threaten to erase cultural history. Although not among the final placings, Matilda impressed the judges so much that she was invited to return next year as an official evaluator for Australia—an exciting opportunity that recognises her confident presentation.
While the competition was a highlight, the conference offers much more. Arianna and Matilda immersed themselves in a range of activities including literature classes, social events, a memento exchange, and even a variety performance—where Matilda also took to the stage. For Arianna and Matilda, meeting like-minded students from across the globe made the experience even more enriching and memorable.
Both students represented NGS with distinction, determination and humility. Their achievements remind us that with curiosity, courage and commitment, young people can truly shape the future.
