Aaron Kwak – creating College history in Paris Olympiad
14 Aug 2025
From the International History Olympiad in Paris to the Chemistry Olympiad training camp in Auckland to navigating the great outdoors and being of service to claim the Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Hillary Award, College Deputy Head Prefect Aaron Kwak has been busy.
Aaron has finished 4th in the Australian and Oceanian History senior section at the International History Olympiad in France. He has also helped to steer the six-strong New Zealand team to 25th overall at the hotly contested Olympiad featuring 432 students from 24 countries, three regions, and 34 American states.
Describing the trip to Paris as an “epic adventure”, Aaron says “it has been incredible to compete against so many outstanding students and also experience the amazing culture and striking architecture of the city”.
“I have also been able to share my knowledge of our special region and learn so much from students from around the world,” he says. “Throughout the full week of competition I have certainly expanded my own knowledge and international connections.”
Prior to his time in Paris, Aaron was in Auckland after winning a spot at the Chemistry Olympiad training camp. Having attained a Gold certificate in the national examination, he was invited to join a select group of talented young scientists vying for a place in the four-strong team to represent New Zealand at the International Olympiad.
For Aaron, the learning-packed camp has been challenging but inspiring.
“I appreciate being able to attend the camp, meet many outstanding people from around the country, and have the opportunity to better understand what I want for the future in terms of my post-College life,” he says.
A mix of lectures and lab sessions with academics, the training structure includes investigating volumetric competition, thermodynamics, solid state structure, equilibria, kinetics, and spectroscopy.
Meanwhile, being awarded his Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award before finishing Year 13 has ticked another box on his ‘must-do’ list during his time at Christ’s College.
“It means a lot to me, having also gained my Gold SVA (Student Volunteer Army) badge in 2024. You get so much in return from helping and supporting others to be at their best.”
