All the elements of success in Chemistry at Christ’s College

All the elements of success in chemistry at Christ’s College

29 Oct 2025

Christ’s College science students have performed with distinction in the International Chemistry Quiz. Among the outstanding results, four students – Aaron Kwak, Bill Cross, Paddy Newton, and Ericsson Ye – have achieved High Distinction, placing the boys among the top achievers in the region.

College Head of Department – Chemistry Scott Franklin says “it has been good to see a wide range of students across all year levels engage in these extension opportunities, and achieve so highly".

“It shows that we have some top chemists at College, across the years groups,” he says.

Further to the success in the International Chemistry Quiz, four boys have competed in the 2025 Chemistry Olympiad selection examination. Ericsson and Paddy, alongside JJ Wada, have all received prestigious Silver Awards and invitations to the Olympiad training programme. Year 10 student Sean Ma also has given the senior boys a run for their money with his keen chemistry knowledge, finishing hot on their heels with a Bronze Award and also receiving an invitation to the training programme.

“All four boys are looking forward to extending themselves in the coming months as they compete against students from around the country for one of the five coveted New Zealand Olympiad team spots.”

International Chemistry Quiz – top achievers

Senior (ages 17–18)

High Distinction
Aaron Kwak

Distinction
James Floyd
Jack Hastie
Bill Li
Richard Noh
David Wayne

Senior (ages 16–17)

High Distinction
Bill Cross
Paddy Newton
Ericsson Ye

Distinction
Peter Beasley
William Butler
Bill Li
JJ Wada

Intermediate (ages 15–16)

Distinction
Thomas Kerr
Alex Johnstone

Intermediate (ages 14–15)

Distinction
Sean Ma

Junior (ages 13–14)