On Saturday 2 December Jack Zidich (Year 13) received his gold medal at the ICAS Medal Presentation at the University of Auckland. (Photo: N Mehrtens)

Every year, more than 1.5 million students from over 20 countries sit ICAS tests, run by Australia’s University of New South Wales. These cover six disciplines: Digital Technologies, English, Mathematics, Science, Spelling, and Writing.

This year in Science, 223 000 students in over 4000 schools in the Pacific region took part, and certificates are given to all participants. Medals are awarded for gaining the top mark nationwide in a particular year level.

Jack was one of three New Zealand students awarded medals in Science in Year 13. Jack also won school academic prizes in History and Physics, was named Dux of the school, and gained an A+ in his UC Mathematics paper. Jack plans to attend UC in 2018, studying Astronomy and Mathematics.