A GROUP of junior students from Whakatāne High proudly represented their school with impressive achievements in the recent ICAS examinations.

Year 10 students James McKay and Quinn Charteris, along with Year 9 students Sarah Banks, Whaitiri Forsyth, and Te Aorangi Stewart, took part in the ICAS international assessments.

The ICAS examination, endorsed by the University of Sydney, is a rigorous evaluation that operates outside the NCEA system. Principal Martyn Knapton said only the most academically inclined students in the country participate in these exams.

James said the Whakatāne High School students took on four exams, English, science, mathematics and writing.

James achieved remarkable results, earning a distinction in science and a high distinction in writing. “I scored about 97 percent for my distinction and 99 percent for my high distinction, placing me among the top 1 percent in the country,” he said.

James surprised himself with his English results, “Last year, I received a distinction only in maths, and I thought that was my strongest subject.”

Quinn also performed well, securing a credit in mathematics among the three subjects he completed, which included science and English.

Sarah is thrilled with her results, stating, “I did English, writing and maths. I received a participation award in maths, as that’s not my strongest subject, but I got distinctions in English and writing, which puts me in the top 10 percent in New Zealand.”

Sarah said she loved English: “With English I really get to have fun. I would like to do a Bachelor of Arts majoring in English.”

Whaitiri was pleased to earn a distinction in English and a credit in maths, despite initially hesitating to participate in the exams. Te Aorangi reported that her performance was solid as well, with a merit in English and a participation award in mathematics.

Mr Knapton commended the students’ achievements.

“It is testament to the ability of our young people.

“We don’t get every student to do ICAS, it is an elective exam, but it really does put them against students across the world and New Zealand.

“High-achieving students here are working as well as any other kid who is high-achieving across any other school in the country.”