The culture of loving to learn WORDS | MARTINE CUSACK
E ricsson Ye loves to learn – be it Biology, Physics, Mathematics or English, and everything in-between each class. For the Year 13 Christ’s College student, his passion for learning is “intrinsic”. “I know if I try and strive hard enough, that I can achieve,” he says. “I am motivated by challenges and always aim to give my best, even while doing something I don’t enjoy.” However, Ericsson loves Biology the most, reflected by his silver medal win at the International Biology Olympiad (IBO) in Lithuania in July. Representing New Zealand, his achievement places Ericsson among the world’s top young biologists. He is only the second Christ’s College student to compete at the premier competition. Held in Vilnius, the 2026 IBO proved to be an intense theoretical and practical challenge, with competitors solving highly complex problems. Despite more than 300 of the brightest young minds from nearly 80 countries vying for a medal, the Year 13 student held his nerve to claim the prestigious prize. His success was the culmination of a gruelling 10-day training and selection camp, based at the University of Otago, followed by months of intense study and tutorials. “Initially, I was looking for a fresh challenge when the Head of Biology, Ms Howatson, suggested that I give the Olympiad exam a try,” he says. For Ericsson, the Biology Olympiad “is a cool opportunity to do something very different and undertake a much longer journey of learning”. “The sciences are my passion – particularly Biology and Physics – and academic challenges are my motivation,” he says. “Coupled with self-belief, I aim to do anything to the best of my ability – no matter the subject.” Underpinning his Olympiad preparation, Ericsson also gained an Outstanding NZQA Scholarship in Biology, and Scholarships in Calculus and Physics in Year 12.
While building an inspirational list of individual achievements, Ericsson also stresses the importance of teamwork, having been a member of the Christ’s College Year 10 Cantamath champion team. “Our Year 10 win remains a personal highlight of my time at Christ’s College,” he says. “Cantamath is the most sport-like experience in academic challenges, competing against so many other schools while racing against the clock. It was also a learning journey as we trained for months in preparation for the big night.” One of five boys to be awarded the most outstanding academic honour – the Gold Tie – in Year 13 at Christ’s College, Ericsson has also achieved High Distinction in the International Chemistry Quiz and topped the South Island in the New Zealand Physics and Mathematics Competition. When not buried in textbooks or immersed in all things biology, Ericsson plays the flute in the Combined Christ’s College-St Margaret’s College Orchestra, sings in the Chapel Choir and Schola Cantorum, and carries the processional cross as the Chapel crucifer. While juggling multiple roles, he has managed to squeeze in another– appearing in the recent Christ’s College production, Les Misérables . He also debates for the school, featuring in the top team, and plays badminton while also being involved in water sport. Defying the demands on his day, Ericsson plays the piano during his ‘quiet time’, and remains committed to serving his community through Eco-Action, Christchurch City Council projects, and as a volunteer at the Transitional Cathedral. Reflecting on his appreciation of learning and remarkable ability to multi-task, Ericsson credits his parents for providing that early educational platform. “I think that love of learning was really inspired by my parents. By the time I was five or six, they were already planning interesting activities, like finding ants and measuring how fast they moved, and counting cars. That inspired me from the start, showing that learning could be fun.”
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