At Ruthin School we were delighted to recognise the outstanding achievement of one of our
international students, John Z, in this year’s Cambridge Chemistry Challenge (C3L6).
Administered by the University of Cambridge, the competition is designed for students in
Year 12 and below and aims to stretch their thinking well beyond the A-Level curriculum.
Candidates face a demanding 90-minute paper of complex, problem-solving questions that
encourage them to think like a university student rather than simply recall facts.
Out of more than 14,800 entries across the UK, John placed in the top 73 students nationally,
earning the coveted Roentgenium (Rg) Award. His score was exceptionally high, close to the
maximum available, placing him within an elite group of young chemists. This accolade not
only brought him national recognition but also secured him a special invitation to St
Catharine’s College, Cambridge, for a residential chemistry camp. There, he joined fellow Rg
winners in tackling university-level practicals and tutorials, gaining a first-hand experience of
what it is like to study chemistry at one of the world’s leading universities.
John plans to apply for Natural Sciences at Cambridge next year, and his success in the
challenge marks a significant step along that path. In recognition of his achievement, he will
also be receiving the coveted Head’s Commendation from Frances King, our Headteacher.
John’s story is an inspiration to our younger students and a reminder of what can be achieved
at Ruthin through curiosity, determination, and a genuine love of learning.
