Bright future for exceptional student

One of St Andrew’s top academic students, Luke Zhu (Year 13), is an exceptional mathematician, who looks set for a bright future, possibly at one of the world’s leading universities.

In 2021, Luke, then in Year 12, undertook two 200-level Mathematics papers at the University of Canterbury, achieving A grades in both papers. He then applied to the UC summer research project without realising it was for advanced undergraduates and postgraduate students, and even some PhD students. “Despite my unique situation I was lucky to be accepted by a great supervisor, who helped me to work through the research in an abstract field of maths, called Group Theory. Presenting my report back to the other summer project students and some UC Mathematics faculty was a cool experience. My supervisor and other staff at UC continue to informally mentor me this year,” says Luke.

It was back in Year 9, that Luke discovered a passion for Mathematics and Calculus and decided to push himself. By the time he joined Phil Adam’s Mathematics class in Year 10, he was already doing Year 13 Calculus and even sat Scholarship Calculus that year. Although he missed out the first time, he was successful in Year 11. At the same time, Luke started tutoring other Year 11 students who were keen to give it a try. “There were no formal classes timetabled for us, and because I had done the examination the year before, I was happy to help out.”

Since then, Luke has continued to tutor many students. “Last year, with the help of Mr Adams, I started a Wednesday Mathematics Club, with a goal to spark interest and curiosity in a subject that’s often regarded as boring. Once a week, students of all year groups come in and we get them thinking about interesting topics, like how many holes are in a straw, and what’s the shape of the universe?”

Luke is also running formal tutorials this year for Scholarship Calculus students, alongside their teacher, in regular timetabled classes.

Phil Adams says Luke puts considerable time into finding or creating resources that will challenge and interest students. “He comes alive when there is a chance to discuss new concepts, is always keen to share his expertise, and is patient when explaining.”

In Year 12, Luke achieved four Scholarship subjects, Chemistry, Physics, Geography, and Calculus (Outstanding), and is one of the Academic Captains and a prefect at St Andrew’s this year. Teacher in Charge of Academic Extension and Enrichment, Ellen Hampson, says Luke is an exceptional student, both academically and character-wise, who supports community projects at the College such as the Eco-Action Project, Sustainability Council, and the Water is Life Project. “Luke is surprisingly humble for someone who will obviously achieve lofty heights as far as academic pursuits are concerned.”

Luke says the support of a number of teachers at St Andrew’s, particular Phil Adams and Ellen Hampson, have been instrumental in his success. “I’m really thankful to both of them for helping me to excel.”

In 2022, Luke is concentrating on taking more Scholarship papers, participating in community service, and bulking up his resume ready to apply for Scholarships to some of the most prestigious universities in the world. “I’m considering overseas universities like Oxford or Cambridge in the United Kingdom, or potentially one of the Ivy League universities in the USA.”

Luke Zhu (Year 13 – standing), tutoring students during the regular Wednesday Mathematics Club he started with the help of Mathematics teacher, Phil Adams.