CREST Awards are individually assessed to make sure we maintain the standard expected from the award across the UK.
On this page we describe the CREST assessment process in general and the differences in the process for each of the levels (Bronze, Silver and Gold).
CREST projects are assessed once students have completed their project work and have filled in their profile forms.
If you have specific questions about the assessment process, please contact your CREST Local Coordinator [1]who will be able to advise you further.
1. CREST student profile form
The profile form should be used by students as a point of reference and record throughout their projects. The design of the profile form prompts students to address each award criteria and encourages them to work through these in a sequential manner.
If a student has undertaken their work through an accredited scheme and produced a detailed report, they may reference their report in the profile form rather than re-write it all again.
Profile forms are available at each award level and are sent out to students following registration with the CREST Local Coordinator.
2. Assessment process
Initial assessment is carried out by the supervising teacher who, once satisfied that the student has put in the necessary time and reached a suitable standard, will contact the CREST Local Coordinator to assess the project and sign off the profile forms to complete the award.
During the assessment, students may be asked to present their work to the CREST Local Coordinator /project mentor, either by producing a poster or giving a talk. They should be able to demonstrate that they have worked through the processes outlined in the profile form.
Students should be able to explain what they did and why, have presented their data in an appropriate way and drawn logical conclusions. They should understand how their results fit in with their background knowledge and research. Projects with an industrial mentor should explore the wider applications of the project work.
3. Bronze Award assessment
The project can be assessed internally, by another teacher from your school. Your CREST Local Coordinator can help you with the assessment, particularly if you are new to CREST.
Students should have completed their Bronze profile form and may have written a short report or given a presentation of their work.
4. Silver and Gold assessment
The project must be assessed by an external person, usually the CREST Local Coordinator, the project mentor or another person from the same organisation. Contact your CREST Local Coordinator to arrange a time and date for the assessment.
Students must have completed their Silver/Gold profile form, either by writing in full or referring to a report they have created as part of the project (a copy of which must also be submitted). Students at these levels are often asked to present their work as part of an assessment or celebration event.
5. Receiving a CREST Award
Your local coordinator will either agree to issue the award, or may recommend that the students do further work.
The certificate will be issued as soon as the CREST Award is confirmed and payment has been received.
6. Moderation and quality control
Occasionally, you may be asked to provide the British Science Association or CREST Local Coordinator with samples of the project reports and student profile forms to check that the standard has been achieved.
If you are new to CREST it is recommended that you undertake your first assessments with the support of your CREST Local Coordinator to make sure that you are confident with the assessment and award process.