Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Below are a range of the most frequently asked questions about CREST...if there are any other queries than we can help with, please don't hesistate to ask.
What is CREST?
CREST is Britain's largest national award scheme for project work in the STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths); 25,000 young people have achieved CREST Awards in the last year alone.
Who manages CREST
CREST is managed by the British Science Association.
What age-range does CREST cover?
CREST Awards are typically taken by 11-19yr olds, though younger students can take them.
What are the CREST Award levels?
There are three different levels of CREST Award: Bronze, Silver and Gold:
Bronze Awards focus on fun, teamwork and transferable skills. They are typically completed by 11-14yr olds; around 10 hours of project work is expected. Students experience the project process; improving their enquiry, problem solving and communication skills.
Entry for Bronze is £4 per student.
Silver Awards stretch students and enrich their studies. They are typically completed by 14-16yr olds; around 30 hours of project work is expected. They are suitable coursework (e.g. GCSE Design and Technology) and project work for Work Related Learning, and the new Diplomas can achieve CREST Silver Awards.
Entry for Silver is £8 per student.
Gold Awards allow the most able students to conduct some real research. They are typically completed by 16-19yr olds; these longer-term projects require around 70 hours work. Suitable coursework or project work for the new Diplomas can achieve CREST Gold Awards.
Entry for Gold is £15 per student.
Where can CREST projects take place?
CREST Awards are extremely flexible; they are designed to enrich the curriculum and so can be used in class time. They can also link into work experience placements, after-schools clubs or various linked schemes.
What can I do as my CREST project?
Again, there are a number of options. CREST projects can fall into three broad categories:
What is CREST?
CREST is Britain's largest national award scheme for project work in the STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths); 25,000 young people have achieved CREST Awards in the last year alone.
Who manages CREST
CREST is managed by the British Science Association.
What age-range does CREST cover?
CREST Awards are typically taken by 11-19yr olds, though younger students can take them.
What are the CREST Award levels?
There are three different levels of CREST Award: Bronze, Silver and Gold:
Bronze Awards focus on fun, teamwork and transferable skills. They are typically completed by 11-14yr olds; around 10 hours of project work is expected. Students experience the project process; improving their enquiry, problem solving and communication skills.
Entry for Bronze is £4 per student.
Silver Awards stretch students and enrich their studies. They are typically completed by 14-16yr olds; around 30 hours of project work is expected. They are suitable coursework (e.g. GCSE Design and Technology) and project work for Work Related Learning, and the new Diplomas can achieve CREST Silver Awards.
Entry for Silver is £8 per student.
Gold Awards allow the most able students to conduct some real research. They are typically completed by 16-19yr olds; these longer-term projects require around 70 hours work. Suitable coursework or project work for the new Diplomas can achieve CREST Gold Awards.
Entry for Gold is £15 per student.
Where can CREST projects take place?
CREST Awards are extremely flexible; they are designed to enrich the curriculum and so can be used in class time. They can also link into work experience placements, after-schools clubs or various linked schemes.
What can I do as my CREST project?
Again, there are a number of options. CREST projects can fall into three broad categories:
· Research – this usually involves answering a question/ hypothesis by collecting data from different sources. The data is then evaluated and used to provide evidence
· Investigation/ Design and make – usually involves planning and carrying out a practical investigation or solving a problem through design
· Science Communication – here, students articulate something to an audience about a scientific subject. They research their topic and audience, present the information and measure the outcomes of their discussion (such as changes in audience attitudes).
CREST is designed to engage – so a wide variety of projects fit the Awards. Projects could be: · Created by a student · Chosen by a teacher · Provided by local companies or universities · From a link scheme – CREST accreditation is available for a host of other schemes. Silver Awards are achievable through CREST link schemes/activities including: 4X4 in Schools and Go4SET. Gold Awards are achievable through CREST link schemes/activities including: Nuffield Science Bursaries and the Engineering Education Scheme. What are CREST Mentors? CREST Mentors play a vital role in developing tomorrow’s talent. They often come from schemes such as STEM Ambassadors or Researchers in Residence (RinR) – though anyone with a specific expertise which relates to a student’s CREST project could be a No two CREST projects are ever the same, but a CREST · Be a point of access for specialist knowledge or techniques · Help your student develop their ideas or guide them as they examine their results · Arrange relevant work experience or an industrial visit. At Silver level the participation of external Mentors is encouraged. All Gold Award projects involve external Mentors. If you have any questions that can’t be answered by your Local Coordinator, then please call us on 020 7019 4943 or email crest@britishscienceassociation.org Can I register for a free e-newsletter? Of course – CREST Updates are a great way to find out what’s happening. Just email: ypp@britishscienceassociation.org
CREST Awards are organised and administered through our network of Local Coordinators. They’ll provide expert guidance throughout the scheme and help you through a simple registration process. You can find your Local Coordinator at: www.britishscienceassociation.org/crestcontacts
Does CREST link to other schemes?
Yes, each level of CREST Award links to other schemes. Here are the details:
Bronze Awards are achievable through CREST link schemes/activities including: The Wellcome Trust’s Survival Rivals activities,
Where can I find further information, activity ideas and resources?
You can find more information on CREST and 150 free project ideas at: www.britishscienceassociation.org/crest. Each project includes project plans for each Award level, health and safety information and curriculum links.
Can I contact a member of the CREST team with any queries?
