Recognising and rewarding STEM project work

What is CREST? CREST Awards are the British Science Association’s flagship programme for young people, it is the only nationally recognised accreditation scheme for project work in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects. The CREST Awards scheme is the British Science Association’s flagship programme for young people, providing science enrichment activities to inspire and engage 5-to-19-year olds. It is the only nationally recognised accreditation scheme for project work in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects. CREST gives students the chance to participate in hands-on science through investigations and enquiry-based learning, supporting them to solve real-life STEM challenges through practical investigation and discussion. www.crestawards.org

Why CREST? Enquiry-based approach Scientific process STEM education should support all students, not just future scientists, to leave school with the skills and confidence to discuss and shape scientific and technological advances in society, whatever their career choices. Enquiry-based approach Scientific process Real-world context Why CREST? The British Science Association believes that STEM education should support all students, not just future scientists, to leave school with the skills and confidence to discuss and shape scientific and technological advances in society, whatever their career choices. Enquiry-based approach Central to the CREST Awards approach is enquiry-led learning, encouraging pupils learn by solving a problem or answering a question, rather than simply following instructions or being presented with information by a teacher. The emphasis is on the process, not on finding a ‘right’ answer. By encouraging students not to view STEM as learning facts and doing experiments, but as sharing ideas and asking questions, the CREST Awards help to develop a culture of ‘everyday science’, bridging learning and supporting cross-curricular education. Scientific process Another principle central to the CREST Awards is the importance of students experiencing the scientific process. We believe that supporting young people to experience behaving like a scientists or engineer, and lead their own project, will encourage and support them to see science as a part of their own culture and everyday life. As a result, CREST Awards support young people to put into practice transferable skills such as observation, thinking, reasoning and communication. The knock-on effect is a space for young people to be innovative and creative, and to develop their problem-solving skills. Real-world context A third principle at the core of the CREST Awards ethos is that of a real-world context to the STEM projects young people are carrying out. We believe that encouraging students to lead their own projects on topics that connect to their everyday experiences, enables young people to explore the relevance of STEM subjects to their lives, and motivates them to respond positively to the challenge. www.crestawards.org

Transferable skills Project planning Decision making Problem Solving Team Working Communication www.crestawards.org

Award levels www.crestawards.org Star Superstar Discovery Bronze   Star Superstar Discovery Bronze Silver Gold Time commitment 8 x 1 hour activities 5+ hours project work 10+ hours project work 30+ hours project work 70+ hours project work Recommended age 5 – 7 7 - 10 10 - 14 11 - 14 13-16 16+ Key benefits Introduces children to investigative learning. Widens children’s perception of what STEM subjects are. Great for STEM enrichment days, or transition projects. Provides a real-life experience of ‘being’ a scientist. Improves GCSE grades and increase interest in continuing in STEM education Enhances UCAS personal statements and is well regarded employers www.crestawards.org

Award levels   Discovery Bronze Time commitment 5+ hours project work 10+ hours project work Recommended age 10 - 14 11 - 14 Key benefits Great for STEM enrichment days, or transition projects. Provides a real-life experience of ‘being’ a scientist. Achieved on completion of tasks during the Big Ideas Day and the discovery passport. £3 per student. Achieved on completion of additional project work and the bronze profile form. £5 per student, cost covered by partner organisation after attendance at a regional event Both awards can be registered online. School assesses the students and uploads a small sample of evidence to the website. www.crestawards.org