Crest Awards

What is CREST?

CREST is the nationwide curriculum enrichment award scheme for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).  

Through the CREST awards scheme, young people aged 11-19 explore the real nature of STEM  by doing creative project work.  The joy of the scheme is that it motivates and unlocks the potential of all students and enables them to develop key skills for use in the real world. The awards acknowledge and certificate students' achievements for investigative, practical and experimental work as well as a range of other skills such as communication, teamwork and problem-solving. 

                   

Pupils who took part in the CREST RinR Conference 2009 at the University of Dundee.

         

Lohgelly High School Pupils receiving their Silver CREST awards for their F1 Technology Challenge project.                                       

CREST is consistent with the aims of the Curriculum for Excellence and promotes the development of the four capacities:

  • Responsible Citizens        
  • Effective Contributors  
  • Successful Learners          
  • Confident Individuals

A copy of the Scottish CREST brochure can be viewed/downloaded here.

The CREST project can be:

  • Initiated by the student; 
  • Organised by the teacher as part of curriculum coursework, science fair or science/engineering/technology club;
  • Linked to other schemes and projects including Advanced Highers, Go4SET, Nuffield School Bursary Scheme,  Engineering  Education Scheme (EES), TrakNAV Challenge, Eco-school projects, Healthy Eating , P7/S1 Transition projects, Young Engineers, Masterclasses, Summer Schools,  etc.

 

The Awards - Bronze, Silver and Gold

The "starter" level is BRONZE, which can be carried out by any student aged 11-19, but is typically completed by 11-14 year olds (P7-S3).  The aim of this level of award is to encourage students to experience and understand the investigative process and to improve their enquiry, problem-solving, communication and presentation skills.  This award requires about 10-15 hours work.

      

The higher levels demand greater time commitment and problem-solving skills.

The SILVER award is a more in-depth and longer-term investigation and requires about 20-40 hours work.  Examples of suitable projects include Go4SET, AH projects, STEM in the Pipeline.  This award is typically completed by 14-19 year olds (S2-S6 or college students).

       

The third level is GOLD which is normally carried out by 16-19 year olds (S5-S6 or college students) and is a long-term project requiring around 70+ hours.  An external mentor MUST be involved (eg a Researcher in Residence or STEM Ambassador).  Typical projects include Nuffield Bursary projects and Engineering Education Scheme projects.

     

"The best part of it was showing off my knowledge and taking pride in what we did" - Pupil

"Extremely beneficial - good motivational tool, good for critical thinking skills" - Teacher

Gaining an Award

Students monitor their own progress throughout the project with the aid of a Profile Form,    which can be obtained from the local coordinator.  The student should be able to carry out background research, explain what he/she did and why, present data in an appropriate way and draw logical conclusions.  In order to complete the project, the student should write a short report, give a brief presentation (poster and/or talk) to their peers, teacher and where appropriate, the local coordinator and/or project mentor.  The supervising teacher carries out an initial review and once satisfied the pupil has completed the above, will inform the local coordinator who will arrange for the student's certificate to be printed and sent to the school/college.

What Do I Have to Do?

  1. The teacher completes and returns a CREST Registration Form  to the local coordinator.  A registration form can be downloaded here or obtained from the coordinator.
  2. The coordinator will forward the appropriate number of Profile Forms or they can be downloaded here - Bronze, Silver or Gold.
  3. Projects are completed and assessed by the teacher and/or mentor.  A copy of the assessment criteria can be found here.
  4. The teacher informs coordinator of completion of projects and submits copies of profile forms and reports.
  5. The coordinator meets with students and teacher (for Silver and Gold) and forwards certificates to teacher.

Project Ideas 

CREST Awards are extremely flexible - and projects can come from a wide variety of sources as outlined above.  Project ideas and information for teachers can be found on:-

The Big Bang Scotland & CREST Final

Each year a Scottish CREST Final is held where schools/colleges can nominate students who have achieved a CREST award to attend and have their projects judged.  The winning Science and Technology projects at each of the three levels, Bronze, Silver and Gold, will then be considered for the Big Bang National Science and Engineering Final the following year. 

The 2010 CREST Final event will be incorporated into The Big Bang Scotland Fair which is to be held at the University of Abertay, Dundee on Monday 7th June 2010.    More information on the event can be found here

"I enjoyed talking to the students.  Their enthusiasm is infectious and always gives me a new lease of life.  This is why I teach science!" - Judge

"Fantastic!  I am a total fan of this investigative approach to science." - Teacher

"I appreciate more how children learn by actively doing things that interest them" - Teacher

A list of the 2009 CREST RinR prizewinners can be found here.

A copy of the Conference programme can be found here

If you wish more information on the CREST awards please contact: Frances Chapman at f.c.chapman@abdn.aa.uk