The CREST Awards are a leading national scheme that inspires and engages young people in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) through practical, project-based work. It is the flagship program of the British Science Association designed to provide enriching science activities.
What Are the CREST Awards?
The CREST Awards scheme is the British Science Association's flagship programme for young people. It provides a structured framework for students to undertake their own science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) projects. Unlike traditional science competitions, CREST focuses on the process of scientific inquiry and problem-solving, encouraging students to think like real scientists and engineers.
The core aim of CREST is to offer science enrichment activities that go beyond the classroom curriculum, allowing participants to:
- Develop independent learning skills.
- Enhance critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
- Experience real-world applications of STEM.
- Foster creativity and innovation.
Who Can Participate?
The CREST Awards are inclusive and cater to a wide age range, making STEM accessible to many young learners. The program is designed to inspire and engage 3-to-19-year olds, with different award levels tailored to suit various age groups and abilities.
| Age Group | CREST Award Levels Typically Targeted |
|---|---|
| 3-7 years | Star (early years/KS1) |
| 7-11 years | SuperStar (KS2) |
| 11-14 years | Discovery, Bronze (KS3) |
| 14-16 years | Silver (KS4) |
| 16-19 years | Gold (KS5/Sixth Form) |
Each level offers progressively more challenging projects, ensuring that students are appropriately stretched and supported as they advance through their educational journey.
Types of Activities and Benefits
CREST projects are highly flexible and can cover a vast array of topics, from environmental science to coding and engineering design. The emphasis is on student-led investigations, where participants choose a topic that interests them, plan their approach, conduct experiments or research, analyze their findings, and communicate their results.
Key benefits of participating in CREST Awards include:
- Developing transferable skills: Students hone skills vital for future academic and career success, such as research, data analysis, teamwork, and presentation.
- Building confidence: Tackling real-world problems and seeing their projects through to completion significantly boosts self-esteem and a sense of accomplishment.
- Inspiring future pathways: Exposure to hands-on STEM encourages students to consider further education and careers in scientific and technical fields.
- Recognizing achievement: The awards provide formal recognition of participants' efforts and achievements in STEM, which can be valuable for university applications and CVs.
Impact and Recognition
The CREST Awards are widely recognized by educational institutions and employers as a mark of high-quality STEM project work. They provide a practical way for students to deepen their understanding of scientific methodology and apply their knowledge in meaningful contexts. By encouraging independent and creative thinking, CREST plays a crucial role in nurturing the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators.
