STEM Sussex

The British Science Association (CREativity in Science and Technology) Award Scheme

Aim

To motivate and build confidence in students and encourage them to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. To develop student creativity in STEM, highlighting achievement with a nationally recognised award.

Description

The British Science Association CREST is a nationally recognised accreditation scheme for project work in the fields of STEM. Aimed at students aged 11 -19, CREST awards encourage students to develop their scientific curiosity, problem-solving and communication skills.
Through working with mentors, the scheme facilitates links between schools and industry or higher education. It enables students of all abilities to explore real scientific, technological, engineering and mathematical problems for themselves and promotes work-related learning. By recognising and accrediting students’ achievements, CREST awards help young people realise their potential and develop motivation and confidence.

CREST awards are available to accredit projects involving STEM at three levels:

BRONZE: 10 hours of project work Typically for ages 11-14
SILVER: 30 hours of project work Typically for ages 14 -16 Links with industry encouraged
GOLD: 70+ hours of project work Typically for students aged 16+

CREST awards can be used to accredit Nuffield Science Bursary placements and Engineering Education Scheme (EES) project work, as well as creative D&T coursework and investigations carried out in STEM Clubs.
Students who have completed CREST awards have the opportunity to display their work at Regional Finals. Outstanding projects are selected from regional finals and self-entry nominations for the prestigious National Science and Engineering Competition at the Big Bang Fair.

Activity Mapping

National Curriculum Science - Sc1
D & T - 1, 2, 4, 5
Work related Learning - 1,6,7,9

Other benefits to the school
ECM - 3, 4, 5
SEF - 1b, 4e, 5a, 5b, 5c, 6a
Other - Links with HE and industry

Examples of past projects

Can herbal remedies work as well as antibiotics?
With bacteria becoming increasingly resistant to antibiotics, students looked at whether herbal remedies could be used as a replacement.
Bury foam or build a home: looking for ways to recycle polyolefins currently land filled.
Students looked at waste foam produced by a local factory and ways of recycling it.