BA CREST Awards

BA Crest is a nationally recognised, project-based scheme for students aged 11 – 19.  BA CREST Awards enable students to develop their scientific curiosity as well as problem-solving, practical and communication skills for use in the ‘real world’.

Through a mentoring system, the scheme builds links between schools and industry or higher education.  It enables students of all abilities to explore relevant scientific or technological problems and promotes work-related learning.

By recognising and accrediting students’ achievements, BA CREST awards help young people realise their potential and develop motivation and confidence, encouraging them to pursue careers in science, engineering and technology.

“We’ve been running CREST Awards at our school for many years now as it gives excellent added value to the curriculum, recognising the achievements of our students and encouraging them to take part in science outside the classroom.  The scheme provides a valuable insight into what science is really like, challenging them to think and work like a real scientist.  It’s little wonder that CREST has encouraged many of our students to pursue careers in science”.

Afon Taf High School, South Wales, BA CREST Silver award winners

Benefits for teachers

• Provides opportunities for gaining additional finance for your department

• Adds value to existing activities

• Provides opportunities for internal and external promotion

• Enhances departmental visibility

• Adds sparkle to teaching

Benefits for students

• Motivates students of all ages and abilities

• Develops problem –solving skills

• Develops practical and thinking skills as well as supporting presentation and communication skills

• Raises students’ levels of achievement

• Allows students to explore their own ideas and interests within science, engineering and technology

• Encourages team work

• May be used to accredit course work or extra-curricular activities

• Helps to bridge the gap between science in the classroom and the ‘real world’, preparing students for the world of work

• Provides opportunities for involvement in regional and national events

Benefits for schools

• Enriches the curriculum and facilitates delivery of science, technology and engineering activities in schools

• Can help deliver work-related learning

• Complements new curricula eg: GCSE in Applied Science

• Encourages links between schools, industry and higher education

• Provides opportunities for publicity in the media

• Demonstrates the ‘added value’ your school can offer pupils and parents

Bronze

• 10 hours of project work

• Typically for students age 11-14

• Suitable for special needs students of all ages

• Suitable for ‘CREST in a Day’

• Industrial context encouraged

Silver

• 40 hours of project work

• Typically for students age 14-16

• Links with industry encouraged

Gold

• 100 hours of project work

• Typically for students aged 16+

• Students must be linked with a mentor from industry or higher education

Projects can be in any area of science, engineering and technology and can be chosen by students subject to approval from the teacher and BA CREST Regional Manager or local SETPoint.  If you are looking for inspiration, browse through hundreds of exciting new project ideas at www.the-ba.net/crest.

Links with industry or higher education are encouraged at all levels and are essential at Gold level.  Your BA CREST Regional Manager can offer advice and support in setting these up.

For further information on BA CREST Awards, including information on prices, sponsorship and assessment, contact your Regional Manager or visit the website at www.the-ba.net/crest.

Registration forms can be downloaded by clicking on the following links:

Bronze Registration Form                        Silver Registration Form

Gold Individual Registration Form               Gold Team Registration Form

Your local contact is: Klaus Selke or Niki Bardsley, SETPoint Humberside