CREST Gold
These inspiring projects, developed by the British Science Association, immerse students in real research, allowing them to contribute something new to the scientific community or to a particular field of study.
The Neon quality mark shows this activity has been reviewed and meets Neon's quality standards.
Overview
CREST Gold projects allow students to conduct real, self-directed research over a minimum of 70 hours, linked to a real-world problem or question.
Where possible, students should work alongside a mentor from their chosen STEM field of study to carry out their project.
Students work independently or in small groups to hone their investigative skills, as well as their skills of communication, problem solving, creativity and reflection.
Their in-depth research and finished portfolio of evidence should contribute something new to the scientific or technological community, or to their particular field of study.
Cost
Free to use and download from the CREST online resource library.
For a small cost (from £30 per pupil), students’ work can be uploaded to the CREST online platform and assessed by an expert assessor from industry, academia or the education sector. Students whose projects meet the assessment criteria are then awarded a personalised certificate and a Gold CREST Award to celebrate their achievement. This Award is recognised and respected by universities and employers and can be used to enhance UCAS statements. Some schools are eligible for funded Awards through grants or voucher codes.
Details
- School subject
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- Biology
- Chemistry
- Technology/computing
- Design and technology
- Engineering
- Maths
- Physics
- Curriculum links
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- Design and technology: Cooking and nutrition
- Engineering
- Design and technology
- Computing
- Physics: Electricity and electromagnetism
- Biology: Material cycles and energy
- Physics: Energy
- Physics: Space physics
- Technologies - Food and textile technology
- Technologies - Craft, design, engineering and graphics: Application of engineering
- Technologies - Craft, design, engineering and graphics
- Sciences - Forces, electricity and waves: Electricity
- Computing science
- Sciences - Planet earth: Energy sources and sustainability
- Sciences - Planet earth
- Sciences - Planet earth: Space
- Biology
- Design thinking and engineering: Engineering
- Design thinking and engineering
- Physics: Electricity
- Physics: Energy transfer
- Physics
- Sciences - Organisms and health: Interdependence of plants and animals
- Technology & design - Manufacturing
- Technology & design - Design
- Technology & design - Communication: Use of ICT tools (including 3D modelling)
- Sciences - Forces and energy: Using electricity
- Technology & design - Control: Incorporate control systems in products
- Sciences - Earth and universe: The environment and human influences
- Sciences - Forces and energy
- Technology & design - Control
- Sciences - Earth and universe: The solar system and universe
- Group size
- Whole class, Small groups
- Participation level
- Hands-on
- Duration
- Multi-session - flexible
- Cost
- Free
- Location
- Online
Learning outcomes
- Improve engagement, interest or enjoyment in STEM subjects
- Attainment and progress
- Develop engineering employability skills
- Improve awareness and aspirations for STEM-related study and careers
- Challenge stereotypes by showing the diversity of disciplines, people and skills involved in engineering
Frameworks
Gatsby benchmarks
The Gatsby benchmarks are a framework for good careers guidance for schools across all of England and in some areas across the rest of the UK. This experience helps your school to reach the following benchmarks:
- 2 - Learning from career and labour market information
- 3 - Addressing the needs of each pupil
- 4 - Linking curriculum learning to careers
EqualEx
- Introduce and Inspire
Essential skills
The essential skills every young person needs to succeed in education and their future career. Find out more at the Skills Builder Partnership. This experience builds the following skills:
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Enrichment framework
- 5 - An accessible and engagement enrichment offer
- 7 - An outcomes-focused enrichment offer
