By Ms Brown, Head of Science

A big congratulations to six of our Year 8s who achieved their Bronze CREST award recently! Well done to Shivali G, Dunya A, Isabella P, Eleanor S, Sofia Y and Maya M who all receive personalised certificates.

CREST is a scheme run by the British Science Association that inspires young people to think and behave like scientists and engineers.  The Bronze level is an introduction to STEM project work for young people aged 11+. Over the course of 10 hours, teams of students design their own investigation and record their findings, giving them a taste of what it is like to be a scientist or engineer in the real-world. Students choose their own topic and methodologies, giving them complete freedom over their work. They work independently or in groups to plan and run a project addressing a real-world STEM problem, working through a project process which develops enquiry, problem-solving and communication skills. Our scientists covered a variety of topics for their submissions, including ‘what makes the perfect sweet’; ‘AI agriculture’ and ‘designing a home entertainment cabinet.’ 

The projects are marked according to the CREST criteria:

Project planning – setting a clear aim, the wider purpose of the project and examples of real world applications. Evaluation of different possible approaches to the project with justification of the choice of approach. Good use of time and organisation.

During the project – making good use of the materials and people available, background research and information from secondary sources (books or websites).

Finalising the project – making logical conclusions and linking them to the wider world. Explaining how their actions and decisions affected the project’s outcome, also what they learned and recommending a few ways that the project could be improved. 

Throughout the project – showing understanding of the science behind the project, creative thinking, decision making to direct the project while taking account of ethical and safety issues. Also showing that they considered any problems or obstacles they came across during the project and resolving issues with simple but effective solutions – all explained clearly in writing or in conversation.

The CREST Club will be working towards their silver award next year. Well done to you all!