Secondary project briefs (ages 11+)


Bronze Awards are typically completed by students aged 11+. They complete a ten-hour project which is a perfect introduction to STEM project work. Over the course of the project, teams of students design their own investigation, record their findings, and reflect on their learnings. This process gives students a taste of what it is like to be a scientist or engineer in the real-world.


Silver Awards are typically completed by students aged 14+ over thirty hours. Project work at Silver level is designed to stretch your students and enrich their STEM studies. Students direct the project, determining the project’s aim and how they will achieve it. They carry out the project, record and analyse their results and reflect on the project and their learnings. All Silver projects are assessed by CREST assessors via our online platform.


Gold Awards are typically completed by students aged 16+ over seventy hours. Students’ projects are self-directed, longer term and immerse them in real research. At this level, we recommend students work with a mentor from their chosen STEM field of study. All Gold projects are assessed by CREST assessors via our online platform. There are more CREST approved resources that have been developed by our partners and providers specific to your region.


There are more CREST approved resources that have been developed by our partners and providers specific to your region.


Find out how to build practical CREST projects into secondary science lessons using our free teacher guidance pack. Supporting this guidance are easy-to-use, free-to-download mapping workbooks, which match individual Bronze, Silver and Gold CREST Award projects with each area of the secondary science curricula for England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. You can download and save your own copy of the relevant mapping workbook via the following links:


England

Northern Ireland

Scotland

Wales


To browse the briefs, click the buttons below or scroll down.

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Getting Started Guide: Secondary

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Get started with CREST Secondary

Research shows that

Research shows that CREST Silver improves GCSE grades and increases interest in continuing in STEM education. Students develop their own project idea and gain experience of the scientific process. The CREST criteria CREST projects contain the following elements: England and Wales: KS4/Level 2 Scotland: S4, S5 & S6 Northern Ireland: KS4 International: IB Diploma Programme Cost £10 per student Project aims and objectives Students clearly communicate their broad aim and specific objectives. Understanding of project outcome Students show understanding of the significance of their outcomes. Project context Students consider the broader implications of their project. Student time required 30 hours Assessment Upon completion Students or the facilitator should enter the project online to be assessed by a trained assessor Get professional assessment and personalised certificates for your students Reflection on learning Students indicate their own role in the project and reflect on what they have learnt. Selection of approach Students identify a range of relevant possible approaches to achieving their aim. Scientific or technical level Student shows scientific knowledge suited to the level. CREST Gold can be used to enhance UCAS personal statements and is well regarded by employers. Gold Awards allow students to conduct real research, contributing something new to a field of study. Project strategy Students communicate a clear strategy for their project. Decision making Students lead the project and make decisions. Planning and organising Students work independently to plan and organise their project. England and Wales: KS5/Level 3 Scotland: S6 Northern Ireland: KS5 International: IB Diploma Programme Cost Student time required £20 per student 70 hours Creativity Students demonstrate they have approached the project in an innovative way and explore novel outcomes. Use of material and human resources Students actively seek out appropriate resources. Problem solving Students analyse facts and develop original solutions. Assessment Upon completion Students or the facilitator should enter the project online to be assessed by a trained assessor Get professional assessment and personalised certificates for your students Research Students research and reference the background to their project. Communication Students show clear communication skills. Conclusions and implications Students explore the direct and indirect implications of their work. 6 7

Bronze level

Ten hour projects recommended for ages 11+. Find out more about this level and how to gain a CREST Award on the Bronze Awards page.


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Bronze

Silver level

Thirty hour projects recommended for ages 14+. Find out more about this level and how to gain a CREST Award on the Silver Award page.


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Silver

Gold level

Seventy hour projects recommended for ages 16+. Find out more about this level and how to gain a CREST Award on the Gold Awards page


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Gold

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