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CREST Silver

An engaging selection of enquiry-led STEM projects, developed by the British Science Association, designed to stretch and enrich, giving students experience of the scientific process.

CREST Silver

CREST Silver projects stretch students and enrich their studies. In addition, research shows that they improve GCSE grades and increase students’ interest in continuing in STEM education!

This collection of inspiring project ideas, all with real-life contexts, give students the opportunity to develop their own ideas and methodologies, gaining in-depth experience of the scientific process. At this level, students lead their own project, considering its broader impact and exploring innovative approaches.

Students work individually or in groups for a minimum of 30 hours to create a project report or portfolio of evidence to present their work.

Cost

Free to use and download from the CREST online resource library.

For a small cost (from £10 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 Silver CREST Award to celebrate their achievement. This Award can be used to enhance UCAS statements. Schools receiving Engage grants or Kick Start grants can get their CREST Awards for free!

Learning outcomes

  • Improve engagement, interest or enjoyment in STEM subjects

  • Improve attainment and progress in STEM subjects

  • 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

Subjects and topics

    • Biology
    • Chemistry
    • Computing
    • Design and Technology
    • Engineering
    • Maths
    • Physics
    • Agriculture and food
    • Chemical engineering
    • Design, art and fashion
    • Electronics, robotics and programming
    • Energy and environment
    • Entertainment, sound and lighting
    • General engineering
    • Humanitarian aid
    • Materials, products and manufacturing
    • Medicine and healthcare
    • Space and aerospace engineering
    • Sport and fitness
    • Structures, construction and civil engineering
    • Transport

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:

  • Learning from career and labour market information
  • Addressing the needs of each pupil
  • Linking curriculum learning to careers

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:

  • Aiming high - the ability to set clear, tangible goals and devise a robust route to achieving them.

  • Creativity - the use of imagination and the generation of new ideas.

  • Leadership - supporting, encouraging and motivating others to achieve a shared goal.

  • Listening - the ability to listen and understand information.

  • Problem solving - the ability to find a solution to a complex situation or challenge.

  • Speaking - the oral transmission of information or ideas.

  • Staying positive - the ability to use tactics to overcome setbacks and achieve goals.

  • Teamwork - working cooperatively with others towards achieving a shared goal.

What the teachers say

We would love to read all about your time with this experience!

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Competition

FIRST® LEGO® League Challenge

A robotics-based STEM competition that develops 21st century workplace skills.

  • Ages 11 to 16
  • In-school
  • Flexible project work
  • Cost applies Bursaries available
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The Big Ideas Programme

A STEM and enterprise programme focused on sustainability and youth empowerment - over 30,000 students nationwide have benefitted so far!

  • Ages 11 to 14
  • In-school
  • Multi-session
  • Cost applies
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Speaker

I'm a Scientist, Get me out of here

I’m a Scientist is a student-led, online enrichment activity connecting students with people working in a diverse range of roles in STEM.

  • Ages 11 to 18
  • Online
  • 1 to 2 hours
  • Free

Careers resources