The Greater Manchester STEM Centre

Benefits to students:

• Motivates students of all ages and abilities
• Develops practical and problem-solving skills as well as presentation and communication skills
• Raises students’ levels of achievements
• 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

Benefits to your school:

• Enhances the curriculum and facilitates delivery of science, technology and engineering activities in schools
• Can help deliver work-related learning in non-vocational subjects
• Encourages links between schools and industry using industrial mentors
• Provides opportunities for involvement in regional and national media

CREST Levels:

Bronze

10 hours of project work is required for this level and is typically for Years 7 – 9. Cost for this level is £4 per pupil.

A class teacher may evaluate the project ensuring that pupils have:

• Been creative with their project
• Has presented their ideas and findings in the correct way
• Has applied science or technology to their project

Silver

The time increases for Silver projects to approximately 40 hours and is typically for students at GCSE level. Cost for this project is £8 per pupil.

Industry links are strongly encouraged at this level and a mentor from Higher Education or Industry should be sought to evaluate the project.

Gold

100 hours of project work is required at Gold level, which is typically for A-Level or higher stage students. Again the student should be linked with a mentor from Higher Education or Industry to evaluate the project. Cost at Gold level is £15 per pupil.

At All levels the pupils should complete a Profile of Problem Solving form as they progress through their project as evidence of their findings.


How to Register for a BA CREST Award

BA CREST Awards are organised and administered through SETPOINT Greater Manchester and will provide you with:

• Registration forms
• Further project ideas and support
• Links with mentors in industry of higher education
• BA CREST Profile Sheets, which guide students through their project work
• Assessment of awards at Silver and Gold level
• Certificates on completion of the project work
• Information on the BA CREST Regional Final and national BA CREST Science Fair

For more information and to register for the scheme in Greater Manchester, please contact:

Ann Rose - Tel: 0161 295 6376 Fax: 0161 295 2655
Email: arosesalford@aol.com