At Home: How to choose the right award level
There are a variety of CREST activity levels you can choose for yourself or your child. When considering the level, think about age and ability, and how much time can be committed to a project.
- Star Awards are typically completed by three to seven-year-olds. Children complete a series of eight Star challenges, recording them in a Star passport and building up to a Star Award. Activities are designed to last about an hour, and you don't need to be a teacher or have a science background to run them. Each activity includes an organiser’s card with instructions, highlighted safety points and a resource list.
- SuperStar Awards are typically completed by seven to 11-year-olds. Children complete a series of eight SuperStar challenges, recording them in a SuperStar passport and building up to a SuperStar Award. Activities are designed to last about an hour, and you don't need to be a teacher or have a science background to run them. Each activity includes an organiser’s card with instructions, highlighted safety points and a resource list.
- Bronze Awards are typically completed by 11+ year-olds. A Bronze project involves 10 or more hours of individual or group work, assessed by an adult (this can include a parent). Each child needs to complete approximately 10+ hours of work to achieve their Award. For Bronze Awards, your child can use the Bronze workbook to help structure and reflect on their work.
- Silver Awards are typically completed by 14+ year-olds. A Silver project involves approximately 30 or more hours of work, typically leading to a written report (although as long as students are demonstrating the CREST criteria, the work can take any form). Silver Awards are assessed externally by a BSA representative. When submitting a project for assessment, you includes a profile form that includes space for reflection.
- Gold Awards are typically completed by 16+ year-olds. A Gold project involves 70 or more hours of work, typically leading to a written report (although as long as students are demonstrating the CREST criteria, the work can take any form.) Gold Awards are assessed externally by a BSA representative. When submitting a project for assessment, you include a profile form that includes space for reflection.
These age ranges are just a guideline.
If you need help in choosing an award level or helping your students to design an appropriate project contact
CREST Support
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