How to choose the right award level for your students
To choose the right CREST Award for your students, think about their age and ability, and how much time they can commit to the project.
- Star Awards are typically completed by 3-7 year olds. Students complete a series of 6 to 8 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 7-11 year olds. Students complete a series of 6 to 8 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.
Discovery Awards are typically completed by 11-14-year-olds. A Discovery project involves five or more hours of group work, assessed by the teacher or group leader. Students usually complete their project during a Discovery Day, using a Discovery Passport to help structure and reflect on their work.
Bronze Awards are typically completed by 11+ year-olds. A Bronze project involves 10 or more hours of individual or group work, assessed by the teacher or group leader. When working in a group, each student needs to complete 10+ hours of work to achieve their Award. For Bronze Awards, students use a workbook or profile form to help structure and reflect on their work.
Silver Awards are typically completed by 14+ year-olds. A Silver project involves 30 or more hours of group work, leading to a written report. When working in a group, each student needs to complete 30+ hours of work to achieve their Award. Silver Awards are assessed externally by a BSA representative. When submitting a project for assessment, students include a profile form that includes space for them to reflect on their work.
- Gold Awards are typically completed by 16+ year-olds. A Gold project involves 70 or more hours of group work, leading to a written report. When working in a group, each student needs to complete 70+ hours of work to achieve their Award. Gold Awards are assessed externally by a BSA representative. When submitting a project for assessment, students include a profile form that includes space for them to reflect on their work.
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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