Science teacher receives recognition for CREST award scheme

Science teacher Mrs Nichola Grange

Science teacher Mrs Nichola Grange has received a certificate in recognition for the work she has carried out for the CReativity in Engineering, Science and Technology (CREST) award scheme from Professor Krebs.

The scheme accredited by the British Science Association, awards students for science and technology projects. Hundreds have been issued to Beech House School students and just during the past academic year 26 students have received certificates for their work at bronze and silver levels.

Mrs Grange has ensured that their work meets the CREST criteria and carried out the administrative records so students get the correct certification. The Bronze awards require 10 hours of project work and are aimed at 11 to 14 year-olds. Silver awards can be gained by students aged 14 to 16 who have put in about 30 hours on a specific project.

During 2011/2012 a total of 15 students from Year 7 received the CREST Bronze Awards, and 11 from Year 8 received Silver.

Mrs Grange, who has administered and mentored Beech House’s CREST entrants for the past 12 years was surprised and delighted to receive her own personal certificate for her contribution to its success. She said: "The CREST awards are a standalone certificate that gives students extra recognition. It gets them thinking about Science and they look good in students’ portfolios. It is a lot of work and additional to that normally done in the classroom, but it is something that is so worthwhile that it creates opportunities."

She added: "I want to encourage people in science and problem solving. I get so much out of seeing students’ success. The look on their faces when they do succeed makes it all worthwhile. It’s those “Eureka” moments when they realise they have solved the problem themselves. The students are gaining skills all the time, it is very rewarding and to receive this certificate as well is very gratifying."