GSSfS Guided Enquiries Now Accredited for CREST!
We’re delighted to share that the Great Science Share for Schools (GSSfS) guided enquiries are now officially accredited by the British Science Association for use in their prestigious CREST programme!
This exciting development means that young learners engaging with GSSfS can now gain national recognition for their scientific curiosity and achievements through Star and SuperStar CREST Awards.
What is CREST?
CREST is the British Science Association’s education programme that provides hands-on, flexible, inspiring and impactful activities and projects that engage and reward young people aged 3-19 of all abilities, bringing science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM) to life. Through hands-on activities and exciting projects, CREST:
sparks curiosity
builds confidence
connects learning to real-world STEM
By completing the required number of CREST challenges or submitting their own projects which later are assessed, students can earn globally recognised CREST Awards. A CREST Award is more than just a certificate, it’s a recognition of learners’ achievements and a celebration of a young person’s journey through scientific discovery, critical thinking, and teamwork.
A Perfect Partnership: GSSfS & CREST
The values of CREST and GSSfS are beautifully aligned. Both are:
Inclusive – welcoming learners of all backgrounds and abilities
Child-led – encouraging young people to ask their own questions
Non-competitive – focusing on exploration and personal growth
Now, GSSfS guided enquiries can be used to achieve:
🟡 Star CREST Awards aimed at 3–7 year-olds
🟠 SuperStar CREST Awards aimed at 7–11 year-olds
This means that pupils participating in GSSfS can now receive formal recognition for their scientific investigations, turning classroom curiosity into nationally recognised achievement.
How to Apply – It’s Easy!
Getting started is simple:
Create an account on the CREST Awards application platform
Download the appropriate CREST Passport (Star or SuperStar)
Complete a GSSfS guided enquiry of your choice
Submit your application online
That’s it! Your learners will be on their way to earning a CREST Award that celebrates their scientific thinking and creativity.
A voucher code is available to support with the cost of applying for a CREST Award. To receive your code, email greatscishare@manchester.ac.uk
Why It Matters
A CREST Award offers more than just recognition. It provides a transformative learning experience, helping young people develop:
🔍 Critical thinking
🧠 Problem-solving
🤝 Teamwork and collaboration
It’s a powerful way to nurture the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators, starting with the questions they’re most curious about.
Ready to Inspire?
Whether you're a teacher, STEM club leader, or home educator, this is a fantastic opportunity to bring science to life and celebrate your learners’ achievements.
👉 Find out more and apply at www.crestawards.org
Let’s keep asking great questions and sharing great science.
