The British Science Association is very pleased to announce over 300 teachers across the United Kingdom have been awarded CREST Teacher Recognition Awards to celebrate their dedication, commitment and encouragement of student engagement with the BSA’s CREST Awards scheme.

From September 2014 to 2015, 33,000 CREST Awards were awarded to students across the UK. The top 300 teachers who awarded the most CREST Awards were presented with a certificate for providing outstanding enrichment opportunities within science, through the CREST Awards scheme.

CREST is the British Science Association’s flagship programme for young people, providing hands-on science activities to inspire and engage 5-to-19-year olds.  It is the only nationally recognised accreditation scheme for project work in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects.

Our CREST scheme gives pupils the chance to participate in hands-on science through investigations and enquiry-based learning.  It can be run in schools, clubs, youth groups, other organisations or at home.

Katherine Mathieson, Director of Programmes, said: “We’re thrilled to be able to recognise so many talented and dedicated teachers this year. We know that teachers are the biggest influencers on young people’s attitudes to science. We want more young people to see science as part of their culture and everyday lives, whether or not they choose a career in science. The teachers we’ve recognised are doing a fantastic job of supporting young people to achieve CREST Awards, which build more positive attitudes to science.

“Congratulations to every teacher who has dedicated extra time to supporting their students through CREST Awards.”

Andrew Cathcart, science teacher and STEM coordinator at Belfast Model School for Girls, said: “Using CREST Award activities is a great way to engage and enthuse girls in the STEM subjects. Thank you to the British Science Association for recognising our hard work and achievements. We look forward to taking part in more projects in the coming year.”

Ritu Beri, science teacher at the Unison World School in Uttarakhand, India, said: "I am earnestly grateful for the recognition I have received for my work. British Science Association’s CREST Teacher Participation Award is a great way to recognise teachers’ effort and also a platform for tapping into everyone’s creativity to find innovative solutions for various portents of science and technology. This coveted and invaluable award makes me feel a part of CREST team and has refurbished my ability to assess scientific projects.

“I believe the BSA is the best ambassador to simulate ideas and enthusing great skills for the real vision in the students enrolled for this programme.”