Awards
If you would like to apply for any of the Awards below, or for further information, please contact Sarah Cooper on 01730 235683.
Platinum Award
Key Stage/Year Group: Years 12 and 13
The Platinum Award, an Exscitec nationwide scheme, motivates young people towards a career in science, engineering or technology. Accredited by the Open University, the Award requires students to develop a practical research project over a 120 hour period. Research is to at least level one degree standard. Progress must be monitored by a mentor from industry (and if possible, a mentor from Higher Education).
Projects are undertaken as part of the A-level or undergraduate curriculum and the assessment criteria track key project working skills. Students gain the Platinum Award by producing a report, fulfilling the criteria and through interview by the Award Verifier.
The BA CREST Awards
Key Stage/Year Group: Year 7 +
The BA CREST is a UK-wide science accreditation scheme. Young people explore the real nature of science, engineering and technology by doing their own creative problem-solving through mini research projects.
BA CREST projects are accredited and awards are made at three levels - bronze, silver and gold. At each level the student undertakes project work. Bronze is 10 hours, Silver 40 and Gold 100. Detailed profiles guide students through work of an appropriate level across a number of hours: Bronze: 10 hours; Silver: 40 hours; Gold: 100 hours).
The BA CREST Awards link to the curriculum in Science, Engineering and Technology.
CREST 
Investigators
CREST Investigators is a brand new, UK-wide award scheme that enables children to solve scientific problems through practical investigation. The activities focus on thinking about, talking about, and doing science. They are designed to be used primarily outside of class time (e.g. in a science club), through some are suitable for use in the classroom. The activities develop children’s scientific enquiry skills in an enjoyable context with links to the National Curriculum where appropriate.
The scheme replaces the popular First Investigators and Young Investigators schemes from September 2006 and is suitable for children, usually aged from 5 to 12, of all abilities.
Levels:
- Star: at Star level (usually for 5-7 year olds) children discuss, solve problems and share experiences. This will normally take about eight weeks.
- SuperStar: at SuperStar level (usually for 7-11 year olds) children work independently, discuss ideas and how to test them, solve simple problems and decide how to share results. This will normally take about 12 weeks.
- MegaStar: at MegaStar level (usually for 8-12 year olds) children research and think about scientific problems, make independent decisions about materials and procedures, record and interpret results, organise their work and communicate ideas. This will normally take about 12 weeks.
- Young Science Ambassador: after completing two MegaStar projects, children who are passionate about science can become a Young Science Ambassador. Within the MegaStar pack, there is a set of ideas and support materials. These will enable small groups of Ambassadors to promote science and technology in their school and neighbourhood.
“The CREST Investigators scheme provides quality, purposeful, open ended activities to suit all children, requiring little expense and minimal equipment.” Jeannine Shardlow, Joseph Lancaster Primary – Pilot school
Mentoring
About Mentoring
Mentoring gives undergraduates the opportunity to work with and inspire young people into studying STEM subjects at University level. The majority of our Mentors are Imperial College undergraduates. However students from any University are welcome to apply provided that you are happy to find accommodation in London over the Summer months.
How do I become a Mentor?
2007 courses have now been fully recruited for but please contact Melanie Bottrill for an application form should you wish to be placed on the reserve list.
Why become a Mentor?
To be a good mentor the most important thing is to be a good role model. Mentoring is an opportunity to have a positive influence on young people. To inspire, encourage and guide them!
Key Skills of Mentors
Be reliable, approachable, punctual, inspirational, encouraging and flexible.
What's the pay like?
The standard rate of pay is £60 per day and this includes travel within London.
What are the hours?
This really does vary from course to course. As an academic mentor you can expect to work from 8.00am until 4.30pm (approx) and as a residential mentor you can expect to work from 4.30pm until 8.30am the following morning.
How much work is available?
Consistent work throughout the summer months cannot be guaranteed. When allocating mentors to programmes Mel needs to take into account specific recruitment criteria (such as subject area, gender, experience, availability).
When will I hear?
Sophie notified all Mentors about 2007 allocations the week commencing 14 May.
What do I bring to a residential course?
Please wear smart/casual/comfortable clothing. No jeans please.
Do I receive any training?
There is a mentor training day in June before summer courses commence and you are expected to have a thorough knowledge of the Mentor Standard Operating Procedures and the Child Protection Policy before working on any events.
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