Two of our Upper Sixth Formers have been recognised by the British Science Association (BSA) for the quality of their independent research.

Alice and Jasmine submitted their Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) research to the BSA's Gold CREST Award scheme, which seeks original student-led contributions to any STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) field of study.  Projects are then externally assessed by experts from industry, academia or the education sector with the best accredited with the Gold Award.

Alice is completing her A Level studies in Maths, Further Maths, Chemistry and Physics and has offers for Natural Sciences and Maths & Physics degrees. She researched the everyday use of statistics, looking at the four areas advertising, media, politics and criminal justice. "I compared each area and evaluated the extent to which the statistics used in the said areas was flawed. Doing this project developed my time management skills and gave me an insight into academic writing."

Alongside her A Levels in Biology, Chemistry and Maths, Jasmine investigated the highly topical area of whether vaccinations should be made compulsory in the UK. "I looked at similar schemes seen in other European countries and examined the reasons and ethics behind vaccine refusal. Completing my CREST award highlighted to me the skills, for example, critical and creative thinking, that I honed when working on my EPQ." Jasmine is currently deciding between a number of university offers to read Medicine from September.

Mrs Nicola Hubbard, our KSTEM Coordinator commented, "Achieving a CREST award is a great way to showcase students’ scientific thinking and skills. They are available at many different levels and give the students an opportunity to explore real-world science, technology, engineering and maths projects in an exciting way. Jasmine and Alice both converted their excellent science-based EPQ projects to Gold CREST Awards. CREST awards are nationally recognised and are respected by universities and employers alike."  Mr Joseph Newsam, Assistant Head (Extension & Enrichment), added, "We are delighted that our pupils have been able to develop their research of these science-based topics to such a high level. The CREST award is a prestigious achievement and an excellent qualification for Jasmine and Alice to take forward alongside their A Levels."