Young Scientists in Action (Crest Awards )
At Young Minders, we are excited to offer CREST Award sessions that empower home-educated children with hands-on, inquiry-based STEM learning experiences. These sessions inspire curiosity, encourage creativity, and promote problem-solving, allowing children to take on exciting science and engineering challenges.
Through our CREST-accredited programmes, supported by the British Science Association, young learners develop valuable skills such as critical thinking, teamwork, and resilience. In our first year, we introduced these sessions to over 50 home-educated students, with families sharing positive feedback about their enhanced academic confidence and a growing passion for STEM subjects. By tackling real-world problems, students are encouraged to explore, create, and innovate, building the skills they need to thrive in an ever-changing world.
Impact on the Home Education Community
Our CREST sessions have empowered over 200 home-educating families by making high-quality STEM learning both accessible and rewarding. Through these sessions, children have cultivated a deeper love for science, with 95% of parents noting growth in their children's teamwork, problem-solving, and communication skills.
The CREST Awards have not only celebrated children's achievements but have also helped them gain confidence in STEM subjects, nurturing their long-term interest in science and innovation.
Beyond the learning itself, our sessions have strengthened the home-educating community, fostering meaningful connections between families who share, support, and inspire each other. Over 90% of participants expressed their eagerness to continue engaging with STEM activities, highlighting the lasting impact of these collaborative and empowering experiences.
90%
Many participants shared how much they enjoyed completing their CREST projects, describing them as fun, exciting, and engaging. Several noted that the experience sparked a greater interest in science, with some even exploring potential careers in STEM fields. While a few participants mentioned that they do not currently engage in additional science activities beyond CREST, this insight presents an opportunity to build on their enthusiasm by offering more follow-up activities or clubs. This could further sustain their interest and support their continued exploration and growth in science.
Most participants expressed that receiving a CREST certificate was meaningful to them, recognising the value of celebrating their achievements. Additionally, the responses highlighted that students recognised key skills for being a scientist, including creativity, communication, resilience, and logical thinking.
This insight presents an opportunity to build on these skills by incorporating more discussions on career pathways in STEM, showcasing how these strengths are applied in real-world scientific professions, and inspiring students to envision their potential in these fields.
95%
Parent, Young Minders Home Education Hub
Seeing my child complete their CREST Science project was a fantastic experience. They came home excited to share what they had learned and were especially proud to receive their certificate. I noticed that the project not only made science more fun for them but also helped develop important skills like teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving. They described the experience as ‘fun, exciting, and new,’ and I can see that their confidence in science has grown. I appreciate opportunities like this that encourage hands-on learning and inspire a love for STEM.
Young Minders Student
It was fun, exciting, and new.
Young Minders Student
My CREST project was so much fun! I liked all of it, especially the hands-on experiments. It made me feel more interested in science, and now I want to do more. Before, I liked science but didn’t do many extra activities—now, I’m thinking about doing more projects. Getting my CREST certificate was really important to me, and I feel more confident in what I can do!
Support from the British Science Association (BSA)
We are thankful for the collaboration with the British Science Association (BSA), whose support through CREST Awards, resources, and guidance has empowered us to deliver impactful and inclusive STEM sessions. Their dedication to making STEM education accessible has helped us connect with more home-educating families, strengthening our efforts to remove barriers and inspire the next generation of young scientists and innovators.
Support the Growth of Young Scientist in Action
Join us in nurturing the next generation of scientists! Your support helps us create opportunities for home-educated children to engage in hands-on STEM experiences, building curiosity, confidence, and a sense of belonging within their community.
Partner with us today and be part of this exciting journey. Find out more here