Prestigious awards for physics students

The CREST scheme is a British Science Association Programme which runs for 11-19 year olds, recognising personal achievement in Sciences, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) project work, such as research and work experience in the specific areas.

The second year physics students were selected to take part in the CREST Award Scheme last year and subsequently spent time at UCL’s MSSL (Mullard Space Science Laboratory) for their work experience last summer. As a result of this experience, and the consequent research produced, the students have each been awarded the CREST Gold Award – the highest possible achievement for their work.

Elysia Hannaford was thrilled: “It was great – a fantastic experience, and very useful for our CVs. We were all asked about it in our university interviews too – making it a really worthwhile experience.”

Jack Dawson, who is planning to take both physics and chemistry at university, added: “It’s really good to be recognised for our research at an official level – I’m proud of what I achieved. I would also like to say a huge thank you to Dr Dhiren Kataria for such incredible support!”

Collyer’s Principal Dr Jackie Johnston said: “This is wonderful news. Congratulations to these talented and hard working students who have rightly been recognised for achieving such a high standard of work.”

Joe Brock added: “The CREST Scheme has not only allowed the students to develop their physics knowledge, but it has also helped them in their university applications, enhancing their potential to study physics in the future. I could not be prouder of these students. To be honoured with a CREST Gold Award at national level really is an incredible achievement!”

Report by Alexandra White (Collyer’s student reporter)