Lancing Students Study for CREST Gold Award

The CREST Gold Award is a prestigious award that recognises students who have completed an in-depth project that requires a minimum of 70 hours of work. The award is aimed at students aged 16 and above and is recognised by universities and employers. The projects are assessed by experts from industry, academia, or the education sector against the CREST assessment criteria. The award can helps enhance UCAS personal statements. Here at Lancing, we work in collaboration with the expertise of a local Engineering Firm, Ricardo, to provide this amazing opportunity to our students.  

Every year, six of our Physics students are chosen to carry out this project. The Engineers at Ricardo run a highly rigorous and competitive process to select the students they feel will have the best chance at succeeding in this highly demanding program. Ricardo asked our students to submit a CV and a cover letter telling them why they think they would be best suited to be part of this year’s team. Ten students were shortlisted by the Engineers and then interviewed at the Ricardo factory. After much deliberation, six students were selected. The Engineers are now coming to Lancing to speak to the chosen six and present the proposed project they will be working on.  

“We first visited Ricardo at the start of December and had a tour of the facilities. I was impressed by the range of facilities from hydrogen combustion to the manufacturing of engines for McLaren. During this same visit, the previous year’s group presented their projects and findings for us and the Ricardo Engineers. After our visit, we had the Christmas holidays to write a CV and a cover letter to be submitted before the start of term. On the first Thursday back, we headed over to Ricardo for interviews. The Ricardo engineers had set up a VR headset to demonstrate how they use virtual reality to present projects to clients and we tried it out while we waited for out interviews. It was a nervous week before we heard back but it was worth it as I was selected to be part of the project with five other lower six students. I have enjoyed my experience so far and I am looking forward to starting the project.” – S Khan Hummel  

“I knew from the moment I saw their cutting-edge hydrogen fuel systems and the passion displayed by the project’s previous team that I needed to get involved with the CREST award. When the holidays ended, nine others and I revisited Ricardo’s offices and underwent individual panel interviews. Whilst waiting, we calmed our nerves by indulging in the Virtual Reality suite provided by our hosts. I cannot say that I was not nervous in the week of waiting until the team’s composition was announced, yet now, with a position secured, I look forward to making the most of this opportunity to work on furthering the motor developed by last years’ group and designing and building a proprietary battery pack.” – E Rustom