A group of 23 A-level pupils from Matravers School in Westbury have just successfully completed and achieved a Gold CREST award.

This UCAS recognised award is undertaken in association with the British Science Association. The now Year 13 pupils spent the last term of their Year 12 course focussing on an area of specific interest to them which linked to the A2 course. In July they presented a scientific display of the work to teachers and parents.

Mr Feltham, the teacher overseeing the activity, said: “The presentation evening was a highly enjoyable event and feedback from pupils, colleagues and parents was very positive.”

The project lends itself to independent study – one of the reasons it is recognised by UCAS. To help them with their research students either found, or were allocated, a contact with a member of their industry or someone who works in their relevant field in higher education. This year there were PhD students, teaching fellows and aquarium staff to name a few.

John Trickett, BSA assessor at the BSA said the standard of work was impressive, innovative and creative and he looked forward tom seeing next year’s Matravers pupils’ work.

Pupil Samuel Sturgess said: “The project really has helped us prepare for the A2 course and for university.”

Chloe Bleakley, another pupil said: “We have managed to develop a greater understanding of the material.”