Years 10 to 11 activities

The Widening Participation team has a variety of evidence-informed in-school and on-site workshops and Experience Days to support your students. All activities have been matched to the Gatsby Benchmarks and many can be adapted around your school timetable. Please view our offer below for Year 10-11 and get in touch with your Widening Participation contact if you would like to book any of our events.

Events at the University

Dates: Set dates throughout the year

Year group: 10

Location: Kedleston Road, Derby

Length of session: Full day

Description: These events focus on equipping students with the necessary independent learning skills for their current and future studies. Throughout the day we will focus on reflective thinking and metacognition as we encourage your learners to develop their academic skills, underpinning their knowledge of their existing thought processes and preparation for higher-level learning. 

Learning outcomes: 1, 3, 6

Gatsby benchmarks: 3, 7

Delivery method: On-campus

Find out more about Think, Reflect, Succeed

Date: Wednesday 29 April 2026

Year group: All years

Location: Kedleston Road, Derby

Length of session: Full day

Description: Students with experience of care - and their carers - are invited for a personalised visit to the University. On the day, students will find out more about the additional support available as a care-experienced student, meet current students and engage in interactive taster sessions.

Delivery method: On-campus

Learning outcomes: 1, 4, 6

Gatsby benchmarks: 2 and 7

Find out more about our CES Experience Day

Date: Negotiable

Year Group: All years

Location: Negotiable

Length of session: Negotiable

Description: The team are always happy to come along to HE fairs, parents evenings, and options evenings to talk to your students and their families about university. If you have any events you would like us to attend, please get in touch.

Learning outcomes: 1, 5

Gatsby Benchmarks: 2, 7, 5, 8

Delivery method: In school

If you would like to invite the Widening Participation team to your HE fair or Options evening, please contact us at wpteam@derby.ac.uk

Activities in school

Date: Negotiable

Year group: Y11

Location: In school

Length of session: 20 minutes (assembly) 

Description: This interactive session expands students knowledge of higher education and highlights the progression routes to university. The session will cover the social and academic opportunities and help students make informed decisions about the benefits of going to university.

Learning outcomes: 1, 2, 4, 5

Gatsby benchmarks: 2, 7

Delivery method: In school

Contact wpteam@derby.ac.uk to book a 'The Future is You' assembly.

Date: Negotiable

Year group: 10

Location: In school

Length of session: Up to 10 weeks of mentoring with your matched mentor/s

Description: Aimed at pupils with moderate academic progress and who meet a WP criteria, our student in schools coaching programme matches trained University of Derby Student Mentors with your pupils, to help with goal setting, realise their aspirations and build confidence.

Gatsby benchmarks: 2, 7

Delivery method: In school

Find out more about Students in Schools - Mentoring

A student sitting at a desk

I know how to use critical thinking, reflection, and feel I will be able to revise better and more often to pursue further education.

Y10 Student
Think, Reflect, Succeed 2025

Book an activity

Our on-campus and in-school activities provide key information about higher education and alternative progression routes. They have been designed to support attainment, channel aspiration and help students make informed decisions about their future.

Contact us at wpteam@derby.ac.uk to book an activity.