Year 7 to 9 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 7-9 and get in touch with your Widening Participation contact if you would like to book any of our events.

Events at the University

Date: Set dates throughout the year 

Year group: 7/8

Location: Derby

Length of session: 9:30 - 14:20

Description: Our Experience Days give students the chance to learn more about the opportunities available at university and its benefits. Throughout the day, students will discover our exciting courses, learn more about university life, look around our facilities and meet our current students.

Learning outcomes: 1, 2, 4

Gatsby benchmark: 2, 7

Delivery method: On-campus

Find out more about our Y7/8 Experience Days

Date: Thursday 12 March 2026

Year group: 9

Location: Kedleston Road, Derby

Length of session: Full day

Description: 

Incorporating student voice, Science in the City aims to engage students in topical areas of science. Previously, the event has focused on climate action, with key themes of decarbonisation, biodiversity, adaptability and resilience. During the event, students have taken part in a variety of activities including keynotes from industry experts, academic workshops, and a green careers exhibition.

Gatsby benchmarks: 2, 7

Delivery method: On-campus

Contact wpteam@derby.ac.uk to find out more about Science in the City.

 

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

Activities in school

Date: Negotiable

Year group: 7 and 8

Location: In school

Length of session: 20 minutes (assembly) 

Description: This interactive session introduces 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

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: 9

Location: In school

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

Description: Aimed at pupils with low confidence in Maths and who are on or below the 4/5 grade boundary, our student in schools maths programme matches trained University of Derby Student Mentors with your pupils to help them realise their aspirations, build confidence and raise attainment.

Gatsby benchmark: 2, 7

Delivery method: In school

Find out more about Students in Schools - Maths Support

Two students writing in classroom.

University isn’t as scary as I first thought

Student, Lees Brook
Y7 Experience Day 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.