Derby College Group A-level students are set to visit Twycross Zoo during Project Week, taking part in real-world learning experiences including an animal behaviour talk
Project Week runs from Monday 29 June to Thursday 3 July and involves all 434 Year 1 A-level students. Rather than winding down for summer, students will head out across the region – and further afield – for a series of hands-on experiences spanning arts, science, humanities, social sciences, languages and careers.
Real-world learning experiences across the region
A-level students will explore aircraft at RAF Cosford during Project Week, gaining hands-on insight into aviation and engineering
Among the highlights of Derby College Group’s Project Week are:
- A visit to Twycross Zoo, including an animal behaviour talk
- A trip to the Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratford
- A criminology and forensic science taster day at the University of Derby
- A site visit to global medical technology company Getinge
Students will also visit:
- The National Justice Museum in Nottingham
- Hardwick Hall
- RAF Cosford
- The National Archives in Derbyshire
Two groups will attend Crown Court sessions across the week, while others will take part in French and Spanish teaching placements at local primary schools.
Careers, skills and enrichment opportunities
Global medical technology company Getinge during Project Week is another partner of Derby College Group providing experience over Project Week
Thursday 3 July is set to be one of the most varied days of the week, featuring:
- A careers morning with talks from:
- UHDB Imaging
- Socotec
- The Police Apprenticeship programme
- The RAF
- A Green Careers presentation
- A lived experience session on schizophrenia
- A knife crime awareness session
Running throughout the week is a programme of Work Ready Interviews, giving students the opportunity to practise and develop their professional communication skills ahead of university applications and future employment.
Building confidence, ambition and career readiness
Sally Archer, head of A-levels at Derby College Group, said:
“This year is especially exciting because it marks the launch of our first Project Week on this scale, allowing students to bring everything they have learned in the classroom to life through a wide range of real-world experiences.
“Whether they are watching a Shakespeare production, sitting in a crown court, taking part in a university taster day, or being interviewed by a professional, they are developing skills, confidence, and ambition.
“This week reflects the breadth and quality of our A-level provision, and the strength of our relationships with employers, universities, and cultural organisations across the region and beyond. It will be a genuinely inspiring week for everyone involved.”
Celebrating student progress
The week culminates on 3 July with Year 1 Celebrations and Progress Day, recognising the achievements of students completing their first year of A-level study.
Derby College Group: Strong partnerships and student opportunities
Derby College Group works with a wide range of regional and national partners, giving students access to experiences that go far beyond the classroom. Project Week is one of the most visible expressions of this commitment to career-ready education and enrichment.
