School students in a group smiling

Primary education activities

We are keen to support Year 6 pupils with the sometimes-difficult transition period from primary to secondary school.

Move on Up Day

We have designed the Move on Up Day with the aim to make students feel excited about their future, and understand what a university is and does, whilst encouraging them to excel in secondary education and beyond.

As part of the Move on Up day, students will discover more about university life by exploring our campus, attending a lecture, and getting a chance to ask lots of questions to our current undergraduates.

Theatre company 2Engage will deliver an interactive theatre performance that introduces the changes pupils will face as they embark on their educational journey. They will also address some common concerns about secondary school and showcase the opportunities available to them.

The next Move on Up day will take place on Wednesday 22 May 2024. To enquire about booking places on the programme, please contact Senior Outreach Officer Alice McGowan a.v.mcgowan@bham.ac.uk.

Microscopes4Schools competition

We're excited to bring Microscopes4Schools (M4S) to the West Midlands. This is a microscopy competition for local primary schools, aimed at pupils of Year 5 and 6 learning age. It is free, no preparation is needed by teachers and all the planning and support is provided by the M4S Birmingham team.

The competition runs from January to July every year. We will prioritise requests from schools with a higher percentage of students in receipt of Free School Meals (FSM).

If you're a primary school teacher based in the West Midlands and you're interested in taking part in this competition, email mdsoutreach@contacts.bham.ac.uk to find out more.

Logo for Microscopes for Schools

Additional opportunities for primary schools

Beside Move on Up Day (pictured), we also offer opportunities for primary school pupils to get involved in on an ad-hoc basis like Merck's Curiosity Cube.

Children clapping and holding signs
2022 Move on Up Day focused on the Commonwealth Games
School children and mascot cheering
University of Birmingham Mascot Rory meeting students on the Move on Up day
Volunteer explains science to children during a presentation
Merck's Curiosity Cube
Children raise their hands to answer question during education activity
Merck's Curiosity Cube interactive activity