15 Weeks of Creativity!
The National Art & Design Saturday Club gives young people in years 9,10 and 11 the unique opportunity to study creative arts and design at Activate Learning.
The aim of the National Art & Design Saturday Club at Activate Learning is to nurture young people’s talent, and build their confidence and self-esteem through learning and exploring all aspects of art and design and the creative industries.
Learners will experiment with various materials, processes and techniques from a broad range of disciplines. A chance to try something new and to challenge your creative thinking and problem-solving through a varied and dynamic creative programme. You’ll be guided by our expert tutor Or Williams.
Club members also participate in national events including Masterclasses with leading industry professionals and the Summer Show, where Saturday Clubs nationwide exhibit their work in a public exhibition – all for free!
National Art & Design Saturday Club is FREE, and places go to students who want to expand their creative skills and are committed to attending on Saturday mornings from November to March!
Session times: 10am-1pm
2026: 7,14,21,28 November, 5,12 December
2027: 9,16,23,30 January, 6, 27 February, 6, 13 and 20 March
Please note: by enrolling on a National Saturday Club at Activate Learning, you will be part of the National Saturday Club, taking place across the UK. We will be required to share the data of those enrolled with the National Saturday Club for administrative purposes.
What you'll learn
Every term brings a varied and dynamic mix of creative disciplines. Past projects have included sculpture, printing, embroidery, drawing, painting and digital illustration – with new techniques and materials to explore each week.
You’ll develop your creative thinking and problem-solving skills through hands-on projects, and challenge yourself to try things you’ve never attempted before.
How you'll learn and be assessed
Over 16 weeks, you’ll receive 60-70 hours of expert tuition in Reading College’s specialist art and design facilities. This is a practical, studio-based programme – no exams, no essays, just making and exploring.
There is no formal assessment.
Progression
Completing the Saturday Club is a brilliant first step into creative education at Activate Learning. Once you’ve finished your GCSEs, there’s a wide range of art, design and media courses to explore across our colleges – from introductory Level 2 programmes through to Level 3 qualifications.
Entry requirements
- Open to students in Years 9, 10 or 11 (aged 13 – 16)
- This programme is completely free – all materials, equipment and educational visit costs are covered
- Places go to students who are committed to attending every Saturday morning from October to March
- Please bring snacks and a drink for each session
