You are using an outdated browser. Most of this website should still work, but after upgrading your browser it will look and perform better.
Overview
AUB Academy has joined National Saturday Club to offer a brand-new creative short course. Across 24 Saturdays, through hands-on workshops, collaborative projects and individual creative work, you'll experiment with materials, develop ideas, build skills, and discover how creativity can be used to tell stories, explore who we are, imagine new futures, and speak about what matters to you.
Interested in joining? Register your interest now.
Discover your creative niche
The National Saturday Club course takes you and up to 20 other like-minded students through a range of creative disciplines within art and design. Across the 24 weeks, you'll discover where your creative talents lie.
Experience art outside the classroom
You won't just be in the classroom during the course. Part of your experience will take you to London, where you'll get to explore art and design at some of the capital's most famous galleries and museums.
Receive expert guidance
On the course, you'll be taught by Alison Board, a highly creative artist, author, and dedicated educator whose many diverse talents include dance, performance, and fine art.
You'll also be supported by additional specialist tutors and a dedicated course assistant, and receive masterclasses from the National Saturday Club team in the spring term.
Exhibit your work
You'll work towards a dream for many an artist: the chance to see your work on public display. At the end of the course, you'll take part in the National Saturday Club's Summer Show – an exhibition at the prestigious Somerset House in London, followed by a graduation ceremony.
About the course
This course is designed to inspire young people, build confidence, open creative pathways, and give students a voice through making, creating, collaborating and imagining what’s possible.
The National Saturday Club is open to 13–16-year-olds of all abilities and is free to attend.
Joining the National Saturday Club at AUB Academy is a unique opportunity to learn new skills, discover talents, meet new people, and find out more about further education, higher education and rewarding careers.
This unique course is an exciting, creative journey for young people who love making, designing, exploring ideas, and expressing themselves through art, design, and media. It's designed for students who are curious about the world, interested in creativity, and ready to try new things – whether they already see themselves as ‘creative’ or are just beginning to discover their confidence.
Across 24 weeks, you'll explore three powerful themes: Identity, Worlds, and Student Voice. Through hands-on workshops, collaborative projects and individual creative work, you'll experiment with materials, develop ideas, build skills, and discover how creativity can be used to tell stories, explore who we are, imagine new futures, and speak about what matters to you.
Sessions are practical, supportive, and inclusive, using professional university facilities and resources. You'll work across art, design, media, and creative technologies in a safe, inspiring environment, supported by experienced tutors and specialist practitioners. The focus isn't on tests or exams, but on exploration, confidence, creativity, teamwork, and personal growth.
During the programme, National Saturday Club members take part in national events throughout the year including visits to leading cultural institutions, masterclasses with industry, a Summer Show exhibition of all Club members’ work at London’s prestigious Somerset House, and a Graduation Ceremony.
This course is suitable for a wide range of learners aged 13–16 years, including those who may benefit from flexible learning styles, hands-on activities, and supportive, low-pressure creative spaces.
Practical workshops in:
- Drawing and sketching
- Painting
- Printmaking
- Sculpture
- 3D modelmaking
- Textiles and surface design
- Photography and digital media
- Graphics, zines and bookmaking
- Creative technologies
At the end of the course, you'll have:
- Created a body of personal creative work
- Taken part in group projects and collaborative artworks
- Built a creative portfolio of ideas, experiments and outcomes
- Developed confidence in presenting and talking about your work
- Taken part in exhibitions and showcases
- Gained experience of working in a university environment
- Developed transferable skills such as problem-solving, teamwork, communication and creative thinking
Will I be assessed?
No, there are no exams, tests or grades during this course. Instead, progress will be supported through encouragement, reflection, discussion and creative development. The focus is on confidence, enjoyment, exploration and discovery.
What you need to know
Saturdays, 10.00–13.00
Autumn term
Saturday 12 September – 21 November 2026
Spring term
Saturday 23 January – 13 March 2027
Summer term
Saturday 10 April – 5 June 2027
Age
13–16
Level
This course is designed to be open to anyone curious, and eager to learn more about creative arts and their potential.
Experience or qualifications required
As a preparatory course, no previous understanding or experience is required.
If you'd like to discuss if this course is suitable for you, get in touch with us: academy@aub.ac.uk or 01202 363222.
Application information
Applicants to the National Saturday Club programme are required to complete an online application form and provide accurate personal and contact details.
To begin the process, please register your interest, after which you'll be sent a link to complete an application form with the knowledge and consent of your parent, guardian, or carer.
As part of the application, you'll be asked to write a short statement explaining why you'd like to take part in the National Saturday Club and what you hope to gain from the experience.
Please complete the form with as much information as possible to support your application. Once submitted, applications are reviewed by the admissions team to ensure eligibility and completeness.
Successful applicants will receive a formal offer of enrolment.
Enrolment is confirmed once the applicant accepts the offer, after which they'll receive confirmation and information about induction.
This course is free of charge. All course materials will be provided by AUB Academy.
- Suitable comfortable clothing for a wide range of practical activities.
- An active, curious approach to learning, combined with enthusiasm and willingness to explore and experiment.
- A mindset geared towards creativity and collaboration - taking risks, asking questions, sharing ideas.
We ask that you bring your own drinks and snacks to enjoy during rest breaks and/or during course delivery. Please ensure snacks don't include any types of nuts.
We advise against bringing mobile phones, tablets, and other valuables, as we're not responsible for lost or damaged items.
Meet the tutor
Alison Board
Alison is a highly talented, creative artist and dedicated educator, whose many diverse talents include dance, performance, and fine art.
Beyond National Saturday Club
After you've completed National Saturday Club, there's no limit to where you could take your creativity next. Continue developing your art skills at school or college, or at home as a hobby. And think about joining AUB Academy's other courses, such as those on our Saturday Art School.
Saturday Art School
Our Saturday Art School courses are designed to inspire and enable the creators of tomorrow – take a look at our full list of courses here.
Summer courses
Our summer courses are a great way to polish your portfolio, experiment and learn new skills or simply have fun with your creativity.
Foundation Diploma in Art, Design and Media
Study Foundation Art, Design and Media at Arts University Bournemouth. Find out about the course, fees, how to apply, and more...
