Learn about Ravensbourne's Saturday Club

When the pandemic drove the Saturday Club entirely online, its future seemed unclear. However, the online version turned out to be a roaring success, and the club was able to reach more people than ever – at a time when creativity was needed more than ever. Now, as restrictions continue to ease, the Ravensbourne team are happy to announce that Saturday Club will recommence in-person and will meet again every Saturday from 9 October.

Do you fancy learning a whole host of new creative skills and exhibiting your work at Somerset House in June? Read on and find out more.

What is the Saturday Club?

Hatte: The National Saturday Club allows 13-16-year-olds across the UK to experience new creative learning opportunities across a number of subjects such as science and technology, art and design, fashion and business and writing and talking.

The Saturday Club was set up by Lord and Lady Sorrell in 2009, and has been running exciting, creative and collaborative projects ever since. There are roughly 50 clubs across the UK, produced by universities, heritage sites, colleges and museums. The charity is linked with lots of organisations that provide industry master classes, visits and support for club members and providers.

What can you expect at Ravensbourne's Saturday club?

Hattie: Ravensbourne has been running its own Saturday Club at our campus in North Greenwich for 11 years. Due to the pandemic, we ran the club online last year. But we are delighted to invite members back to our building to experience our art, design and media club in person. Due to the success of online working for people further away, we will be offering a reduced online offer too this year.

Club members can explore new creative skills, disciplines and practices with their peers with the support of their tutor and student assistant. The club aims to support young people to develop their creative skills and increase their confidence. The club takes place over the academic year and concludes with students exhibiting their work at Somerset House in June. A number of the members have gone on to study with us at foundation level or on our undergraduate degree courses.

Who is part of the Saturday Club team?

Hattie: The Saturday Club is organised and managed by Ravensbourne’s Outreach Team, Lucy Slater and myself, Hattie Moore. The club is taught by artist and tutor Samuel Petherbridge. Samuel is a bookbinder, visual artist and designer. Sam is supported by Simone Niles, a current Ravensbourne student, studying BA (Hons) Fashion Promotion. Simone attended the Saturday Club at Ravensbourne as a young person, and completed her foundation degree with us, too.

Who is Saturday Club aimed at?

Hattie: Our Saturday Club is aimed at creative young people aged 13-16 years old who have an interest in learning new skills, meeting new people and developing their understanding of art and design practices. Members don’t have to be studying a creative subject at school or college. It is open to all!

Where does Saturday Club take place?

Hattie: The club will take place at our main campus in North Greenwich. Members will make use of the industry standard facilities on offer at the university. There will be an offering online using Microsoft Teams and Padlet, for those who can’t make it to the campus every Saturday.

How do I get involved?

Hattie: You can find out dates of the club and book on our website.

Sign up in time for the first session on Saturday 9 October 2021.