Inspiring young creatives: ARU’s National Saturday Club

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ARU's National Saturday Club offers Year 10 and 11 students an enriching experience in Art & Design, Film & Media, Science & Engineering, and Writing & Talking, providing a taste of university teaching and facilities for young people.

Back view of a teenager carrying a National Saturday Club tote bag and taking a photo of the London skyline from the Millennium Bridge

Programmes on offer

There are different programmes on offer on our Cambridge and Chelmsford campuses.

In Cambridge, we offer:

  • Art & Design Club: students explore drawing, printmaking, graphic design, and fashion.
  • Film & Media Club: hands-on experience in filmmaking, animation, and digital media.

In Chelmsford we offer:

  • Science & Engineering Club: access to state-of-the-art equipment for practical learning.
  • Writing & Talking Club: led by Essex Book Festival, focusing on creative writing, public speaking, and storytelling.

Each club includes trips to leading agencies and companies, and culminates in an exhibition of students’ work at Somerset House in London.

Impact and testimonials

These programs enhance subject-specific skills, personal confidence, and clarity about future careers.

"My daughter has made good friends, had fantastic experiences, and has grown socially, emotionally, and academically."

Parent, National Saturday Club participant

Over the past 10 years, the National Saturday Club has helped over 500 young people learn, grow, and mature through academic engagement in the creative arts. It not only introduces students to university-level study, but also helps them explore future career opportunities in the creative industries in a safe and inspiring environment. We are excited to continue expanding our impact.

"Working with National Saturday Club, ARU has been delighted to run opportunities for (often disadvantaged) young people in Year 10 to explore their passion in Art & Design for nearly 10 years, and more recently Film & Media, Science & Engineering and Writing & Talking.

Spending three hours on a Saturday with tutors and subject-expert graduates and students, in a university setting, enables students to refine their thoughts about future study and careers and to make friends with similar interests.

Each club includes industry masterclass exposure through external trips, often with sector leading agencies and companies, and the year builds to an exhibition of their work displayed with other clubs at Somerset House in London.

These programmes provide multiple benefits to young people, evidenced by themselves, teachers and parents, and these include raising attainment levels in the relevant subject, and building personal confidence and clarity about their future."

Dale Gregory, Assistant Director Student Recruitment, Schools and Colleges Engagement

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