University of Derby launches free Society and Change Saturday Club for 13-16-year-olds

The University of Derby has joined the National Saturday Club network and is launching a new Society and Change Saturday Club for 13–16-year-olds. 

Free and open to young people of all abilities, the Saturday Club will run from 4 March, culminating in an exhibition at Somerset House, London in July 2023. The Club will run at Community Corner, Pride Park Stadium and Artcore, Charnwood Street.

The National Saturday Club offers young people a unique free opportunity to explore subjects they love, to build new skills, discover their talents, meet new people, and to explore future study and career possibilities. Weekly Saturday classes will be led by tutors who will cover a breadth of exciting and engaging topics including Society and Change.

In addition, Club members will participate in National Saturday Club events including Masterclasses with leading industry professionals, the Summer Show where Saturday Clubs nationwide exhibit their work in a public exhibition, and a Graduation Ceremony for Club members to celebrate their achievements.

Professor Kathryn Mitchell CBE DL, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Derby, said:

“We are committed to raising the aspirations of young people within our city and county, opening doors to opportunities that enable them to enhance their future career prospects by developing new skills and growing in confidence. 

“By joining the National Saturday Club network, we are able to expand our provision by giving 13–16-year-olds who have an interest in creative and artistic practice a place where they can spend time exploring issues that matter to them, providing them with an outlet to be creative and a platform to have their voices heard. 

“We are delighted to be announcing our involvement in this network and cannot wait to welcome the first cohort of Saturday Club members to Derby.”

The University’s involvement in the National Saturday Club is the latest project linked to its Civic University Agreement which launched in June. The Agreement is designed to drive forward the local recovery and regeneration of Derby and Derbyshire, helping to channel aspirations, support local communities, share knowledge and enhance the area’s overall offer and vibrancy. It is based around five goals, including investing in culture as a drive for change and driving ambition and positive change, which both align to the aims of the Club. 

Find out more about the Club and how to apply to join.