The end of the summer term is historically a significant marker on the school horizon, a sign that students are leaving one year behind to step into another, but also a moment to reflect on the work that’s been done in the year just gone.

The National Saturday Club exists to inspire children and young people to create, through free workshops and programmes hosted by universities, colleges and cultural institutions. The club has 1,500 members aged between 13 and 16 nationwide, 60% of whom are from BAME or disadvantaged backgrounds.

These members take part in courses such as Art & Design, Fashion & Business and Science & Engineering, programmes that have been held exclusively online since the national lockdown was enforced. Therefore allowing the young members to continue to explore their creativity at home, supported by the Saturday Club tutors.

This year, for the first time, the Club took its annual Summer Show online in a digital exhibition created by Imagination. This was after the Show’s usual venue, Somerset House in London, remains closed as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

The digital showcase is a celebration of the ideas and artwork of young people from across the Saturday School network, uniting everyone involved from members to tutors, family, friends and industry supporters. The Club’s virtual pages mimic the artists’ creative process, captured like a digital scrapbook of vibrant and eclectic ideas.

Sir John and Frances Sorrell, National Saturday Club Co-Founders and Trustees, explained: “Over the last 11 years, the National Saturday Club has benefited thousands of young people. It is a unique model that really works. Our aim is to give all 13–16-year-olds the opportunity to attend free Saturday classes in subjects they love at their local university, college or other institution. Just imagine what a difference that could make to a generation of young people, as well as to society and our country.”

Lucy Kennedy, CEO of the National Saturday Club added: “The National Saturday Club aims to provide a magical space for young people, a transformative moment when they can discover the subjects they love, innovate, problem solve and explore. What we see is a real increase in their confidence and well-being as a result of the programme.”

The digital show is an example of the power of creative collaboration to recognise and amplify the next generation of diverse talent. It demonstrates that creativity knows no bounds; a great idea is simply a great idea regardless of where you’ve come from.

Visit The National Saturday Club’s website to view the showcase and find out more.