The Margate School (TMS) is joining the National Saturday Club network, which gives 13 to 16-year-olds the opportunity to study subjects they love for free.
The network has been running since 2009 but the TMS programme will be the first in Kent.
To run the planned sessions TMS has applied for grant and has launched a Crowdfunder campaign.
There is a fundraising goal of £17,500, which will also be used to support the Tech Club at The Margate School, which started in 2021 in collaboration with Genetic Moo.
A TMS spokesperson said: “We need to talk about art provision for young people – art has been pushed down and out of the national curriculum and there is now no foundation course at a dedicated art school in Kent for young people to join when they finish school.
“National Saturday Club fills part of this void, so please give what you can, many small donations are as important and valued as fewer large ones, and of course we’re looking for both.
“All donations will be processed through the TMS charity – if you pay tax, please fill in the Gift Aid information, as that will release an extra 25p for every pound given, so again will definitely make a difference.
“TMS is a centre of creativity in Margate High Street and as part of our work, we are collaborating with the National Saturday Club, a charity giving 13 to 16-year-olds across the country the opportunity to study subjects they love at their local university, college or cultural institution for free.
“Joining the National Saturday Club is an opportunity to learn new skills, discover talents, meet new people, and find out more about further education, higher education and rewarding careers.
“By raising this money, we will be able to bring fun and engaging activities for 13 to 16-year-olds at TMS, including analogue and darkroom photography, graphic design, printing, digital skills, poster and zine design.
“Separate from National Saturday Club, Tech Club at The Margate School offers a glimpse into the exciting world of tech with a selection of cool digital creativity to inspire and engage young people and the funds raised will enable us to continue the Club which has run since 2021.
“We are building a generation of young people who are agile and resilient problem-solvers with the confidence to access pathways into education, apprenticeships and employment.
“The Saturday Club sessions will be open to all 13 to 16-year-olds, and Tech Club will be open for 4 to 16-year-olds, with a particular focus on reaching young people from disadvantaged and under-represented backgrounds.”
Anyone from a school, youth group or other community organisation or young people that would like to take part, can send The Margate School a message using this link
Find the fundraiser here
