Creative Sparks: Creative Courses for 14-17 year-olds

• Brannel School 
• Bodmin College 
• Budehaven Community School 
• Camborne Science and International Academy 
• Callington Community College 
• Cape Cornwall School 
• Falmouth School 
• Fowey River Academy 
• Hayle Academy 
• Helston College 
• Humphry Davy School 
• Liskeard School and Community College 
• Looe Academy 
• Mounts Bay Academy 
• Newquay Tretherras 
• Penrice Academy 
• Penryn College 
• Poltair Secondary School 
• Pool Academy 
• Redruth School 
• Sir James Smith School 
• Treviglas Academy 
• Torpoint Community College 
• Wadebridge School 

If your child’s school is on the list of participating schools, but you have not received the link, please contact the school in the first instance. Alternatively, you can contact us directly using the information below. 

Anyone aged 14-17 who’s curious about creative subjects, whether you’re a total beginner or already obsessed with a creative interest.

Zero experience is needed for these courses – just bring your enthusiasm and curiosity!

All materials, equipment, studios/workshops, tutor support, plus lunch! You don’t need to buy or bring anything specific, unless the course description says otherwise.

Each course has it’s own project – anything from a short film, to a game prototype, photo series, designs, artwork or a performance. Check the course descriptions for more info on what to expect.

Yes – every participant will get a Falmouth University completion certificate at the end of their course to celebrate their achievement.

Definitely. You’ll get hands-on experience, meet university-level tutors and technicians and get a taste of what it’s like to study at Falmouth University. It’s a great head start if you’re thinking about studying creative subjects later.

Courses vary in length, but are usually between 1-3 days in length. Check the individual course pages for more details.

Typically courses will run between 09:00-16:00 each day, including breaks and lunch. Course-specific times are always listed on the course page.

Yes, lunch is included. You can tell us about your dietary needs when you book.

You don’t need to buy or bring anything specific, unless the course description says otherwise.

Each course has its own course capacity due to the facilities and equipment required for the course but a typical class size ranges from 10-30 students.

We’ll ask for a parent or carer to be present to sign you in and out each day of your course, unless you are aged between 16-17 and we have written permission from them that you may sign yourself in and out. We’ll ask your parent/carer to consent to this when you sign up for a course.

All sessions are led by qualified, DBS-checked staff and supported by student ambassadors. Participants will be supervised at all times, including breaks. We adhere to Falmouth University’s safeguarding policies.

Just let us know when you book. We’ll do everything we can to make reasonable adjustments, so the course is accessible to you and the tutors understand how best to support you. Please be aware that whilst we will always endeavour to meet all your support requirements, our staff aren't specially trained to support special educational or behavioural needs.  
 
In very exceptional circumstances, if we feel a course isn’t safe or suitable for a student due to behavioural, mental or physical concerns, we may ask a student to remove themselves from the course.

At Falmouth University’s campuses in Cornwall, in our professional standard creative facilities.

Yes, absolutely! Many participants choose more than one, especially if they’re exploring different creative interests. 

Accommodation packages are not provided with these courses. Budget-friendly accommodation options at our Penryn Campus can be booked via Cornwall Plus or you may wish to explore other places to stay across Falmouth.

We partner with local schools to offer their students discounted access to our Creative Sparks courses. 

If your child’s school is participating, they can provide you with a unique booking link and discount code to enter at the checkout. Without this booking link, prices are displayed at the standard rate. If your child’s school is on the list of participating schools, but you have not received the link, please contact the school in the first instance. Alternatively, please email outreach@falmouth.ac.uk.  

Below is a list of participating schools: 

• Brannel School 
• Bodmin College 
• Budehaven Community School 
• Camborne Science and International Academy 
• Callington Community College 
• Cape Cornwall School 
• Falmouth School 
• Fowey River Academy 
• Hayle Academy 
• Helston College 
• Humphry Davy School 
• Liskeard School and Community College 
• Looe Academy 
• Mounts Bay Academy 
• Newquay Tretherras 
• Penrice Academy 
• Penryn College 
• Poltair Secondary School 
• Pool Academy 
• Redruth School 
• Sir James Smith School 
• Treviglas Academy 
• Torpoint Community College 
• Wadebridge School 

Yes, anyone is welcome to park on campus, either for drop-off/pick up. Parking on our Penryn Campus is free for the first hour and at the weekends.

Parents are welcome to drop off and pick up, but sessions are for young people only.

You should contact us as soon as possible. Contact us by email within 14 days of receiving Confirmation of your place on the course, and a full refund will be provided. No refunds will be made after the 14-day Cancellation Period. 

For more information, please read our Terms & Conditions.

1. These Terms & Conditions (“T&Cs”) apply to all paid, non-credit bearing short courses delivered by the Recruitment and Outreach Team at Falmouth University (“the University”) specifically for young persons aged 14-17 years-old. 
2. By submitting a booking, the young person and their parent/guardian/carer (“responsible adult”) agree to be bound by these T&Cs. 
3. Responsible adults are jointly and severally liable for all obligations associated with the young person’s participation in the programme, including behaviour, safeguarding compliance and payment of fees. 

1. The programme is open only to young persons aged 14-17 on the first day of the course. 
2. Individuals aged 18 or over cannot attend. 
3. If a student turns 18 during the course, the responsible adult must notify the University before the start date so appropriate safeguarding arrangements can be confirmed. 
4. Places are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis following successful booking. 

1. All courses are taught in English. 
2. Students must have an adequate level of spoken English. Translation and interpretation services are not provided. 

Students agree to: 

1. Treat facilities and equipment with care 
2. Ensure that you behave in a professional manner, act politely and do not seek to cause offence when engaging with staff or others 
3. Ensure that you adhere to Health and Safety rules as explained to you when you visit one of our campuses  
4. Attend all scheduled learning activities, arriving in good time 
5. Ensure that you meet the requirements to engage in the learning, including an appropriate level of English (written and spoken). 
6. Ensure that you treat information and data confidentially. This includes not sharing login credentials or Short Course content with a third party  
7. At all times adhere to the law and the Student Code of Conduct. 
8. We reserve the right to impose conditions on your study or modify the terms of your study, as well as your access to services and facilities. This may be deemed necessary, notwithstanding anything in these T&Cs, if, in our reasonable opinion, it is necessary to comply with our duties to protect the health and safety of learners, staff, contractors, and members of the public. Additionally, such conditions or modifications may be applied to fulfil our duties regarding the safeguarding of young persons or vulnerable adults, or to comply with our obligations under the Equality Act 2010 or other statutory duties or obligations. 

Responsible adults agree to: 

1. Ensure accurate information is provided during booking 
2. Be contactable throughout the duration of each course day 
3. Ensure punctual drop-off and pick-up, unless consent has been given for their young person to sign themselves in or out 
4. Arrange immediate collection if required for behavioural, medical or safeguarding reasons 

1. All students are expected to model good behaviour and adhere to the Student Code of Conduct, which must be reviewed by both students and their responsible adult. 
2. If a student breaches (or is suspected of breaching) the Student Code of Conduct, they may be removed from the course, and their parents/guardians/carers will be contacted to arrange collection. 
3. Falmouth University reserves the right to remove any student from a short course due to behavioural, safeguarding, or welfare concerns. 
4. Students must always treat others with respect. Intimidation, discrimination, or disruptive behaviour towards fellow students or university staff will not be tolerated. 
5. The use of alcohol or drugs is strictly prohibited during the course. Any student found in possession of, or under the influence of, these substances will be subject to immediate action, which may result in removal from the course. 
6. If a student is removed from a course, no refunds will be issued. 

1. Fees must be paid in full at the time of booking unless otherwise stated. 
2. Payment must be made in GBP via the available payment options. 
3. Failure to pay means the student cannot attend. 
4. The University may pursue the recovery of unpaid fees. 

Participating Local Schools Discount 

1. A discount is available for eligible young persons attending local participating schools and provides reduced-price places on selected Creative Sparks short courses. 
2. Discounted prices are as follows: £50 per two-day courses. £30 per one-day courses 
3. The Participating Local Schools Discount must be applied using a valid discount code at the time of booking. Discounts cannot be applied retrospectively. 
4. The University reserves the right to request reasonable evidence of eligibility for the Participating Local Schools Discount. Where eligibility cannot be confirmed, the University reserves the right to cancel the booking or require payment of the full course fee prior to attendance. 

General Discount Conditions 

5. All discounts are subject to availability and may be withdrawn, amended, or limited at the University’s discretion. 
6. Discounts apply to course fees only and do not apply to any additional products, services or costs. 
7. Where a booking is cancelled or amended, any refund due will be calculated based on the actual amount paid, in accordance with the University’s Cancellation and Refunds policy. 
8. In cases of misuse, attempted misuse, or technical error relating to a discount, the University reserves the right to cancel or amend the booking. 

University Cancellations 

1. Courses require a minimum number of participants. If minimum numbers are not met, the University may cancel and will aim to give at least 14 days’ notice. 
2. If a course is cancelled by the University, families may choose either: A full refund, or A transfer to another available course. 
3. If an unavoidable event (e.g., staff illness) affects delivery, the University will attempt to reschedule. If rescheduling is not possible, a refund for the affected session will be issued. 
4. The University is not liable for delays or failures caused by events outside its reasonable control (e.g., extreme weather, transport disruption, power failure). 
5. Where possible, sessions will be rearranged once normal service resumes. 

Customer Cancellations 

6. You may cancel within 14 days of booking for a full refund, provided the course has not started. 
7. No refunds are given after the 14-day cooling-off period. 
8. If you book within 14 days of the course start date, the cooling-off period does not apply and no refunds are available. 

Other

1. The University strongly recommends obtaining appropriate insurance to cover travel, accommodation, or other costs. These costs will not be reimbursed. 

1. The University is committed to providing an inclusive environment. 
2. The responsible adult must disclose any disabilities, medical conditions, learning needs, allergies, or support requirements during booking, giving at least 28 days’ notice where possible. 
3. The University will consider reasonable adjustments but cannot guarantee they will always be possible due to the nature of short-course delivery and staff training. 
4. In rare cases where the University cannot safely support a student, the booking will be cancelled and a full refund provided. 

1. The University and all staff involved in delivery comply with the University’s Safeguarding Policy and Safeguarding Guidance for under-18s. 
2. Any safeguarding concerns must be raised immediately with a staff member or by emailing outreach@falmouth.ac.uk. 

1. All students must remain on campus for the duration of their course, including during breaks. 
2. At the scheduled end time of the course each day, the university's duty of care concludes. 
3. Students are permitted to stay in designated public areas of the campus or at agreed collection points until they are picked up. 
4. Any animals allowed to access University premises must have been appropriately trained and prior access must be discussed with the course team within the University. As a rule the University does not allow animals on to University premises including Therapy and Emotional Support Animals, with the exception of: 

• Assistance Dogs (as defined by the Equality Act 2010) provided that they are covered by full public liability insurance with an appropriate level of cover disclosed at enrolment, and that they are under control at all times. The person who is using and is responsible for the Assistance Dog on University premises may be required to provide medical evidence of their condition which the Assistance Dog is supporting. 
• Working Dogs. A dog which provides other services, such as assisting with law enforcement. Such animals are permitted on University premises with the consent of the University. 

1. Students must check in advance whether they need to bring their own food. 
2. All students are encouraged to bring a refillable water bottle, which can be used at designated filling stations and drinking water taps across campus. 
3. It is essential to inform Falmouth University of any allergies or dietary restrictions. This information will be shared with tutors, relevant staff, and, where necessary, catering providers and other students. 

1. During the course, Falmouth University may take photographs and video recordings. These may be used for promotional materials for the university’s short courses, including but not limited to brochures, flyers, posters, social media posts, adverts, websites, and newsletters. 
2. We will ask for permission from the student, their parent/guardian or carer for this prior to the course, as a part of the booking process. Your consent applies to all images taken of you and extends to future use of the images beyond the course. 
3. Falmouth University may only use images in accordance with the purposes stated above and may not sell or otherwise distribute the images to third parties. 
4. You may revoke consent at any time by contacting the Information Governance Team at ig@falmouth.ac.uk. 

1. We prioritise the safeguarding of your privacy and personal information. All information provided by you will be handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy. This policy details the types of personal information collected, the methods and purposes of its collection, storage, utilisation, and sharing, your rights pertaining to your personal information, and procedures for reaching us or supervisory authorities for inquiries or complaints regarding your personal information. 
2. By submitting an application to study with us, you explicitly consent to the use and processing of your personal information in accordance with our privacy policy. 
3. The information maintained in our records is utilised for processing your application, maintaining communication, and delivering services and facilities. It is crucial to ensure the accuracy of this information, and thus, you are responsible for keeping your personal details current and promptly informing us of any changes or inaccuracies. 

1. We treat all complaints with utmost seriousness. If you have a complaint that couldn't be resolved informally with the involved parties, your tutor, or another appropriate person at the University, you may choose to log an official complaint. To do so please contact us directly via email at QAE@falmouth.ac.uk, providing detailed information about your complaint. 
2. Once received, your complaint will be handled in accordance with the published Complaints Procedure. 
3. There is a four-stage complaint process outlined in Annexe 1, which provides a guide to the complaints process. 
4. If the complaint remains unresolved through the above process, we will: 

• Inform you that we are unable to reach a resolution; and 
• Provide you with necessary information, as required by law, about our alternative dispute resolution provider. 

Creative Sparks Complaints Process

The following process outlines a four stage complaint process for students undertaking Creative Sparks Short Courses for 14-17 year-olds at Falmouth University. 

Stage 1: The student or responsible raises concerns informally with a tutor or instructor leading their course where both parties seek to resolve the matter to a mutually agreed conclusion. 

Stage 2: If the matter is not or cannot be resolved at Stage 1, the student or responsible adult should email shortcourses@falmouth.ac.uk. Please ensure that you let us know that you are making a complaint. The complaint will be reviewed by the Head of the Academy of Continuing Education or another equivalent level role. We will acknowledge receipt of your complaint within seven working days, we will arrange an opportunity to discuss your complaint typically within 14 days and provide you with a conclusion within 21 days. 

Stage 3: Where the matter cannot be resolved at Stage 2, the complaint is escalated to Stage 3. At Stage 3, the University will liaise with our Quality Assurance Team and others as appropriate to try and resolve the matter to a mutually agreed conclusion. The complaint will be reviewed by an appropriate member of the Senior Leadership Team. We will provide you with a conclusion within 21 Days. 

Stage 4: Where the matter is not resolved at Stage 3, the complainant is able to escalate the matter to the Office of the Independent Adjudicator. The University will supply relevant details to the complainant to support their complaint. 

1. Nothing in these T&Cs limits the University's liability where unlawful to do so (e.g., for personal injury caused by negligence). 
2. The University's liability for foreseeable loss resulting from breach of contract is limited to the course fee paid. 
3. Completing these programmes does not commit you to applying or accepting a place to study at Falmouth University. 
4. The University is not liable for: 

• Loss of personal items 
• Travel or accommodation costs 
• Losses arising from failure to comply with these T&Cs