Ceramics Handbuilding and Throwing – All Levels

This course offers a fantastic opportunity to:
Explore various pottery-making methods, including throwing on the wheel.
Learn decorating and firing techniques.
Build technical skills and express your creativity.
Receive support in a friendly and encouraging environment.

This course covers:
Handbuilding Techniques: Learn the fundamentals of handbuilding to create unique ceramic forms.
Throwing on the Wheel: Master the basics of throwing on the potter's wheel.
Decorating Techniques: Discover how to decorate pots with slips and underglazes.
Glazing Techniques: Learn how to use glaze to decorative effect.
Clay Types and Firing Temperatures: Understand different types of clay and their suitability for various techniques.
Working Journal: Keep a working journal of inspirational material, sketches, and technical notes.

You'll learn through practical, hands-on experience with guidance from an experienced tutor. They will share their industry knowledge and provide personalised feedback. We'll work with you to develop a Personal Learning Plan (PLP) to focus your learning goals and track your progress.

There are no formal entry requirements for this course.
Whether you're a beginner or have some experience, you're welcome to join!

Your progress will be assessed through Personal Learning Plans (PLPs) and regular discussions with your tutor. You'll track your practice and development through written notes and tutor feedback. This course can lead to further ceramics courses or independent creative practice.

Clay MUST be purchased from the College Shop. The cost of slip, glazes and kiln firings is included in the price of the clay, which learners can purchase as required from the technicians' office (Art Shop, RAS 5). A range of clay types is available, and the tutor will advise which is most suitable for each project.
Learners taking part in glazing activities will require an FFP3 mask, which is also available to purchase from the technicians' office. Glazing takes place throughout the course in accordance with strict health and safety procedures.
Ceramic tools are provided. Finished pieces typically take around two weeks to dry and complete the bisque firing (the first firing), followed by a further one to two weeks after glaze firing before they are ready for collection.
Work exceeding 28cm (H) × 38cm (W) × 28cm (D) or weighing more than 5kg will incur an additional firing charge.
Learners are encouraged to keep a record of their work, either in a sketchbook or digitally, including photographs where appropriate. Records should include details such as the clay used, decorative techniques, glazes applied, firing temperatures and approximate dimensions of each piece.
No food or drink is allowed in the studio; a nearby hub area is available.
Please allow 15 minutes at the end of each class to tidy up.
Please note there is an additional cost of approximately £50 - £100 for materials on this course.
Please note that tutors may occasionally be changed at short notice. While teaching styles may vary, we ensure consistent quality across all of our courses. For this reason, a change of tutor does not qualify for a refund.