Why Study This Course?
Are you fascinated by pottery and want to learn how to create your own unique pieces? This course is perfect for complete beginners or those with limited experience using the potter’s wheel. You’ll start with the basics and gradually build your skills, focusing on making beautiful and functional tableware using stoneware clay. By the end of the course, you’ll have the confidence and skills to continue your ceramics journey. Please note there is an additional cost of approx. £50 – £100 for materials on this course.
This course is designed to help you:
Gain essential skills in using the potter's wheel.
Learn fundamental techniques for shaping and creating ceramic pieces.
Develop your creativity and build confidence in your abilities.
Make functional tableware using stoneware clay.
Receive personalised feedback and support from an experienced tutor.
This course covers:
Clay Preparation: Learn how to wedge and reclaim clay.
Centering and Throwing: Learn how to centre and throw clay using the wheel.
Footings: Learn how to turn footings on bases.
Handles: Make and attach handles to your pieces.
Surface Decoration: Experiment with adding surface pattern using slips or creating texture on the surface.
Glazing and Finishing: Glaze and finish your work.
This course is designed to help you:
Gain essential skills in using the potter's wheel.
Learn fundamental techniques for shaping and creating ceramic pieces.
Develop your creativity and build confidence in your abilities.
Make functional tableware using stoneware clay.
Receive personalised feedback and support from an experienced tutor.
No prior experience is required, although some experience of using clay would be an advantage.
Your progress will be assessed through Personal Learning Plans (PLPs) and regular discussions with your tutor. You'll track your practice through written notes, and your tutor will provide written feedback to help you gauge your progression and personal development.
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.