Why Study This Course?
Do you have some ceramics experience and want to take your skills to the next level? This intermediate course is designed for you! You’ll refine your hand building and throwing techniques, and explore a wide range of decorative methods. This course will help you elevate your ceramic creations and express your unique artistic vision. Please note there is an additional cost of approximately £50 – £100 for materials on this course.
This course is perfect for intermediate ceramicists. You will:
Build on your existing skills in hand building and throwing.
Dive deep into various decorative techniques.
Refine your craft and experiment with new methods.
Elevate your ceramic creations in a supportive setting.
This course covers:
Hand Building Techniques: Pinch pots, coiling, hard and soft slab techniques, and slumping in moulds.
Throwing Techniques: Intermediate-level throwing skills, including how to repeat throw a set of mugs or bowls.
Decorative Techniques: Experiment with slip work, slip trailing, resist techniques, scraffito, incising, inlaying, and sprigging.
Glazing: Practice and refine your glaze work, understanding different types of clay and their appropriate uses.
Sketchbook Development: Guidance on keeping a sketchbook to enhance your making and design skills.
This is a practical, hands-on course taught by an experienced tutor with real industry expertise. They will share their knowledge and skills and provide you with personalised feedback. You will work with your tutor to develop your Personal Learning Plan (PLP) to focus your learning goals and measure your progress throughout the course.
This course is for those who have completed some beginner courses and have some experience in ceramics.
Your progress will be assessed using Personal Learning Plans (PLPs) and regular discussions with your tutor. This includes tracking your own practice through written notes and tutor feedback, gauging your progression and personal development throughout the course.
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.