Why Study This Course?
Ready to take your pottery skills to the next level? This course is designed for those who have some experience with throwing and want to improve. If you’re comfortable with centring and keeping clay on centre, you’re welcome here! Whether you’re moving beyond beginner skills or simply want to refine your technique, you’ll receive personalised guidance to help you grow. This course will challenge and support you, whatever your starting point. Please note there is an additional cost of approximately £50 – £100 for materials.
This course is ideal if you have some throwing experience and want to improve. You will receive personalised guidance tailored to your level, whether you are moving beyond beginner skills or looking to refine your technique. It is designed to challenge and push throwers at any stage.
This course covers:
You will be encouraged to make simple forms well, including throwing, turning, and glazing.
You will be challenged to make new forms and to work slightly outside of your comfort zone.
Throughout the course, the focus is on well-made pots.
Projects are suggested and ideas demonstrated, but you will be supported if you follow your own plans.
You will be encouraged to measure and refine your work, for example, making a cup and saucer that fit well together.
The cost of slip, glazes, and kiln firings are included with the cost of the clay, which you buy as needed.
The tutor will explain which clay is appropriate for which project.
Glazing will be done throughout the course, bearing in mind strict health and safety rules.
You will be asked to keep detailed notes in your sketch books regarding each piece made, noting clay used, decoration applied, glaze(s) used, firing temperatures, and approximate size.
This is a hands-on, practical course led by an experienced tutor with real industry expertise. They will share their knowledge and offer personalised feedback. You’ll collaborate with your tutor to create a Personal Learning Plan (PLP), allowing you to set clear learning goals and track your progress throughout the course.
You are not a beginner; you can already throw pots.
You want to improve your existing skills.
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.