Beginners Progression to Throwing on the Potter’s Wheel

About this course

The course develops control on the potter’s wheel through clay preparation, recycling, hand placement, centring, opening and pulling up. Learners practise making bowls and bottles, including turning and the creation of more complex forms such as closed forms. Teaching combines demonstrations with individual and group activities, supported by books, slideshows, videos, handouts and examples. The course also introduces glazing and safe studio practice, giving learners experience across more stages of the ceramic process.

What you'll learn

• Prepare and recycle clay for wheel work.
• Use hand placement to control centring, opening and pulling up clay on the wheel.
• Make bowl, bottle and closed forms, including turning.
• Apply glaze to completed ceramic forms.
• Recognise health and safety considerations in a ceramics studio.

Is this course right for you?

The course is intended for beginners, including learners with no previous ceramics knowledge, and for those seeking a refresher in wheel-throwing fundamentals. New and returning students work alongside one another, with activities adapted to a range of abilities and demonstrations available in group or individual formats.

• No previous ceramics knowledge is required.
• Suitable for learners revisiting beginner-level wheel-throwing skills.
• Participants are expected to attend all sessions and maintain excellent attendance and punctuality.

Before you go

• Bring a pen and notebook, an apron or old shirt, and closed-toe shoes.
• Studio tools are available; learners may also bring their own clay tools.
• Clay used for completed work includes bisque and glaze firing.
• The ceramics studio has lift access.