Ceramics Friday morning: Mixed levels including beginners

About this course

The course introduces beginners to clay, ceramic forms and fundamental glazing, while learners with more experience can extend their technical and design skills through personal projects. Teaching combines tutor demonstrations, tailored project guidance, structured tasks and regular feedback. Learners practise hand-building, throwing, surface decoration and glazing, with discussions covering historical and contemporary approaches. The course includes individual and group projects, alongside opportunities to exchange ideas and learn from other participants.

What you'll learn

• Identify the main stages involved in making ceramic objects
• Create ceramic forms using different clays and glazes
• Apply hand-building and throwing techniques to shape clay
• Experiment with methods of decorating ceramic surfaces
• Practise safe working methods in a ceramics studio

Is this course right for you?

The course is designed for complete beginners, returning learners and intermediate students, with activities adapted to different levels. Beginners receive more structured tasks, while returning and intermediate learners develop personal projects with tutor guidance. Ceramics involves physical activity such as wedging and rolling clay.

• Suitable for learners at mixed levels, from complete beginners to intermediate students
• Includes both individual projects and group set projects
• Moderate physical fitness may be relevant because some activities involve working clay
• Learners with concerns such as back problems can discuss guidance or assistance with the tutor

Before you go

• Bring an apron or old shirt.
• Bring your own tools; the tutor will advise on suitable tools, and basic tool packs are available to purchase.
• A notebook and pen may be useful.
• Clay is used by weight, with bisque and glaze firing included.
• The studio is on the third floor and has lift access.