Ceramics Throwing, Handbuilding and Decorating Techniques – Intermediate

About this course

Participants develop intermediate throwing and handbuilding skills, including pinch pots, coiling, slab construction, mould slumping and repeat throwing for sets of vessels. Decorative work includes slip work, slip trailing, resist, sgraffito, incising, inlaying and sprigging. The course also explores glaze application and the relationship between clay types and their uses. Teaching combines demonstrations, making time, personalised feedback and regular discussions. Learners work with the tutor to create a Personal Learning Plan, while sketchbook development and recorded observations support design decisions and the review of ongoing practice.

What you'll learn

• Apply intermediate throwing methods to produce repeated forms such as mugs or bowls.
• Construct ceramic forms using pinch, coil, slab and mould-slumping techniques.
• Experiment with slip, resist, sgraffito, incising, inlaying and sprigging.
• Refine glaze application and relate glaze choices to different clay types.
• Record and review ceramic processes, materials, dimensions and firing details.

Is this course right for you?

This course is intended for learners who have completed some beginner ceramics study and already have experience with ceramics. The intermediate label indicates work beyond fundamental techniques, with learners expected to develop their own practice through regular making, recorded observations and tutor discussions.

• Learners set goals and review progress through a Personal Learning Plan.
• The course includes ongoing practice records, either in a sketchbook or digitally.
• Progress is considered through personal practice, written notes and regular tutor feedback.

Before you go

• Clay must be purchased from the college shop; slip, glazes and kiln firings are included in the clay purchase.
• Ceramic tools are provided.
• An FFP3 mask is required for glazing activities and can be purchased from the technicians' office.
• Finished work is fired before collection, with drying and firing taking place after classes.
• Learners should leave time at the end of each class to tidy the studio.