Pottery - all levels

About this course

The course introduces several hand-building methods, including pinching, coiling, slab building and press moulding, followed by basic wheel-based work. Participants explore decorative approaches using slips, Majolica, lustres and oxides, applying these to three-dimensional forms and project work. Teaching combines demonstrations, individual practical activity, one-to-one guidance, and group and individual discussion. Progress is considered through discussions about the work, an Individual Learning Plan and a Learning Journal.

What you'll learn

• Demonstrate hand-building techniques including pinching, coiling, slab building and press moulding.
• Produce basic wheel-based pottery.
• Apply decorative techniques using slips, Majolica, lustres and oxides.
• Develop designs from research and translate them into three-dimensional ceramic forms.
• Plan stages of work and record ideas, sketches and progress in a journal or sketchbook.
• Apply relevant health and safety practices in a pottery setting.

Is this course right for you?

This mixed-ability course welcomes beginners as well as learners with some experience who want to refresh or extend their technical skills. Participation involves practical individual work alongside demonstrations, guidance and group discussion. Learners should be able to follow written and verbal instructions, read course materials, write short texts, and carry out simple measurements and calculations.

• Beginners and learners with previous pottery experience can join the same class.
• Some research, note-taking and sketching outside class is advised to support project work.
• Literacy, numeracy, ESOL and additional learning support are available.

Before you go

• Learners may find it useful to bring their own drawing materials and paint brushes.
• Research, notes and sketches are advised to support three-dimensional work; a digital camera or similar device may be useful for recording progress.
• Clay is charged by the pound to cover material and firing costs.