Summer School Ceramics: Wheel Throwing Week Intermediate and Advanced

About this course

The course develops wheel-throwing techniques through practice with clay preparation, centring, opening, pulling and turning. Participants work towards forms such as bowls, bottles, lidded pieces and constructions made from multiple thrown elements, followed by an introduction to glazing. Teaching combines demonstrations with activities for different abilities and hand placements. Learners can request group or individual demonstrations, with supporting resources including handouts, examples, books, slideshows, videos and suggested gallery or exhibition visits.

What you'll learn

• Prepare and recycle clay for wheel throwing.
• Control hand placement while centring, opening and pulling up clay.
• Throw bowls and bottles, then refine them through turning.
• Develop techniques for more complex forms, including lidded pieces and forms made from multiple thrown elements.
• Apply safe studio practices and demonstrate awareness of health and safety in ceramics.

Is this course right for you?

The course is described as more suitable for learners with throwing experience, while the tutor can accommodate different ability levels. New and returning students work together, with both group and individual demonstrations available. Regular attendance and punctuality are expected across the sessions.

• Learners with different levels of experience can be accommodated.
• New and returning students learn alongside one another.
• Individual demonstrations can be requested as well as group demonstrations.
• Full attendance and punctuality are expected.

Before you go

• Bring a pen and notebook, an apron or old shirt, and closed-toe shoes.
• Clay tools may be brought, or studio tools can be used; beginner tool packs are also available to buy.
• Completed work includes bisque and glaze firing.
• The ceramics studio is on the third floor and has lift access.