Course description
What is the course about?
This is a short course for beginners in Pottery. The course will give students an introduction to basic hand-building techniques in clay: pinching, coiling, slab-building and press moulding. Some decorating and glazing techniques will be covered. The course will look at different areas and examples of pottery making. There will be an introduction to the throwing on the wheel, and differing temperature ranges within the glazing and firing processes will also be explained.
What topics will we cover?
The techniques taught will be pinch-pots, coiling, slab-building and press moulded forms. Also covered will be some simple decoration techniques and use of colour and glazes in pottery. Everyone will be involved in a practical running of the workshop as part of the departments policy of taking students, step by step through as many ceramic processes as are appropriate to the course and with a concern for health and safety.
By the end of this course you should be able to:
- Decorative techniques including, texturing, paper and wax resist, scraffitto and simple paper printing
- Construct a piece using rolled slabs of clay
- Pinch and coil a ceramic piece
- Press mould a piece in a plaster mould
- Apply glaze
- Apply ceramic oxides
- Centre clay on a throwing wheel
What level is the course?
No prior knowledge of pottery is required to attend this course. The course is for beginners.
How will I be taught?
Lectures, practical demonstrations, examples of work, books, discussions.
Are there any other costs (e.g. certification, materials, equipment or books I need to buy)?
There will be a cost of 1.00 per 500g for clay used. Also 1.50 for hand building tools.
What feedback will I get?
Your tutor will give you feedback both individually and through group discussion. You will receive regular feedback from your tutor throughout the course, as and when appropriate. At the end of the course you and your tutor are asked to assess the progress you have made.
Will I have a chance to give my views on the course?
Yes, please complete the evaluation form at the end of your course. These are monitored and help us to continually improve our courses.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
At the end of the course you will be given information about further courses available for those who wish to continue. These would be further adult education classes either day or evening.
