Course intent
Experience what it is like to work with clay and begin to understand its potential to make a form. You will undertake a variety of projects and techniques, including pinching, coiling and using slabs of clay. You will learn some beautiful ways to decorate your creations.
Items made will be bisque-fired and ready for collection around two weeks after the course. Learners can select two pieces of their pieces to be glazed.
What will I learn?
You will learn how to:
- Create ceramic pieces using different techniques.
- Explore mixing forms and making new forms during the afternoon
- Experiment with a range of decorating techniques like the use of coloured slips to create interesting and surprising surface textures
- Develop a good sense of how to use simple techniques and the main processes your work needs to go through before it being finished
- Sensible closed-toe shoes (not sandals or flip flops)
- Apron & suitable clothes for a pottery studio
- Notebook and pen
- Long hair must be tied back for certain processes
- Nails should be clipped as long nails damage your work
- Avoid wearing hand and wrist jewellery to prevent loss or damage
- The importance of a clean and tidy studio
Who is this course for? Is there anything I need to know before joining?
This course is for beginners and those with some previous experience of pottery.
What do I need to bring to the first class? Will there be any extra costs?
You need to bring:
Basic materials/technician costs are included.
However, learners who choose to work on larger projects or a significant number of pieces may be asked to pay additional materials costs depending on size or quantity.
Please note that there is a maximum size for those wishing to make larger pieces of work, which is 30cm x 30cm x 40cm.
It is not possible to fire anything larger than this.
We are only able to fire work that has been produced in the class using materials provided by SAL.
If you choose to work on a technique that requires a specialist face mask, you will be provided with one FFP3 mask at the beginning and you are expected to take this home and bring it back for all subsequent classes. Should you forget your mask, a replacement can be purchased from Reception.
What can I do when I finish the course?
Learners can progress onto more advanced pottery courses with SAL.
One-day workshops are available for specific subjects such as throwing and turning.
Additional information
We welcome learners with additional needs and disabilities. When you enrol, please let us know if you would like to discuss your extra support needs with a member of the Supported Learning Team who will then contact you as soon as possible. If you are enrolling within 10 days of the course start date, we may not be able to contact you before your first class.
How to enrol
You can't currently enrol online for this course, so please call 0300 200 1044 to express your interest or to make an enquiry for further information.
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