Pottery: introduction to throwing and decoration

Learn basic throwing skills to enable you to make a variety of forms including bowls, vases and lidded forms. Gain a basic understanding of surface decoration, using slips, underglazes, oxides and a variety of glazes. Charge for clay of £1.50 per 500g before first firing.

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Key course information

Dates
26/09/11 - 05/12/11

Day(s)
Mon

Duration
11 weeks

Time
18:00 - 21:00

Fees
Full fee: £248
Senior fee: £248
Concession: £122

Venue
KS - Keeley Street

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Course code
VR718

Availability
This course has finished

This course has finished

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Still got questions?
visualarts@citylit.ac.uk or call 020 7492 2700

Course outline

What is the course about?

This ceramics course offers the opportunity for you to learn basic skills and techniques for making thrown pots. You will learn clay preparation, and how to throw and turn basic forms. This will enable you to develop personal shapes and experiment with constructions. You will also find out about slips, underglazes, oxides and a variety of glazes, and how to use them in surface decoration.

What topics will we cover?

This course covers all the basic making processes including clay preparation, simple shape forming and turning,
to produce bowls, jugs, vases and mugs, as well as lidded forms, and a variety of handles.

If you are interested, you can explore throwing techniques further by assembling forms to produce larger pieces. Decorative techniques and glazing will be introduced, using a variety of methods, ceramic materials and different firing temperatures.

By the end of this course you should be able to:

- Demonstrate a level of skill and understanding of the principles of throwing.
- Make a simple form with control.
- Gain confidence with throwing.
- Demonstrate experience of a broad range of decorating materials and techniques.
- Develop surface decoration that highlights the form you have made.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

This course is open to anyone with an interest in throwing and decoration, from complete beginners to more
experienced students wishing to develop their skills.

You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions, demonstrations, hand-outs and health and safety information, and will be invited to take part in group discussion. You should be able to use numbers and be able to do simple measurements and calculations.

Please look at the rest of the course outline carefully to decide if you may benefit from support in your English and Maths skills to help you to take part fully in this class.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

The class is taught by ongoing group and individual demonstrations and tuition, and is supported by visual references, examples of work and handouts.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

There is a charge of £1.50 per 500g of clay fired. In addition to using tools in the studio you may want to purchase your own tools. Your tutor will advise you.

Do I need to have an interview before I can enrol?

No.

What feedback will I get?

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.

How will I be able to give my views on the course?

Please complete the evaluation form at the end of your course. These are monitored and help us to continually improve our courses.

How do I find out if I can get some support for my learning?

You may be interested in: education and careers advice; financial and childcare support; disability support; support for Deaf and hearing-impaired students; dyslexia support; English and maths support; counselling, and library services (supported learning centre). To find out what may be available to you, and how to apply, see page 213 of the 11/12 course guide, or visit www.citylit.ac.uk/students

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

Within the City Lit there are a number of classes for you to progress onto. The 2010/11 programme includes a range of day and weekend pottery classes, including the City & Guilds 7822 Structured Ceramics Course that is for one day a week.

General information and advice on courses at City Lit is available from the Information and Advice Shop, open Monday to Friday 12:00 – 19:00 during term time, and Monday to Friday 12:00 – 17:00 out of term time. See the course guide for term dates and further details.

Who can I contact for further information?

Tel: 020 7492 2700

visualarts@citylit.ac.uk

Please email us for advice or call us during these times:

Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays - 9.00 -12.00 & 15:00-18:00

Thursdays - 9.00-12.00

Saturdays - 14.00-17.00

To enrol on a course, call 020 7831 7831.

Contact us

Visual arts

Tel: 020 7492 2700

visualarts@citylit.ac.uk

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