Pottery

What is the course about?

This is a hands-on ceramics class which covers all the major making and decorating techniques. It is open to the complete beginner and to the more experienced student. You will develop a visual and practical awareness of ceramics and increase your overall understanding of pottery techniques. This is based on learning all the basic skills required to make ceramics and applying these skills to develop your own creative and personal approach.

What will we cover?

Beginners: will be taught a range of making and decorating skills week by week, so that you become familiar with the variety of techniques that are involved in making ceramics, so at the end of the introductory period you should have the knowledge and skills to work independently and in a more personal way with the teachers support.

Intermediates/advanced students:will be supported to develop their own projects with regular demonstrations that support these projects throughout the course.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

Beginner:
- Use skills and techniques relevant to all the making processes
- Design and make pots using personal ideas
- Understand the decorative and finishing aspects of glazes
- Work with clay and glaze confidently and creatively
- Be aware of and work to health and safety guidelines

Intermediate/advanced:
- Further develop your personal ideas
- Set further goals in discussion with the tutor
- Practise and improve your skills in making ceramic forms.

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

The course is aimed at all levels and is open to anybody with an interest in working with clay. No previous experience is necessary.

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.

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

Group and individual demonstrations supported by discussions and visual references, but mainly learning by
doing. Working at home with visual ideas is optional.

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

Tools are available within the department for use but you may want to purchase your own. Your tutor will advise you which tools to purchase. There is a charge of £2.50 per 500g for clay before firing, the porcelain charge is £20.00 per bag/ £10.00 per half bag. Ensure that you bring with you a suitable pair of closed shoes, e.g. not open toed sandals. You will be expected to show good workshop practice and follow health and safety guidelines.

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

VR708 Pottery Intermediate.

Within City Lit you could progress onto the City Lit Ceramics course - VR710, the Ceramics Portfolio Course -VR711, the Diploma Course in Ceramics - VR712, all of which are structured courses that can lead to higher education or independent studio practice.