Pottery: a taster course in throwing

This four-day course will introduce you to the basic techniques of throwing on the potter's wheel. You will produce a pot by the end of the course.

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Key course information

Dates
13/05/12 - 10/06/12

Day(s)
Sun

Duration
4 weeks

Time
10:30 - 16:30

Fees
Full fee: £196^NC

Venue
KS - Keeley Street

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Course code
VR750

Availability
This date is full

^NC: No concessionary fees available as there is no government funding for this course.

This course is full

Occasionally places may become available. You can add yourself to the waiting list.

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Course outline

What is the course about?

This is a beginner’s course in pottery made on an electric wheel. It will give you an introduction to throwing simple shapes such as mugs, jugs, bowls and plates and to surface decoration and glazing.

What topics will we cover?

This course develops basic throwing skills using clay on an electric, potter’s wheel. You will have hands on experience of the throwing process. You will be shown how to use ceramic decorating materials and how to glaze any work produced. You will be shown a variety of pottery forms and designs in order to develop your own ideas about pottery shapes. You will be shown how to prepare, centre, open and pull up the clay to make open or closed shaped pots. This course will cover the basic elements of throwing to make functional pieces of work including tall closed cylinder based shapes such as mugs and jugs and open shapes such as bowls and plates.

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

- Produce at least one simple finished functional piece such as a cup, bowl or a plate (this may not be decorated if made in week 4 of the course)
- Know how to make a foot ring on a bowl
- Know how to attach handles to clay work
- Decorate and finish your work using coloured and durable ceramic materials
- Know how to make a lid and fitting.

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

No prior knowledge of pottery is required to attend the course. The course is ideal for beginners to pottery or those who have some basic understanding of ceramic processes.

You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions to support demonstrations, hand-outs and for 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?

You will be taught through demonstrations, discussions, talks, handouts and hands on practice. You will not be expected to work outside the class.

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

Please bring a small notebook and pencil to keep note and make sketches in. There is a charge for clay £1.50 per 500gm before work is fired. There is also a communal tool box for use.

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?

There are a number of other courses which will extend your knowledge of throwing and other ceramic methods. Please look at the prospectus for details.

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.

Select another date / day / time

Dates	Day(s)	Time	Duration	Fees	Snr	Conc	Code	Availability
13/05/12 to 10/06/12	Sun	10:30 - 16:30	4 weeks	£196	£196	£196	VR750	Full	» Select
06/11/11 to 27/11/11	Sun	10:30 - 16:30	4 weeks	£196	£196	£196	VR748	Finished	» Select
11/03/12 to 01/04/12	Sun	10:30 - 16:30	4 weeks	£196	£196	£196	VR749	Finished	» Select

Contact us

Visual arts

Tel: 020 7492 2700

visualarts@citylit.ac.uk

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