Ceramics

What will the course Cover?

• Clay preparation using the wedging technique. • Learning how to use the pottery wheel safety. • Learning how to throw small cylinders on the pottery wheel. • Glazing and decoration your hand thrown pieces. • Using the pottery studio safely.

Who is this course for?

This is a 4-session taster course is for complete beginners in throwing on the pottery wheel.

What skills, knowledge or experience do I need to start this course?

This is a beginner level course. The tutor will guide everyone through each basic step to working with clay on a pottery wheel for the first time. No previous knowledge of ceramics is necessary.

What should I be able to do by the end of the course?

● Demonstrate awareness of health and safety issues in ceramics through safe studio practice, with consideration towards others. ● Practice preparing clay, including wedging and recycling. ● Gain skills in the fundamental throwing techniques e.g. centring, opening out and pulling up ● Explore throwing a range of shapes but focusing mostly on cylinders. ● Practice turning to complete the bases of work. ● Glaze tests will be made, introduction to glazing will be taught and a chance to glaze your wheel thrown pieces will be given.

How is the course organised?

This is a practical course in a studio environment. You will be taught in a group and through individual tutoring. There will be tutor demonstrations of techniques, presentations and group discussions.

What extra study or practice is expected outside of the class?

To get the most out of the course, you will need to take photos of all work produced and some written work and personal research is be expected.

How will my progress be assessed?

• Tutor feedback. • Group discussions and evaluations. • Progress reported on Individual Learning Plan.

What can I expect to go on to after this course?

Other ceramics courses you might want to consider at the MacBeth Centre include, Throwing for Beginners and Pottery – all levels, Pottery – all levels, evening, Pottery: Throwing and Hand Building – all levels.

Are there any other costs and what do I need to bring?

Clay is charged per kilo of clay to cover materials and firing costs. Wear solid footwear i.e. no sandals or open footwear and clothes suitable for clothes for working in the workshop.

What support is available?

Help with literacy or numeracy is available through the basic education programme and the ESOL programme offers help for speakers of other languages. Additional support can be provided for students with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. Details of all available support can be found on our website (hfals.co.uk), in the Guide, the Student Handbook, or from teaching and reception staff.