Pottery & Claywork - Throwing Workshop - Beginners

Course intent

This workshop will give you the chance to experience clay and throw on the Potters’ wheel. Suitable for beginners, you will select your best pot that will be unturned and bisque fired ready to take home.

What will we cover?

You will be shown how to wedge the clay, centre the clay on the wheel and make a basic cylinder. The tutor will also give you a demonstration on how to alter the basic cylinder shape. As there is one person to a wheel you will have time to practise and develop your throwing skills. Those with some experience will be helped to improve and become more confident with their throwing skills.

Who is this course for? Is there anything I need to know before joining?

Some experience of pottery is helpful but beginners are welcome.

As our courses are taught in English, please contact us if you have any concerns about your level of English.

What do I need to bring to the first class? Will there be any extra costs?

It is essential that you wear closed toe shoes (not sandals or flip flops) in the pottery studio. Please bring an apron, wear old clothes and bring an old towel as throwing can be messy. Long hair must be tied back.

Basic materials and technician costs are included.

If you choose to work on a large project you may be asked to pay an additional cost for materials depending on its size. As a guide, Individual pieces higher than 15 inches/38 cm and wider than 12 inches/35 cm would be considered as large projects.

We are only able to fire work that has been produced in the class using materials provided by SAL.

Please bring refreshments and lunch or change for the coffee machine onsite.

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.

The tutor will be happy to assist learners wishing to build a portfolio of work for entry to Further Education or alternative courses of study with other providers.

Additional information

A note about the Guildford site: There are steps leading to and inside the Guildford pottery studio, so if you have mobility concerns you may find it easier to study at Woking, Camberley or Farnham where there is better access.

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. Surrey Adult Learning values and supports equality and diversity by promoting fairness and respect at all times.

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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