Pottery & Claywork - Beginners

Course intent

You will learn the basic knowledge and skills to successfully work creatively with clay in the environment of the pottery studio. You will begin your journey by developing your handling, design skills and understanding of the firing and glazing processes, moving on later to throwing and turning.

Enjoy the well-being benefits gained through working in a friendly, creative learning environment.

What will we cover?

• Using tools and equipment safely

• Handling & working with clay
• Basic hand-building techniques e.g., ‘pinching’, coiling’ and ‘slab-building’
• Design and making skills
• Introduction to surface decorating techniques
• Firing and glazing
• Basic throwing and turning techniques
• Safeguarding, Prevent and British Values
• The importance of a clean and tidy studio

Learners will be inspired by the contemporary and historical context of the craft and will need to keep a sketchbook / notebook to record ideas, processes and progress, and the feedback they receive from the tutor.

There will be demonstrations, instruction, one-to-one tutorial guidance, group discussions and critiques.

To ensure that learners make good progress with their personal learning goals, the tutor will work with the learner to complete the required Individual Learning Plan.

For courses of more than one session, you will find you make the most progress if you attend every taught lesson and complete any self-directed study opportunities provided.

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

Beginners and those who have limited experience of working in the pottery studio, perhaps having completed single workshops.

Those who want to learn hand building techniques as well as throwing and turning.

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?

• Sensible closed-toe shoes (not sandals or flip flops)

• Apron / suitable clothes for a pottery studio
• Notebook and pen
• Long hair must be tied back for certain processes
• Nails should be clipped as long nails damage your work
• Avoid wearing hand and wrist jewellery to prevent loss or damage

Basic materials/technician costs are included.

However, learners who choose to work on larger projects or a significant number of pieces may be asked to pay additional materials costs depending on size or quantity.

Please note that there is a maximum size for those wishing to make larger pieces of work, which is 30cm x 30cm x 40cm.

It is not possible to fire anything larger than this.

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

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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