Pottery & Claywork - Improvers & Advanced

Course intent

You will build upon your existing knowledge and skills to successfully enhance, develop and improve your range of techniques in the environment of the pottery studio. You will be encouraged to develop your creative and design skills by both tutor led and your own individual projects, evolving in your existing skills and gaining a deeper understanding of the range of techniques and processes.

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

What will we cover?

• Health & safety relating to clay and glazing in the pottery studio
• Self-directed study and research
• Tutor led project
• Refining skills for hand-building
• Further decorating techniques
• How to run your own studio practice
• Developing decorative skills, using slips and glazes
• Improving and exploring new wheel thrown shapes on the potter’s wheel
• Safeguarding, Prevent and British Values
• The importance of a clean and tidy studio

You will be inspired by a variety of sources such as historical, international and/or contemporary pottery and will need to keep a sketchbook/notebook to record ideas, processes and progress, and the feedback you receive from your tutor.

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

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

To maximise your progress, please attend every lesson and complete self-directed study opportunities provided, where possible.

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

Improvers and advanced. You must have attended at least 40 hours of tuition and/or you must:

• Have a clear working knowledge of slab (soft and hard), coil and pinching techniques
• Be able to prepare the clay (wedging), centre, throw and turn clay on a wheel
• Have a sound knowledge of firing processes
• Knowledge of decorative techniques including slip decoration and sgraffito, stains, oxides and glazing

If you are unsure about your level, please email the tutor on: adultlearning@surreycc.gov.uk

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

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.

If you choose to work on a technique that requires a specialist face mask, you will be provided with one FFP3 mask at the beginning and you are expected to take this home and bring it back for all subsequent classes. Should you forget your mask, a replacement can be purchased from Reception.

What can I do when I finish the course?

You can progress within advanced pottery courses with SAL and there are one-day workshops available for specific subjects such as throwing and turning.

Your tutor will be happy to assist you if you wish to build a portfolio of work for entry to Further Education or suggest alternative courses of study with other providers. Your tutor can also give advice if you wish to set up your own studio, exhibit and/or sell your work.

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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