Pottery & Claywork - Improvers

Course intent

You will build upon your existing knowledge and skills to successfully 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 gaining a deeper understanding of the range of techniques and processes, inspired by the contemporary and historical context of the craft.

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

• Tutor led projects
• Self-directed study and research
• Refining skills for hand-building
• Studio practice with an understanding of firing processes
• Developing decorative skills, using slips and glazes
• Improving centring, throwing and turning on the potter’s wheel
• Safeguarding, Prevent and British Values
• The importance of a clean and tidy studio

You will take inspiration from the historical, international and/or contemporary context of pottery and will need to keep a sketchbook / notebook to record ideas, processes and progress, and any feedback you receive from the 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.

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?

Improvers. You must have attended at least 40 hours and can:

• confidently use the three hand-building techniques - slab, (soft and hard), coil and pinching techniques.
• wedge ready for use.
• centre, throw and turn clay on a wheel, if you wish to throw during this course.
You will already have a
• sound knowledge of firing processes
• knowledge of decorative techniques including slips, sgraffito, stains, oxides and glazing

Time in the studio will be structured so that all learners have the opportunity to use the potters’ wheel. You will need to plan projects using hand-building techniques as well as throwing.

If you are unsure about your level, please contact 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
• 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.

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?

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.

Find another course

If this isn't what you're looking for, then we've got plenty more courses to offer!