Pottery & Claywork - A Day in the Pottery Studio

Course intent

This course will give the beginner learner a feel of what it is like to work with clay and begin to understand its potential to make a form. You will undertake a variety of projects and techniques will include pinching, coiling and using slabs of clay. You will experiment with a range of decorating techniques including the use of coloured slips to create interesting and surprising surface textures. You will develop a good sense of how to use simple techniques and the main processes your work needs to go through before it being finished.

What will we cover?

Creating ceramic pieces using different techniques. These explorations can be mixed and making new forms new form during the afternoon.

Items made will be bisque fired and ready for collection around two weeks after the course. Learners wishing to glaze their pieces are advised to attend a glazing workshop to finish their piece.

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

Mainly beginners and those with some previous experience of pottery.

For adults aged 18 years or older.

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
• The importance of a clean and tidy studio

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

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

Our courses are for adult learners aged 19 or over. If you are under 19, please call 0300 200 1044.

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