Pottery & Claywork - Improvers

Course intent

You will build upon your existing knowledge and skills to successfully develop and improve your range of pottery techniques through tutor-led projects and self-directed study and research. 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.

What will I learn?

You will learn: · Refining skills for hand-building · Improving centring, throwing and turning on the potter’s wheel · Developing decorative skills, using slips and glazes · Studio practice with an understanding of firing processes · Health & safety relating to clay and glazing in the pottery studio

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 clay ready for use · centre, throw and turn clay on a wheel, if you wish to throw during this course.

You will already have a · basic knowledge of firing processes · emerging knowledge of decorative techniques including use of 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

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

You will need: · Sensible closed-toe shoes · Apron & suitable clothes for a pottery studio · Notebook and pen

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, 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.

Workshops are available for specific subjects such as throwing and turning.

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.

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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