Pottery & Claywork - Improvers & Advanced

Course intent

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.

What will I learn?

· 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

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

This course is for Improvers and Advanced pottery learners. 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

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

You need to bring: · 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, we will provide one FFP3 mask at the beginning and you are expected to take this home and bring it back for all classes. If you forget your mask, you can buy one 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

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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