ÖйúPÕ¾

Course intent

This course is designed for more experienced learners or those who have completed Level 3. This advanced course offers an exciting opportunity to refine your skills and master advanced techniques. Focused on transforming design concepts into finished, polished pieces, this course is perfect for learners who are ready to tackle complex forms and explore their personal aesthetic. Develop your work & experimental pieces, enabling you to create your own vision.

What will I learn?

You will learn:

• Material Knowledge: Explore the relationship between clay choice and final piece outcomes, from structure to surface finish, mastering your ability to make informed decisions in your creative process.
• Design Techniques: At this advanced stage, you will develop more sophisticated design concepts, integrating both hand-building and wheel-throwing techniques into your projects. You will focus on refining your design process, balancing artistic intent with technical execution.
• Production Process: You will tackle more ambitious projects, both functional and sculptural, using advanced techniques such as altering thrown pieces, creating intricate shapes, and combining thrown and hand-built components. You will explore scaling up your work, producing consistent, high-quality pieces or develop a series of works with a unified aesthetic.
• Craftsmanship: You will experiment with advanced methods such as carving, inlaying, slip trailing, and incorporating mixed media elements into your work. You’ll develop the ability to create detailed surfaces that add depth and character to your pieces. Understanding how to combine different decoration processes will allow you to create refined & cohesive works of art.
• Studio Practice: Understand the importance of a safe working environment and H&S requirements.

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

  Stage 4 - This stage is for experienced learners looking to perfect their craft and develop a unique style. The focus is on mastering advanced techniques, creating polished and finished projects, and exploring personal expression.

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

  You need to bring:

• A notebook and pen/pencil
• Sensible, closed toe shoes
• An apron or wear old clothes

Additional Costs/Information:

• Materials and Technician Fees: Basic materials and technician costs are included in the course fee.
• Firing Limitations: We are only able to fire pieces that are produced during class time, using materials provided by SAL. Pieces larger than 30cm x 30cm x 40cm cannot be fired in the kiln. Please keep this in mind when planning your projects.
• Studio Time: This is structured to ensure every learner has time to practice on the potter’s wheel. You will plan projects using hand-building techniques as well as throwing.
• Larger Pieces: 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.

Attendance:

• Learners can only attend the sessions they are signed up for. Unfortunately, missed classes cannot be made up in another session.

If you have any queries, please email the tutor at adultlearning@surreycc.gov.uk

What can I do when I finish the course?

In discussion with your tutor, you may like to continue on the Pottery & Claywork - Stage 4, enrol on Pottery & Claywork Workshops or Arts & Crafts courses at SAL.

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.

We value and support equality, diversity and inclusion 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.

Find another course

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