Pottery for Beginners

This course is intended for people with no previous knowledge of the subject, as the tutor will start with the basics. You can expect that some students may have done some pottery in the past, but have chosen to start again from the beginning. In these cases, the tutor will ensure that total beginners will get the instruction and support they need, and that those who are more advanced in the subject will be given tasks with more challenge.

An ideal introduction for those wanting to get messy in the ceramics workshop! Familiarise yourself with the properties of clay and experiment with a range of techniques such as coiling, slabbing and pinching and a chance to throw on the wheel. You will then learn a range of decorative finishing techniques to create surface decoration to personalise your own pots.

The lesson will be classroom based and supported by Google Classroom. This is our virtual learning space which will enhance your learning experience and will be used for resources, assessment, as well as to extend learning and support independent learning.  You will be able to access Google Classroom via your secure leicesterlearns account. So that you can be successful in learning the subject, we do require that you arrive promptly.  You will be asked to contribute to a Learning Plan on which you and the tutor will be able to chart your progress. You will be expected to comment briefly in writing on your learning, and your tutor will give you feedback and suggestions on ways in which you can improve. Extra costs: Basic equipment will be provided for you to use on this course. There will be additional costs for clay, firing and glazes which your tutor will advise you on during the course. Please refer to our firing and glaze cost sheets in the classroom and online.

There will be no exams or qualifications, as the course will focus on creative activities. The Tutor will use a combination of group demonstrations and one-to-one support.

If you wish to expand your knowledge further there are a number of structured Art courses that focus on specific techniques that are run at Leicester Adult Education, Bishopdale Learning Hub & local community centres within the city. You can enrol on these courses by contacting our enrolment team on 0116 454 1900. You can access free impartial careers Information, Advice, and Guidance (IAG) through the careers service at Leicester Adult Education. We are here to help you to make informed choices about your future pathways and support you to progress towards your goals. We can support you with 1-2-1 IAG tailored to your needs, via Google Classroom and through our resources such as Kudos AD© & our Careers Zone. Please telephone 01164541900, contact reception, speak to your tutor, email dkilgariff@leicesterlearns.ac.uk to make an appointment or for further information.