Courses for Adults

Art School: Pottery

Subject Area

Art & Design

Start Date

Variable

Study Mode

Evening

Duration

10 Weeks

Level

Entry Requirements

This course is suitable for all abilities and anyone with a genuine desire to learn the essential skills and techniques required to provide a basic introduction to ceramics (pottery) as well as progressing skills and interests to a higher level.

Ceramics (pottery) is an exciting medium that is at the forefront of the divide between art and craft, and this course is no exception. Though the course is project-based, the projects themselves are open to interpretation, so the work students produce could be functional, sculptural, decorative or site-specific; anything in fact, that can be made in clay.

Students will be encouraged to experiment with techniques and processes, and to become familiar with the work of both ancient and contemporary makers. Help with expanding your creativity, developing design, and professional advice is also available if required.

Your tutor will guide you through the processes and be on hand at all times to answer questions and help you through the technical and aesthetic aspects of working with clay. Students will be given inductions into the basic techniques, while more advanced techniques will be offered to those who already have these skills.

Entry requirements

There are no formal entry requirements for this course, although enthusiasm and commitment are essential. Some experience of working creatively and being practical and ready to be experimental will be a bonus. This course provides space, materials and directed learning with critical feedback, along with professional development advice.

Course units

This course covers a wide variety of skills and techniques including:

Coiling
Slab-building
Press-moulding
Throwing or Casting
Surface Decoration
Glazing and Firing Processes

Assessments

There is no formal completion qualification and students will be able to work at their own pace. The course provides space, equipment and directed for students to produce sophisticated final pieces or just experimental outcomes.

Course fees

£295

Course progression

Completion of this course will enable students to progress on to various other Art & Design courses available at York College.

Dates & course durations

16th September 2024 - 25th November 2025, Monday evenings.

17th September 2024 - 26th November 2025, Tuesday evenings.

18th September 2024 - 27th November 2024, Wednesday evenings.

13th January 2025 - 25th March 2025, Monday evenings.

14th January 2025 - 26th March 2025, Tuesday evenings.

Study methods

Students will learn in a friendly and professional workshop environment with all appropriate health and safety provision.

Facilities

As well as specialist creative and art facilities, students have access to a fantastic range of College-wide facilities such as the Learning & Research Centre, study hubs, computer areas with accompanying multi-function printers and helpdesk advice.

Additional costs

All materials are provided for you to complete the course. However, some courses may require additional study from home, you may need access to a PC/laptop and suitable Wi-Fi to access teaching and learning. You will be made aware of any additional study time at the time of enrolment.

Career progression

You will be equipped with the skills and knowledge in pottery to help you progress and develop in a number of job opportunities to suit your personal needs and interests or pursue further simply for pleasure.

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