Getting started with pottery (09C82FC/18)

What are you doing to keep learners safe?

The safety of our learners and staff is our top priority and we’ve made some big changes to our centres, from socially-distanced training rooms to staggered start times. Although things will look different, our staff will be as friendly and helpful as ever and we’re really excited to welcome learners back.

If you’re concerned about visiting one of our centres, please get in touch so we can discuss it with you.

What do I need to join the course?

Just enthusiasm to learn something new! This is a beginners’ course and no previous experience of the craft is required.

What do I need to bring with me to the first session?

The course fee includes basic materials, which will be supplied. You may need to purchase additional materials depending on your individual project and you will need to supply your own protective clothing including an apron, gloves and mask. We will let you know more about where to buy these from on the first day of the course. We would also advise you to wear sensible footwear for moving around the pottery room.

How will I be taught?

You will be taught and supported by an experienced pottery tutor and will take part in a range of activities including demonstrations, group and individual work.

What will I learn?

On this beginners’ course you will learn some of the basic techniques used in pottery such as how to correctly prepare and roll out clay and, using your hands, mould it into shapes to ‘hand build’ a pottery item. We will look at the techniques used to make pinch and coil pots, two traditional methods of making shapes and joining shapes together to make an item. You will also learn how to decorate your pottery item using glazes. You will be able to take your completed piece home with you.

What could I do next?

You may wish to develop your skills further with our Developing pottery skills course. Your tutor will provide more information about this at the end of your course.

Can we help you to learn?

You can find more information on the Financial help and additional support page or you can contact us to talk about this and any other support we can provide.