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Medway Adult Education

Pottery: Throwing for beginners Level 1A  

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Course summary

Code: R251262A  

Location: Rochester Adult Education Centre  

Cost: £247.50 to £330.00 

Starting: Thursday 18 September 2025 

Duration: 10 sessions over 10 week(s)

Time: 10:00 


By continuing you confirm that you are 19 or over on 31 August and have agreed to the the Terms and conditions

 

Course Information Sheet

Description

This is a Pottery Specialism course level 1A, upon completing this course, learners can progress onto Level 1B but cannot redo this course at the same level or lower-level. Learners can book onto any other Art specialism or Creative & Culture courses from 1A upwards.

This beginner-friendly course is designed for those completely new to throwing as well as those looking to refresh their skills, focusing on building confidence and understanding of fundamental techniques. Participants will start with cylinder shapes, learning centring, opening, and pulling techniques, and gradually progress to more complex forms while being encouraged to explore creativity through various throwing techniques, including trimming and turning. By the end of the course, you can expect to enhance your throwing skills and work on personal projects.

Throughout the course, learners will collaborate with the tutor to establish personalized and context-specific learning objectives that enhance their skills and knowledge, addressing relevant individual goals over time. Additionally, it is imperative for learners to consistently adhere to established health and safety protocols to ensure a safe learning environment.


If you are looking for a course to improve or maintain your mental health and wellbeing, why not book onto one of our courses from the Managing mental health and well-being offer?  

What Will I Learn On This Course?
Learners will: 1. Throw at least 2-cylinder shapes. 2. Demonstrate at least 2 finishing techniques such as turning and trimming. 3. Demonstrate an understanding of clay recycling practices following Medway council climate change policies. Whether you would like to learn new creative skills or to investigate the possibility of a new pottery-based career, MAE Community Learning courses can provide you with a stepping stone to progress

Is This Course Suitable For Me?
This is a Pottery Specialism course level 1A, upon completing this course, learners can progress onto Level 1B but cannot redo this course at the same level or lower level. Learners can book onto any other Art specialism or Creative & Culture courses from 1A upwards.

Is There Anything Else I Need To Know About This Course?
Please be aware that whilst this course is practical in nature some sessions will include theory and professional related training such as H&S, risk assessments, public liability as well as course paperwork and target setting. You will need to prepare the following tools and equipment before the start of the course. Please do not purchase until you are sure the course will run: • An apron/protective clothing • Sturdy footwear (no open toed shoes in the pottery) • It is recommended that you do not wear anything you value highly. You may wish to bring household gloves to use when glazing. • A pen / pencil - a sketchbook will be provided. Learners with previous experience should bring in an example of their own work / or photo of work to help in the initial assessment process. Your tutor will speak to you about tools in the first class and advise what you will need. • A basic pottery tool kit (can be purchased online fairly cheaply) • A steel kidney scraper (an old store card cut to shape can make an effective kidney scraper) • A small sponge Tools and equipment cannot be left in the classroom, please take all personal items home. The nearest supplier for specialist tools is The Clay Cellar at Brenchley, https://www.claycellar.co.uk/tools (Please check website for opening times and delivery details.)

Will There Be Additional Costs?
An amount of clay is included within the course fees. Learners will weigh and record weight / price with the aid of the tutor before firing. Once the set amount has been reached, learners will need to weigh, record, pay and show proof or payment before items are fired. The cost of clay includes: Clay ordering, processing, and delivery. Cost of glazes and finishing materials. Cost of firing (electricity and upkeep of kilns) Technician costs As such, the cost per Kg. is greater than sold at wholesale price.

What Could I Go On To Do After This Course?
This is a Pottery Specialism course level 1A, upon completing this course, learners can progress onto Level 1B but cannot redo this course at the same level or lower level. Learners can book onto any other Art specialism or Creative & Culture courses from 1A upwards. Your progression course is Throwing Level 1B Your tutor can talk to you about another subject related course available. Medway Adult Education works with many partners locally such as MidKent College, Medway School of Arts and the University of Kent; information about their courses can be found in our studios, café and on Moodle. Medway has an exciting and wide-range of events, exhibitions and activities to inspire and help you make further progress - please see the community noticeboards in the Rochester Centre and again on Moodle. Your tutor will be able to talk through your individual progression options. If you wish to explore your learning, work or career options, you can speak to a fully trained careers advisor on 0800 100 900. https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk If you need further advice please telephone 01634 338400.

What Is The Attendance Policy?
Multiple sessions- To get the most out of your course you will need to attend as many sessions as possible. We recommend at least 90%. If you do have a holiday booked during term time, please let the tutor know in advance so that we can help you catch up on missed sessions and ensure that you still achieve the course outcomes. If you are unavoidably ill or unable to attend, please contact 01634 338400 so that we can let your tutor know, and so they can send you any work you may have missed

Health & Safety
Health and Safety Disclaimer By participating in the live class, you accept that you understand that pottery involves potentially hazardous tools and equipment and that such activity carries the risk of injury. You understand that it is your responsibility to judge your motor skills and physical ability. It is your responsibility to ensure that by participating in classes and activities from Medway Adult Education, you will not exceed your limits while performing such activity, and you will select the appropriate level of task for your skills and abilities. You understand that this is a pottery activity, and you will need to be suitably dressed, you will need protect your work surface and be mindful of the correct Health & Safety processes when working with pottery tools and materials. MAE is not responsible for damage to items in your house / home or person. The creators, owners and distributors of this site and the material available MAE are not responsible for any injuries you may experience because of your use of this site and the material contained here on. By remaining on this site and/or accessing and / or using any material, you are accepting that you have read, understood and agreed to follow these basic instructions.

 

Location

Rochester Adult Education Centre  
Rochester Community Hub  
Eastgate
Rochester  
ME1 1EW  

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