Pottery: design and make – Project work – mixed ability
Course summary
Code: Q004119A
Location: Rochester Adult Education Centre
Cost: £85.50 to £114.00
Starting: Monday 09 June 2025
Duration: 5 sessions over 5 week(s)
Time: 09:30
By continuing you confirm that you are 19 or over on 31 August and have agreed to the the Terms and conditions
Description
This course is for mixed ability, experienced pottery learners wishing to plan and make a specific project focused on either handing building or throwing. It is NOT suitable for new learners or complete beginners.
You will be guided through project selection, development, design, make and glaze allowing you to complete items within the 5-week course.
This is a specific, set, 5-week course – work can not be rolled over to longer courses starting in September. All work to be finished and glazed by the end of the course, collection date TBA.
Please do not buy tools and equipment until you know that the course will run.
What will I learn on this course?
Learners will:
1. Plan one specific project piece in response to the given title.
2. Develop 1 hand building OR 1 throwing technique to use on the project piece.
3. Select at one appropriate, decorative finish.
Is this course suitable for me?
This is a mixed ability course for those who want to design, make and finish a project item within the 5-week course.
Is there anything I need to know about the course?
Please bring to all sessions:
- A notebook, pen and research images. Advance planning to inspire your project ideas (item, decoration, theme etc.)
- An apron/protective clothing and sturdy footwear is essential for Health and Safety reasons. It is recommended that you do not wear anything you value highly. You may wish to bring household gloves to use when glazing.
Tools:
- A basic set of either hand building or throwing pottery tools as preferred.
- Plastic bag or pencil case to transport tools back home for cleaning.
As the course develops your tutor will advise you which turning tools you will need to buy.
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.)
It is possible to improvise many tools or make your own. For example, an old store card cut to shape can make an effective kidney scraper; a spike if required can be made with a thick crewel needle pushed into a cork.
Some of the guided learning hours will be used to set the group and individual learning targets for the course. Learners will then have time to revisit these targets with the tutor to assess progress.
Will there be additional costs?
All of the items made during the course can be taken home – a small charge will be made to cover material and firing costs according to finished weight.
What could I go on to do after this course?
Your tutor can talk to you about other subject related course available.
Medway Adult Education works with many partners locally such as Mid Kent – Medway school of Art 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 with you 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.
How are digital skills used and enhanced on this course
Learners will be encouraged to research personal project ideas through museums and gallery visits. Various handouts will be provided on techniques and sources of inspiration.
Attendance Policy
In order 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 and Safety
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 MAE is not responsible for damage to personal items in or on your person.
The creators, owners and distributors of this site and the material available MAE are not responsible for any injuries you may experience as a result 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