This course is designed for experienced ceramics students who want to deepen their understanding of how glazes work. It is not suitable for beginners; you should have at least three years of ceramics experience to benefit fully. If you are unsure about your suitability, please chat to a ceramics tutor or contact ArtsSchool@wmcollege.ac.uk for advice from the Curriculum Manager.

You will gain a solid grounding in glaze chemistry, learning how different materials interact to produce surface qualities such as colour, texture, and finish. By the end of the workshop, you will feel more confident in mixing, testing, and adjusting glazes, and better equipped to control and refine your ceramic outcomes through informed experimentation.

You will learn:

- The essential materials used in glaze recipes and formulas
- The difference between glazes and their molecular formula – to achieve glossy and matt finished
- How to mix, test, and alter glazes
- About the use of oxides and stains to create colour variations
- Health and safety considerations when working with glaze materials

The course places a strong emphasis on producing and evaluating test samples to build technical understanding. Please note that decorative glaze application and surface design are not covered.

The course is delivered through a combination of tutor presentations, practical demonstrations, discussion, and one-to-one support. You will be working at your own pace and be given verbal feedback on your progress.

You will signpost useful suppliers, resources, and websites to enrich your study.

Students are expected to follow good studio practice and comply with WM College health and safety procedures to manage the risks inherent in a ceramics workshop (e.g. dust, spills). This includes maintaining a clean and safe working environment, promptly tidying your workspace, tools and equipment, and contributing to a positive, respectful studio culture that values inclusivity and celebrates diversity.

There is no formal assessment for this course. Instead, you will work with your tutor to identify and review your personal aims, focusing on developing your individual projects. You will receive ongoing one-to-one feedback, with opportunities to reflect on and share your work with peers. Your tutor will also support you in evaluating your progress and planning next steps for your practice. There is no expectation to complete work outside of class, though you may choose to continue developing your projects independently.

By the end of the course, you will have deepened your understanding of ceramic processes, refined your technical skills, and gained greater confidence and independence in using specialist tools, materials and equipment.

After the course, you may wish to enrol for a further term to continue developing your skills, explore more complex techniques, or undertake more ambitious pottery projects. For more information, please visit our website or contact the 3D Art and Crafts Curriculum Manager at ArtsSchool@wmcollege.ac.uk.

You may be eligible for fee reductions or one of our bursaries, please check the Information and Advice section of our website to find out more.

Teachers are supported to ensure their materials are inclusive to meet learners’ needs. Provision of assistive equipment is available and access support can be provided through reasonable adjustments, subject to an interview with the ALS team and/or the Disability Officer. Digital Learning support is available in the Learning Centre.

We offer free support with finding a job, including 1-1 support with job applications, creating a CV or improving your interview skills, as well as advice about progression opportunities. Visit the website for more information or to book an appointment with our Employability Coach.

There are regular cross-college events, external speaker visits, exhibitions, and opportunities for you to get involved in college life. Look out for adverts around the college, iLearn or sign up to Our Newsletter via the website.

Anna Maria Velardi – Ceramics, Ceramics Specialist Courses and Yoga Tutor

Anna is an experienced arts, education and mental health practitioner with over 25 years of working with children and adults across community, education and clinical settings. She is a trained ceramicist and yoga teacher, with a specialist interest in art psychotherapy and holistic approaches that support mental health, wellbeing and learning.

TEACHING AND LEARNER SUPPORT
Anna has extensive teaching experience in adult education, SEND and mental health settings. She uses a calm, inclusive and sensory-based approach to learning, helping learners build confidence, develop practical ceramics skills and support their wellbeing. Her sessions are tailored to individual needs, encouraging creativity, communication and self-expression.

ACHIEVEMENTS AND CREDENTIALS
- BA (Hons) Ceramics – Camberwell College of Arts
- Arts Psychotherapy Foundation – Goldsmiths, University of London
- Level 4 Certificate in Teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector
- 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training (Merit), including research on trauma and polyvagal theory
- Over 15 years delivering ceramics teaching in adult education and mental health settings

PROFESSIONAL LINKS
Not currently using professional social media or online portfolios.