This course is designed for learners with at least three years’ experience of ceramic construction and decorating techniques, who are looking to further develop their skills and personal practice.

On this course you will be supported to:

- Build confidence in advanced techniques
- Draw on diverse sources of inspiration to inform your work
- Work with specialist materials and experiment with decorative and finishing techniques
- Reflect on and evaluate your practice to support ongoing development


Please bring your tools, an apron or wear suitable clothing for studio work.

Firing and glazing are charged based on the materials used and the weight of work at the bone-dry stage. The College offers a range of clays and glazes at near cost price, payable by card.

Our efficient technicians often fire work within one week; however, the agreed turnaround time is two weeks. Please discuss any specific requirements with the technical team, who will do their best to accommodate you.

Please note that only work produced in the College can be fired. You may bring CONTEM underglazes for additional colours, and personal glazes may be used with prior approval and testing.

If you are interested in exploring a specialist technique, please speak to your tutor or contact ArtsSchool@wmcollege.ac.uk before enrolling to discuss whether this can be accommodated.



Past student feedback on this course:

“This course gave me the opportunity to try a variety of glazes on four different clays. The studio is also very well organised, has good equipment, and the work is also fired promptly.” Anna

“My tutor was a constant source of information and her support to push myself has been amazing!” Anon

“The ceramics courses have been a vital support for my mental health. Having space to focus, make, and be supported has made a real difference to my wellbeing.” Melodie

The course is delivered through a combination of tutor presentations, practical demonstrations, discussion, knowledge sharing amongst learners, and one-to-one support. You will be working at your own pace and be given verbal and written feedback on your progress. You will be introduced to new approaches while building on your prior learning. Sessions are designed to be engaging and appropriately challenging, helping you to refine your skills and confidence.

At the end of the course, the tutor will assess your progress and advise you on the next step.

Resources used within each lesson are available electronically for you to revisit outside of class.

There is no formal homework; however, your tutor may discuss ideas with you individually to help extend your study and for ongoing independent projects and research. You will also be signposted to useful suppliers, resources, and websites to enrich your study. Your tutor will also recommend exhibitions, films and websites for you to visit 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.

Carlos Tena - Ceramics Tutor and Technician

Carlos is a visual artist and educator with over 30 years of experience in ceramics, glass and metalwork.

TEACHING AND LEARNER SUPPORT
Carlos has over 15 years of teaching practice and is passionate about helping students learn and develop their ceramic skills with a hands-on, explorative approach, to nurture their individual talents and ideas. Carlos can work with a wide range of learners abilities in an inclusive environment, through demonstrations and peer learning.

ACHIEVEMENTS AND CREDENTIALS
- BA Joint Honours (First) Ceramics/Silversmithing & Metalwork - Camberwell College of Arts.

PROFESSIONAL LINKS
https://www.instagram.com/carlostenawmc/

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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.