No previous knowledge is required. Firing of clay is based on weight when bone dry and paid for using a token system available through the library.
You will need to buy and build your own tool set. We can sell you a basic set at cost price or your tutor can recommend alternatives. Firing and glazing of work is included in the fee. Please note that we are not able to fire work that is not made in college. You are not allowed to bring in work from home or elsewhere, even if the clay originated in college. You cannot bring in your own clay to use and must use the clays we provide. Learners on Intermediate/ Advanced classes can buy, and use provided Specialist clays e.g. black clay, porcelain. These must be bought in advance and students must manage their own reclaim. All glazes are provided, and all learners may bring in CONTEM underglazes if they want additional colours. Please check with your tutor if you are not sure.
You are only able to bring in your own glazes if you are on an Intermediate/ Advanced course, and these need to first be vetted by your tutor for toxicity and compatibility with our firing temperatures and then the correct test pieces done before use. Please bring your own apron or dress appropriately. If you are interested in a specialist technique not listed or described in the course description, please contact the Curriculum manager before enrolling, to find out if it is possible for us to accommodate this.

After completing one whole term, you will be able to: Make ceramics using simple hand building techniques. Throw a small bowl or cylinder on the wheel. Identify the different processes that clay goes through during the firings in the kiln. Explore the properties of and use glazes, slips and other materials for ceramic colour. Apply simple decorations Choose and apply glazes Demonstrate and follow good studio practice including Health and Safety procedures.

Methods used include demonstrations, class discussions, practical tasks, knowledge sharing, individual tutorials, handouts, slide shows and videos. You will be given feedback on your progress throughout. At the end of the course the tutor will assess your progress and advise you on the next step. All resources used within each lesson are available electronically. Your tutor will also discuss ideas with you individually to help extend your study and for ongoing independent projects and research. Your tutor will also recommend exhibitions, literature, and websites for you to visit to enrich your study.

There is no exam or formal assessment for this course. However, you will work with your tutor to identify your aims at the beginning of the session and will receive one to one feedback throughout as well as sharing outcomes at the end of the course. There is no formal qualification attached to this course, but you can receive a Certificate of Completion from the college on request.

Once you have completed the course you may choose to enrol on a further term in this subject or another subject in the Creative Arts department. You may also choose to progress to an accredited L1 or 2 Ceramics course. For Art and Design courses, once you have developed a portfolio of work you could consider applying to the Foundation Diploma in Art and Design as a Pathway into Higher Education. Studio courses are for those learners with some subject knowledge or who have been studying the same subject at the college for 3 full years. Advice and Guidance for all further study is available from the Curriculum Manager by request.

For more information, please contact the Learner Services Team via Live Chat, phone on 020 7255 4700 or email learnerservices@wmcollege.ac.uk.

This course is not eligible for Additional Learning Support (ALS), however teachers are supported to ensure their materials are inclusive to meet all learners needs. Reasonable adjustments including assistive equipment and also access support can be made available through our Disability Officer. Digital learning support is available in the Learning Centre at our Camden site. Careers and employability advice and guidance is also available to all learners.

WM College is able to provide financial support for some course fees. You may be eligible based on prior qualifications, if you are on a low income or benefits. For more information and to find out if you are eligible, view our Fees & Finance page on our website or contact the Learner Services team via Live Chat or on 020 7255 4700.