No experience necessary; beginners welcome. You will need to buy and build your own tool set, although we do sell a basic set at cost price, or your tutor can recommend alternatives. Firing and glazing of work is included in the fee, based on weight when bone dry and paid for via our internal payment system. Please note that we are not able to fire work that is not made in college, so do not bring items 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 from the tutor, and learners must manage their own reclaim. All glazes are provided, and 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 be vetted first by your tutor for toxicity and compatibility with our firing temperatures and tested 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 ArtsSchool@wmcollege.ac.uk before enrolling to find out if it is possible for us to accommodate this.

Hand building and throwing on the potters wheel to create functional, decorative or sculptural ceramics. Examine surface decoration techniques such as slip and glaze application, texture and use of oxides and under glazes. Differentiate between the stoneware and earthenware clay body types and temperatures. Make samples and test for your projects. Develop an awareness of Health and Safety issues in ceramics through safe studio practice, with consideration towards other students and staff.

Tutor demonstrations, tutor presentations, practical tasks, Questions & Answer sessions, talks, use of computers and the interne, 1:1 Tutorials, 1:1 practical support and guidance, group learning activities. You will work at your own pace, and your progress will be reviewed regularly. At the end of the course, you will receive feedback on your achievements and the tutor can advise you on next steps. Resources used within each lesson are available for learners on our online learning platform. There is no formal homework, however, your tutor can discuss ideas with you individually to help extend your study and for ongoing independent projects and research. In addition to the classes, you will be encouraged to do individual research on the internet and by visiting galleries and exhibitions.

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. The tutor will discuss your progression plans with you and make suggestions where appropriate

Once you have completed the course, you may choose to enrol on a further term in this subject or another subject. Advice and Guidance for all further study is available from the Curriculum Manager by request.

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.