Ceramics for beginners: build essential pottery skills
Course Overview
Build confidence and practical skills through hands-on making while exploring your own artistic interests. With tailored one-to-one support, you can develop independent projects or respond to optional tutor-led briefs.
Learn key ceramic techniques, including hand-building and wheel-throwing, to create functional, decorative, or sculptural work. You’ll experiment with samples and test pieces to refine your ideas and surfaces.
The course offers a flexible, supportive structure and introduces professional practice, contemporary ceramics, and global traditions, helping you develop both technical ability and a personal creative voice.
Location: Crowndale Road, Camden
Who is this course for and what will I learn?
This course is suitable for all levels, from complete beginners to those with prior experience in ceramics.
Beginners will be supported through structured projects to build core skills and confidence. You will:
- Learn traditional hand-building and Wheel-throwing techniques as you create unique ceramic pieces.
- Gain knowledge and skills of textural and surface decoration using decorative slips, under-glazes and oxides
- Glaze using traditional methods
- Understand the processes that clay goes through the different firings and temperatures
By the end of a term, you should be able to create simple hand-built forms, throw basic vessels, apply surface decoration, understand firing stages, and follow safe studio practice.
Additional information:
- Please wear suitable clothing and bring basic tools (available to purchase if needed)
- Materials are charged separately based on use (Glaze firings are included in the initial cost of the clay)
- 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. Only work made in the College can be fired.
- Commercial glazes require tutor approval and testing.
For specific techniques or materials, 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:
“I have gained confidence in wheel throwing and learnt to persevere when it feels challenging” Ella
“I have gained confidence with the production of pottery and enjoyed new techniques I otherwise didn’t consider much”. Lina
“Overall, the course is structured well for learning as well as exploring my own creative freedom, I have very much enjoyed it and hope to be taught again by Anna as her approach is technical and fun”. Anon
Beginners will be supported through structured projects to build core skills and confidence. You will:
- Learn traditional hand-building and Wheel-throwing techniques as you create unique ceramic pieces.
- Gain knowledge and skills of textural and surface decoration using decorative slips, under-glazes and oxides
- Glaze using traditional methods
- Understand the processes that clay goes through the different firings and temperatures
By the end of a term, you should be able to create simple hand-built forms, throw basic vessels, apply surface decoration, understand firing stages, and follow safe studio practice.
Additional information:
- Please wear suitable clothing and bring basic tools (available to purchase if needed)
- Materials are charged separately based on use (Glaze firings are included in the initial cost of the clay)
- 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. Only work made in the College can be fired.
- Commercial glazes require tutor approval and testing.
For specific techniques or materials, 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:
“I have gained confidence in wheel throwing and learnt to persevere when it feels challenging” Ella
“I have gained confidence with the production of pottery and enjoyed new techniques I otherwise didn’t consider much”. Lina
“Overall, the course is structured well for learning as well as exploring my own creative freedom, I have very much enjoyed it and hope to be taught again by Anna as her approach is technical and fun”. Anon
How will I learn?
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.
Learning will take place on each student's own terms at their own pace. Interest in each other's work will be encouraged by means of a group discussion and critique at the end of each session.
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.
Learning will take place on each student's own terms at their own pace. Interest in each other's work will be encouraged by means of a group discussion and critique at the end of each session.
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.
Assessment and next steps
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.
What additional support can I get?
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.
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.
Tutor Profiles
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.
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/
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.
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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