This course is designed for learners who have had at least 3 years of previous experience of ceramic construction and decorating techniques. 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 eg. 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 a 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.

Intermediates: Learners will be involved in set tasks aimed at developing techniques whilst producing a variety of finished ceramic forms that encourage individual creativity. Advanced: Learners will work towards an individual response to a brief using the materials and techniques of their choice. Support and guidance will be given to researching and developing ideas and making the outcome. All students can expect to achieve the following: Develop hand building and/or throwing skills. Develop surface decoration and glazing skills. Research and develop individual design ideas. Produce final ceramic outcomes in response to own or set brief. Understand and adhere to Health and safety procedures.

The programme is taught through tutor demonstrations, technical hand-outs, sharing skills and knowledge within the group, through class discussions and most importantly through developing your own practice. You will be supported in realising your personal goals and projects through one to one tutorials and technical assistance from the tutor. You will work at your own pace and be given feedback on your progress. At the end of the course the tutor will assess your progress and advise you on the next step. If you have additional learning support needs, you will be signposted to support. Resources used within each lesson will be available electronically. Whilst both Intermediate and Advanced learners may be working to briefs they will be encouraged to apply their own ideas to each task or project. This will require them to research and develop their work in their own time recording ideas in a sketchbook, which they will refer to during the sessions. Recording stages of making using photographs is also advised. It is suggested that photographs be annotated, printed and compiled in their own time to provide an invaluable technical resource for future independent ceramic projects.

Assessment of response to tasks and outcome will be observed and verbal feedback given throughout from both tutor and peers. At the end of the course, learners can evaluate the progress made referring to their original goals i.e. . Individual goal setting (ILP) . Individual tutorials. . Informal presentations and discussions. . Peer feedback. 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 or join an accredited L1or L2 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 in to 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 or on 020 7255 4700 or email LearnerServices@wmcollege.ac.uk.

Teachers are supported to ensure their materials are inclusive to meet all learners needs. Provision of assistive equipment is available and access support can be provided through reasonable adjustments, subject to an assessment by the ALS team and/or the Disability Officer. Digital Learning support is available in the Learning Centre at our Camden site. Careers advice and guidance is also available to all learners.

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