Suitable for student of all abilities. 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. Basic materials provided include some clay and firing if you work in ceramic. Should you wish to use different clays, you can buy and use provided specialist clays e.g. black clay, porcelain. These clays are paid for during your course via our internal payment system. 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. If you are woodcarving, a 1/3 of a cubit foot of wood is included in your fee per course. Should you want to make something larger than this, you will need to pay for the extra wood. Some speciality wood is not included in the free allocation, and you will need to pay for this before use. Purchase of wood can be made during your course via our internal payment system.
You will explore how to sculpt in various material including wood, wire, plaster, cement, clay, paper, papier mache and mixed media. You will investigate a range of casting techniques, using wax, resin, plaster and rubber moulds. You will develop a greater understanding and appreciation of the sculptural process. The programme is taught through tutor demonstration, group discussions, sharing skills and knowledge within the group and most importantly through developing your own practice. We share skills and ideas in a friendly, safe and supportive atmosphere. This class is tailored to your individual needs. Returning students can continue ongoing personal projects, researching new techniques and processes and expand and further their practice. Resources used within each lesson are available electronically.

Beginners will follow a more structured programme whilst more experienced learners can work on their own projects if desired. Working at your own pace, you will 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. The programme is taught through tutor demonstration, group discussions, sharing skills and knowledge within the group and most importantly through developing your own practice. All resources and handouts are available electronically. 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. Your tutor will also recommend exhibitions, gigs or 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. 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.