SHORT COURSES
* Fees are chargeable each year and the fees quoted will be for the current year only, if the course is more than 1 year further fees will be due next year.
This friendly and practical Pottery and Ceramics course is designed for adults of all abilities, including complete beginners, who wish to explore working with clay in a relaxed and supportive environment. Learners will develop hand-building techniques such as pinch, coil and slab work, alongside surface decoration and glazing processes. In addition, they will be introduced to the pottery wheel, learning basic throwing, shaping and turning skills. The course also includes an understanding of basic kiln management, including loading, firing cycles and safe studio practice. Through demonstrations, guided workshops and individual support, learners will build confidence, creativity and practical ceramic-making skills at their own pace.
The course also promotes wellbeing, relaxation and social interaction through engaging, hands-on creative activity.
Classes run at the Gateway Adult and Community Education Centre, Shrewsbury.
Monday – 10.30-12.45
Monday – 14.30-16.45
Thursday – 14.30-16.45
Thursday – 18.00-20.15
This is a non-accredited adult learning course and does not lead to a formal qualification. The focus is on developingpractical pottery and ceramics skills, including hand-building, wheel throwing, glazing and an introduction to kilnprocesses. A college certificate will be issued on successful completion of the course in recognition of the skills and
knowledge gained by students.
After completing this course, learners can continue to develop their pottery and ceramics skills through further advanced classes in hand-building, wheel throwing, glazing techniques or specialist workshops such as raku firing or sculptural ceramics. Many learners progress to creating a personal portfolio, exhibiting work in local galleries or joining community art and pottery groups. Others choose to develop independent practice at home or within studio spaces. The skills gained also support wellbeing, creativity and lifelong learning, and can provide a pathway towards more structured art and craft qualifications or creative enterprise opportunities in the future.
This course provides adults of all abilities with the opportunity to explore the creative possibilities of clay in asupportive studio environment. Learners will develop core hand-building techniques including pinch, coil and slabconstruction, alongside surface decoration and glazing methods. They will also be introduced to pottery wheeltechniques, learning how to center, throw and shape basic forms. In addition, the course includes an understanding of
basic kiln processes such as loading, firing cycles and safe studio practice. Through demonstrations, guided projectsand individual support, learners will build confidence, develop technical skills and create both functional and decorative ceramic pieces.
As this is a non-accredited course, assessment is informal and focused on individual progress rather than formal
examinations. Learners receive ongoing feedback from the tutor through observation of practical work,
demonstrations and one-to-one guidance. Progress is monitored through the development of pottery and ceramics
skills, including hand-building, wheel throwing, glazing and safe studio practice. Learners are encouraged to reflect on
their work, discuss ideas with peers and identify their own areas for improvement. Sketchbooks, journals or
photographic records of work may be used to support reflection and track development throughout the course. The
emphasis is on creative growth, confidence and enjoyment.
This course is open to adults of all abilities, including complete beginners. No previous experience in pottery or
ceramics is required, as full support is provided throughout. Learners should have an interest in creative practical
work and a willingness to explore new techniques. They should be prepared to participate in a studio-based
environment, follow health and safety guidance, and work with materials such as clay, glazes and studio equipment.
Basic physical ability to engage in hands-on activities, including standing and manual handling of clay, is required. An
enthusiasm for learning, experimentation and creative development is strongly encouraged.
