Medway Adult Education

Course Description
This is a hand building ceramics course that caters to complete beginners and those with some basic hand building experience. The focus of this course will be “hand built sculptural heads.” By fostering confidence and creativity, the course combines Fine Art approaches with practical skills in ceramics and decoration. Guided by the tutor, students will enhance their abilities through projects and diverse techniques, ensuring an engaging and supportive learning environment for everyone. Throughout the course, learners will collaborate with the tutor to establish personalised and context-specific learning objectives that enhance their skills and knowledge, addressing relevant individual goals over time. Additionally, it is imperative for learners to consistently adhere to established health and safety protocols to ensure a safe learning environment. If you are looking for a course to improve or maintain your mental health and wellbeing, why not book onto one of our courses from the Managing mental health and well-being offer?

What will I learn on this course?
Learners Will: 1. Understand how and why to prepare at least one type of clay 2. Create work using at least 2 different techniques: hand-building techniques: (e.g. modelling, pinching, coiling, slab building) 3. Plan at least one item using a sketchbook to develop individual creative ideas – Hand build sculptural heads

Is this course suitable for me?
Suitable for complete beginners and those with some basic pottery experience. Upon completing this course, learners can progress onto one of our levelled pottery courses with Level 1A being the most natural progression.

Is there anything else I need to know about this course
Please be aware that whilst this course is practical in nature some sessions will include theory and professional related training such as H&S, risk assessments, public liability as well as course paperwork and target setting. You will need to prepare the following tools and equipment before the start of the course. Please do not purchase until you are sure the course will run: • An apron/protective clothing • Sturdy footwear (no open toed shoes in the pottery) • It is recommended that you do not wear anything you value highly. You may wish to bring household gloves to use when glazing. • A pen / pencil - a sketchbook will be provided. Learners with previous experience should bring in an example of their own work / or photo of work to help in the initial assessment process. • A basic pottery tool kit (can be purchased online cheaply) • A steel kidney scraper (an old store card cut to shape can make an effective kidney scraper) • A small sponge Tools and equipment cannot be left in the classroom, please take all personal items home. The nearest supplier for specialist tools is The Clay Cellar at Brenchley, https://www.claycellar.co.uk/tools (Please check website for opening times and delivery details.)

Will there be additional costs?
An amount of clay is included within the course fees. Learners will weigh and record weight / price with the aid of the tutor before firing. Once the set amount has been reached, learners will need to weigh, record, pay and show proof or payment before items are fired. The cost of clay includes: Clay ordering, processing, and delivery. Cost of glazes and finishing materials. Cost of firing (electricity and upkeep of kilns) Technician costs As such, the cost per Kg. is greater than sold at wholesale price.

What could I go on to do after this course?
Your tutor can talk to you about other subject related course available. Medway Adult Education works with many partners locally such as medway School of Art and the University of Kent; information about their courses can be found in our studios, café and on Moodle. Medway has an exciting and wide-range of events, exhibitions and activities to inspire and help you make further progress - please see the community noticeboards in the Rochester centre and again on Moodle. Your tutor will be able to talk through with you and your individual progression options. If you wish to explore your learning, work or career options, you can speak to a fully trained careers advisor on 0800 100 900. https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk If you need further advice please telephone 01634 338400.

What is the attendance policy?
If you are unavoidably ill or unable to attend, please contact 01634 338400 so that we can let your tutor know, and so they can send you any work you may have missed

Heath & Safety
Health and Safety Disclaimer By participating in the pottery class, you accept that you understand that pottery involves potentially hazardous tools and equipment and that such activity carries the risk of injury. You understand that it is your responsibility to judge your motor skills and physical ability. No open toed shoes in the pottery, long hair must be tied back and apron worn (learners must provide their own and take them home each week to clean). It is your responsibility to ensure that by participating in classes and activities from Medway Adult Education, you will not exceed your limits while performing such activity, and you will select the appropriate level of task for your skills and abilities. You understand that this is a practical activity, and you will need to be suitably dressed, you will need protect your work surface and be mindful of the correct Health & Safety processes. MAE is not responsible for damage to your items. The creators, owners and distributors of this site and the material available MAE are not responsible for any injuries you may experience as a result of your use of this site and the material contained here on. By remaining on this site and/or accessing and / or using any material, you are accepting that you have read, understood and agreed to follow these basic instructions.