A3087 - Explore: pottery and ceramics – studio practice

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Start Date: 22/09/2026      End Date: 24/11/2026        Start Time: 10:00      End Time: 12:30        Hours per Week: 2.50      No of Weeks: 9
Fees:      £287.00 (tuition)     £287.00 (overseas)     £287.00 (concessionary)
Tutor: Basil Olton        No of Places: 2
Shadwell Centre

Course Overview

Course Overview
Through guided tasks, experiments and individual projects, you’ll learn how ideas move from concept to finished clay objects. Visual references and discussion help support design thinking and reflection, with reference to ceramic traditions from different cultures and contexts.
The course focuses on you becoming comfortable with clay and studio processes, supporting both newcomers and returning learners who want to explore core techniques including throwing on the wheel with confidence.
The course is structured to help you build skills and confidence each week. You will follow guided tasks and take part in demonstrations, while also developing your own project within this framework.
This is not an open workshop—you will be supported to learn new techniques and apply them step by step.
This course forms part of a progression pathway, allowing you to return in Terms B and C to continue developing your skills through new techniques, themes and projects.
Please note: This course is for learning and skill development, not for producing large quantities of work. Materials and firings are limited

What will you learn and be able to do?

What will you learn and be able to do?
* Use basic hand building techniques confidently to create ceramic forms
* Explore texture, pattern and surface decoration through experimentation
* Understand the basic stages of firing and glazing
* Select suitable glazes for specific outcomes
* Identify a range of different clays and firing processes.
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Entry requirements

Entry requirements
There are no entry requirements except a commitment to attend each week on time and develop skills learnt outside of class time.
Prosp User 8

Equipment required

Equipment required
We will provide basic materials, but not large amounts of clay or specialist glazes. You may need to purchase your own specialist materials.
Prosp User 9

How will you know you are making progress?

How will you know you are making progress?
You will have an ‘Individual Learning Plan’ where the course learning outcomes are shown and
where you can set individual learning goals and monitor your own progress against these.
You will need to evaluate your own progress and manage your time.
Your tutor will give ongoing feedback and will keep you informed of your progress.
Prosp User 12
At the beginning of the course an initial assessment takes place to identify your level of
experience knowledge or current skills.
The tutor will carry out informal assessments to check your understanding, there is no exam.
You will complete a self-assessment at the beginning, middle and end of the course.
Your tutor will let you know how you are getting on throughout the course to you will help you
work to your full potential.
At the end of the course you will receive written feedback.
Prosp User 11

Progress opportunities - your next steps

Progress opportunities - your next steps
Please see our website 'Idea Store - Learning' for further information on a range of Visual Arts courses or speak with your tutor. Your tutor will support you in researching these and other courses outside of Idea Store Learning.
Prosp User 10

Other info

Other info
We have high expectations regarding attendance and punctuality. We expect 100% attendance for all scheduled sessions and that you do so punctually and are ready to start learning at the start of the class.
We acknowledge the rare occasions when that will not be possible, please inform us before the class by emailing ideastoreadmin@towerhamlets.gov.uk.
Prosp User 13

Extra Support

Extra Support
If you have declared a learning difficulty, disability or support need whilst enrolling and you require support/assistance in class or to complete your course, please discuss your needs with your tutor at the first lesson.
If you intend to take an examination and feel you have an additional learning need or special requirements, you must declare them to your tutor within the first 2 weeks of your course. If you are studying in an online group, then you can arrange a one-to-one online discussion with your tutor, after the session, or by email. Where we aim to make reasonable adjustments to support our learners, please note we are unable to provide any type of in class or in person support if your course takes place online.
Prosp User 14