B3129 - Explore: pottery and ceramics – develop form and surface

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Start Date: 12/01/2027      End Date: 16/03/2027        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: 6
Shadwell Centre

Course Overview

Course Overview
You will work with more complex forms, combining building, modelling, throwing and assembling techniques. You will also explore surface decoration in more depth, testing textures, patterns and glaze combinations to see how they change your results.
The course is carefully structured each week to help you learn step by step. You will take part in guided demonstrations, skill-based tasks and group discussion, while also developing your own ideas across several pieces. This is not an open workshop—you will be supported to build skills and apply them with purpose.
You will be encouraged to test ideas through sketches and small prototypes, learning how to refine your work through experimentation, revision and reflection. By the end of the course, you will have developed a small group of connected pieces that show your progress.
This course is part of a clear progression pathway. You can return in Term C to continue developing your skills through new techniques, more independent work and larger projects.
Please note: This course is for learning and 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?
* Develop ideas through sketches, test pieces and simple prototypes
* Construct more complex ceramic forms using hand building techniques
* Experiment with texture, pattern and glaze combinations
* Create a small group of related pieces that show development over time
* Reflect on your creative and technical decisions to improve your work.
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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
You can progress to the C term course Explore: pottery and ceramics – develop personal direction. 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