6 week wheel throwing course 

Objective: Assess skill levels and establish a foundation for both beginners and intermediates.

Activities:

• Introduction to Studio: Overview of equipment, safety, and studio procedures.

• Skill Assessment: Individual demonstrations by students to gauge their current level.

• Basic Techniques for Beginners: Centering, opening, and pulling up walls.

• Advanced Techniques for Intermediates: Review of advanced centering and throwing larger forms.

• Guided Practise: Beginners focus on basic techniques; intermediates practise larger forms or complex shapes.

Objective: Develop form-building skills for both beginners and intermediates.

Activities:

• Form Building: Beginners create basic bowls and cylinders; intermediates explore advanced shapes (e.g., vases).

• Guided Practise: Focus on form-building techniques, with individualised support based on skill level.

• Discussion: Tips on achieving consistent form and wall thickness.

Objective: Explore surface decoration techniques and texturing.

Activities:

• Surface Decoration: Introduction to techniques such as slip trailing, sgraffito, and carving.

• Texture Creation: Experiment with adding textures using different tools and materials.

• Guided Practise: Beginners apply basic decoration techniques; intermediates explore more intricate designs and textures.

• Discussion: How surface decoration enhances form and function.

Objective: Refine throwing skills and explore advanced forms.

Activities:

• Throwing Techniques: Demonstration of advanced throwing techniques such as throwing larger or more complex shapes.

• Guided Practise: Beginners refine their throwing techniques; intermediates explore advanced forms and larger pieces.

• Project Work: Focus on creating new pieces or improving existing ones based on skill level.

Objective: Focus on trimming and applying surface decoration techniques.

Activities:

• Trimming Techniques: Refine trimming skills, focusing on achieving a clean finish and functional base.

• Surface Decoration: Apply previously learned decoration techniques to finished forms.

• Guided Practise: Beginners trim and decorate their pieces; intermediates apply advanced trimming and decoration.

• Discussion: Tips on integrating decoration with form and function.

Objective: Finish projects with glazing techniques and review course progress.

Activities:

• Glazing Techniques: Demonstration of basic and advanced glazing techniques, including layering and resist methods.

• Guided Glazing: Apply glazes to final projects with instructor assistance, focusing on achieving desired effects.

• Final Project Completion: Finalise and prepare projects for firing.

• Wrap-Up & Critique: Group critique and discussion of completed pieces, focusing on technique and artistic growth.

• Celebration: Showcase of student work and a small gathering to celebrate achievements.

• This course outline provides a clear path for skill development while ensuring that both beginners and intermediate students receive targeted instruction and support throughout the course.