01. Who is this course for?
This course is for learners who are ready to work more independently with clay, while still benefiting from tutor support and demonstrations when needed. It suits those who have some previous pottery experience and want to develop their own ideas, build on existing skills, and take more ownership of their creative process. Whether you're working on personal projects, refining techniques, or exploring new forms and finishes, this course offers the time, space, and guidance to deepen your practice at your own pace.
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02. What will I learn?
In this course, you’ll have the freedom to develop your own pottery projects while continuing to build on your skills and knowledge. With both technical and aesthetic support from the tutor, you’ll learn how to plan and manage your own creative workflow, troubleshoot challenges, and refine your making techniques—whether that’s hand-building, wheel-throwing, surface decoration, or glazing. You’ll also deepen your understanding of the ceramic process, from design to finished piece, and be encouraged to experiment, take creative risks, and strengthen your personal style.
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03. How will I learn?
The sessions are workshop based, allowing learners to work on their own, self initiated projects with tutor input. Learners will receive regular verbal and written feedback on their progress using an Individual Learning Plan (ILP). The ILP sets out both your personal learning aims and the overall learning objectives of your course and allows you, and your tutor, to evaluate your progress and set learning goals.
Reference materials can be provided for you to help support and inspire you
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04. What will I need to bring?
It is advisable to wear an old shirt or apron: please do not wear your best clothes. The course fee includes a materials fee per person per course for resources (clay, glaze, firing etc.) You may wish to bring your own tools but this is not essential.
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05. What skills or experience do I need?
This course is for learners who have experience and knowledge of pottery and are ready to create work independently. It is a good stepping stone from the “intermediate course”. No formal qualifications or specific skills/aptitudes are required.
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06. How will I be assessed?
The Learning for Wellbeing curriculum uses formative and summative assessment methods to evaluate learner progress. You will work towards completing learning targets set in class, as well as your own personal development targets. Targets are reviewed at the middle and end of the course. Informal discussions and critiques with the tutor and learners will take place throughout the course, both individually and in groups.
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07. What could I do after this course?
We have a range of courses to support your wellbeing, why not try something else from the Learning for Wellbeing curriculum. There is a wide range of art, craft, sewing, cookery, dance and creative arts courses for you to continue developing your skills while improving your wellbeing. Courses are available to search on the GoLearn website.
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08. How will I be supported in my learning?
We aim to support all learners to succeed. Our tutors will work with all learners to meet individual needs by using a range of resources and teaching methods. When you enrol on your course you will be asked if you have any additional learning needs or disabilities which may affect your learning. This might include physical disabilities, neurodivergent needs (e.g., Autistic Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, dyslexia, or dyspraxia, etc.), visual and auditory impairments, or a medical condition which might affect your learning. Your tutor will contact you prior to joining the course to discuss what support can be put in place. For some learners, this may mean organising extra time in exams or arranging for a Learning Support Assistant to support your learning in class. We also offer a wide range of assistive technology such as reader pens, screen readers, large print keyboards and screens, alongside in-class resources such as coloured overlays, large-print resources and more.
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09. Is help available with course fees?
Many of our courses are FREE to all learners. For fee-paying courses, if you are in receipt of state benefits or have a low income (£28,733.50 before deductions) you could be entitled to enrol on your course for FREE, or at a 70% reduced fee cost. If your course is accredited (working towards a formal qualification) your course may be FREE if you earn under £26,800 before deductions. Some exclusions apply, eligibility for fee reduction is subject to change, and you may be required to provide evidence of earnings. If the amount you must pay for your course is over £50, we offer instalment plans which break down the cost of learning into a set number of easy monthly payments. If you need help with the wider costs of study, such as childcare, resources, travel, and transport costs, you may be eligible to have these costs reimbursed through our Discretionary Learner Support Fund. Visit us online for more details, and to download the online application form.
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10. How do I choose the right course for me?
If you are unsure of your next steps, please contact us and one of our team will advise you about our courses or signpost you to other providers if necessary. Please call FREEphone 0800 988 0308 or email adult.learning@leics.gov.uk
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