Foundation courses
Welcome to Clayschool, please select a course time to start your Foundation blocks.
This 5 week block runs:
18 August - 20 September 2025
Try to select a class time that suits your weekly schedule to minimise swapping between class times. Teachers and subjects will change as you work through the 4 Foundation courses. You will need to complete all 4 Foundation course subjects before you progress to the Core group. Please try to make sure you are available for all your classes.
“Having experience or no experience is no barrier to getting better at working with clay.”
Learn about our Foundation Classes
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In this course you will be introduced to the technique of how to throw a bowl. The bowl for is very versatile and includes almost flat forms to deep curves. The course will include clay preparation, wheel set up, centring the clay, opening and finishing, Turning the foot ring and preparation for biscuit firing. It is envisaged that you will have some work completed for biscuit firing and possibly glaze firing, work made in this term can be glazed and fired in following terms when completing other courses. Clay, tools, equipment, glazes and firing included.
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In this course you will be introduced to the technique of how to throw a cylinder. Cylinders are the basis of many forms including cups, mugs, jugs, vases, lidded containers and sculptural forms. The course will include clay preparation, wheel set up, centring the clay, opening and finishing, Turning when wet or on a chuck and preparation for biscuit firing. It is envisaged that you will have some work completed for biscuit firing and possibly glaze firing, work made in this term can be glazed and fired in following terms when completing other courses. Clay, tools, equipment, glazes and firing included.
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In this course you will be introduced to the technique of slab building. The course will cover the various methods of making slabs, various joining techniques and when to form the work to reflect the aesthetic of the project. It is envisaged that you will have some work completed for biscuit firing and possibly glaze firing, work made in this term can be glazed and fired in following terms when completing other courses. Clay, tools, equipment, glazes and firing included.
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In this course you will be introduced to the technique of coil building. The course will cover the various methods of making coils, various joining techniques and techniques to alter form before and after coil construction. It is envisaged that you will have some work completed for biscuit firing and possibly glaze firing, work made in this term can be glazed and fired in following terms when completing other courses. Clay, tools, equipment, glazes and firing included.