How our Pottery Classes work
Our Course Structure
Please read through all the details below before signing up to our waitlist.
Clayschool is working hard to bring you a sound ceramic education. Our structure is a reflection of our commitment to quality.
Our four Foundation courses last for 5weeks each and cover basic throwing (Bowls and Cylinders) and handbuilding techniques (Slab and Coil). The intention is to encourage students to complete foundation courses which will give them a sound grounding in the basic techniques and then move to Core classes, which are 10weeks in duration and have a more self directed focus. In addition we will introduce specific and specialist workshops to introduce and develop more advanced techniques and knowledge.
Clayschool has 4 x 10 week terms which coincide with school terms.
Foundation classes are 5 week terms and 2 Foundation terms run within each 10 week school term.
Core classes are 10 week terms same as school terms.
We are planning to work through the 4 Foundation courses in each time slot, so once you have a time slot the class focus and maybe teacher will change each 5weeks, but you can roll over your enrolment into the next Foundation term.
These classes are
Throwing (Bowl form)
Throwing (Cylinder)
Handbuilding (Coil building)
Handbuilding (Slab building)
After you have completed the 4 Foundation courses with our teachers you have the opportunity to join our Core classes. Core classes run over 10 weeks terms (with school terms). You will have a home class and teacher and your projects are self motivated with guidance from our teachers.
Clayschool has a very high retention of students, so it may take a while to get in. But once you are on the waitlist you will be notified when places become available each Foundation block.
Fees & Terms
Total $460
Foundation Classes
Fees for one class per week, 5 week block.
Please register you interest via the waitlist form below and we will email once spaces become available in the next block. We will release courses to our full waitlist at the end of each block so please be ready to purchase your spot if you are keen to join Clayschool, sometimes it can be a scramble for a place and courses do sell out quickly. Those on waitlist will be provided with a link and password to purchase Foundation Courses once the places are released.
Core Classes
Core Classes are 10 week terms.
If you have prior experience in Clay and would like to join a Core Class, please fill out the waitlist and email us with details of your prior experience. We usually like all new students to complete 1 Block of Foundation studies to get used to Clayschool. For those new to clay Foundation students will have to complete 4 Foundation Blocks until they qualify to join a Core Class.
2026 Term dates for Foundation Classes
Term 1a: Mon 26th January to Sat 28th February
Term 1b: Mon 2nd March to Sat 3rd April
Term 2a: Mon 20th April to Sat 23rd May
Term 2b: Mon 25th May to Sat 26th June
Term 3a: Mon 13th July to Sat 15th August
Term 3b: Mon 17th August to Sat 19th September
Term 4a: Mon 5 October to Sat 7 November
Term 4b: Mon 9 November to Sat 12 December
Foundation Class Times
Monday AM: 10am to 1pm
Monday PM: 6 - 9pm
Tuesday AM: 9:30am to 12:30pm
Tuesday Arvo: 1 - 4pm
Tuesday PM: 6 - 9pm
Thursday AM: 9:30am - 12:30pm
Thursday PM: 6 to 9pm
Friday AM: 9:30am - 12:30pm
Saturday Arvo: 1 - 4pm
2026 Term dates for Core Classes
Term 1: Mon 26th January to Sat 3rd April
Term 2: Mon 20th April to Sat 26th June
Term 3: Mon 13th July to Sat 19th September
Term 4: Mon 5 October to Sat 12 December
Core Class Times
Mon AM: 10am - 1pm
Mon PM: 6 - 9pm
Tues AM: 9:30am - 12:30pm
Tues PM: 6 - 9pm
Wed AM: 9:30am-12:30pm
Wed PM: 6 - 9pm
Thurs AM: 9:30am-12:30pm
Thurs PM: 6 - 9pm
Fri AM: 10am - 1pm
Sat AM: 9:30am – 12:30pm
Sat Arvo: 1- 4pm
“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 form 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.
Your Fees cover
Most materials
Glazing
Firing
Tuition
Use of tools and equipment
You need to bring
Apron
Old towel
Covered shoes
A good attitude
Shared morning/afternoon tea on occasion
FAQ’s and what to bring
Other things to note.
We do not offer casual classes, usual enrolment is by the term and block.
Fees are for the term of your weekly class (same time slot) for the term.
Almost all of our students are adults.
We can provide gift certificates.
We occasionally run specialist workshops by visiting artist, but these are promoted within the student body first.
Having experience or no experience is no barrier to getting better at working with clay.
Cancellation policy.
Fees for Foundation classes are paid in advance. Your class offering is not confirmed until the full fees are paid. Cancellation at any stage will incur a $150 administration fee.