5 Day Throwing Course: For 14 – 18 year olds
Establishing Technique
Date & Time: Monday 10 – Friday 14 August, 10-3.30pm
“The wheel upon which a potter moulds their hollow forms is one of the most peculiar and intimate devices which human beings invented. There is nothing quite like throwing in any other craft. Wood, metal, fibre and glass, none of them are so responsive to the touch as clay.”
A Potter’s Book, Bernard Leach. 1940.
Based on our 5 Day Form & Function throwing course for adults, this workshop offers 14-18 year olds the opportunity to hone throwing skills on the wheel. Across the 5 days they will encounter each step of the throwing process, from preparing clay, centering, pulling, turning and refining and through repetition develop efficient techniques rooted in the Leach ethos. Across the five days they will be taught by a member of the Leach Pottery Learning & Participation team and current Production Studio Apprentice.
Monday 10 – Friday 14 August, 10-3.30pm
Establishing Technique
“The wheel upon which a potter moulds their hollow forms is one of the most peculiar and intimate devices which human beings invented. There is nothing quite like throwing in any other craft. Wood, metal, fibre and glass, none of them are so responsive to the touch as clay.”
A Potter’s Book, Bernard Leach. 1940.
Based on our 5 Day Form & Function throwing course for adults, this workshop offers 14-18 year olds the opportunity to hone throwing skills on the wheel. Across the 5 days they will encounter each step of the throwing process, from preparing clay, centering, pulling, turning and refining and through repetition develop efficient techniques rooted in the Leach ethos. Across the five days they will be taught by a member of the Leach Pottery Learning & Participation team and current Production Studio Apprentice.
Overview
This is a 5 Day practice-based throwing course aimed at beginners who would like to learn basic throwing skills, and for those who have some experience of throwing and improver students who would like to further develop their skills. This is an opportunity to learn new skills and brush up on essential techniques.
The course covers:
- clay preparation: wedging techniques, centering clay on the wheel, throwing basic cylinders then moving on to different forms – jugs, vases, plates, bowls etc.
- practicing your preferred form, throwing to specific measurements, and repeat throwing
- turning and finishing, pulling and attaching handles and decorating techniques.
Firing
These throwing courses are written to help participants build strong, repeatable skills through hands-on practice and expert guidance from the tutor. We don’t take a firing-focused approach. Instead, one piece will be selected for firing, and participants may take home up to two additional unfired pieces. This emphasis on making—without the pressure or attachment that often comes with firing—encourages a more focused, process-led experience.
Ability & Skill Level
These throwing courses are suitable for both beginners and improvers. As sessions are taught in small groups, the tutor is able to provide tailored support to each participant, regardless of their skill level. Abilities are self-identified, so there may be a range of experience within the group—but everyone is supported at their own pace.
When:Please see dates and availability opposite
Where: The Leach Pottery
Places: 5
Price: £130
Duration: 5 days. Core teaching hours: 10am – 3.30pm with 30mins for lunch.
Please arrive at 10.00am on the first day of your course for the welcome session.
Equipment & materials: clay and a basic tool kit is provided. We focus on building core skills and working directly with the clay to get the most from a core selection of tools. Please bring additional tools if you wish to use them along with an apron and hand towel.
You will leave with: one piece that will be fired & posted to you* up to 12 weeks after the course has finished. This piece needs to be within the footprint of 20 x 20 x 20cm. Please bring a box and packing material to take a maximum of two unfired pieces away with you if you wish.
Level: Beginner & Improver (See here for explanation of skill level criteria)
All skill levels welcome.
*if the address that you would like your work posting to is non-UK, extra postage will apply.
We are delighted to offer one 10% discount in our Shop during your course.
Any questions? Please visit our FAQ — The Leach Pottery.
Facilities notes for 2026 course participants can be viewed here.
Please be aware, only assistance dogs are allowed in the Learning spaces.
Terms & Conditions — The Leach Pottery
Please sign-up to our mailing list to receive news about courses and the Leach Pottery.
Overview
This is a 5 Day practice-based throwing course aimed at beginners who would like to learn basic throwing skills, and for those who have some experience of throwing and improver students who would like to further develop their skills. This is an opportunity to learn new skills and brush up on essential techniques.
The course covers:
- clay preparation: wedging techniques, centering clay on the wheel, throwing basic cylinders then moving on to different forms – jugs, vases, plates, bowls etc.
- practicing your preferred form, throwing to specific measurements, and repeat throwing
- turning and finishing, pulling and attaching handles and decorating techniques.
Firing
These throwing courses are written to help participants build strong, repeatable skills through hands-on practice and expert guidance from the tutor. We don’t take a firing-focused approach. Instead, one piece will be selected for firing, and participants may take home up to two additional unfired pieces. This emphasis on making—without the pressure or attachment that often comes with firing—encourages a more focused, process-led experience.
Ability & Skill Level
These throwing courses are suitable for both beginners and improvers. As sessions are taught in small groups, the tutor is able to provide tailored support to each participant, regardless of their skill level. Abilities are self-identified, so there may be a range of experience within the group—but everyone is supported at their own pace.
When: Monday 10 – Friday 14 August, 10-3.30pm
Where: The Leach Pottery
Places: 5
Price: £130
Duration: 5 days. Core teaching hours: 10am – 3.30pm with 30mins for lunch, (please bring a packed lunch with you).
Please arrive at 10.00am on the first day of your course for the welcome session.
Equipment & materials: clay and a basic tool kit is provided. We focus on building core skills and working directly with the clay to get the most from a core selection of tools. Please bring additional tools if you wish to use them along with an apron and hand towel.
You will leave with: one piece that will be fired & posted to you* up to 12 weeks after the course has finished. This piece needs to be within the footprint of 20 x 20 x 20cm. Please bring a box and packing material to take a maximum of two unfired pieces away with you if you wish.
Level: Beginner & Improver (See here for explanation of skill level criteria)
All skill levels welcome.
*if the address that you would like your work posting to is non-UK, extra postage will apply.
We are delighted to offer one 10% discount in our Shop during your course.
Any questions? Please visit our FAQ — The Leach Pottery.
Facilities notes for 2026 course participants can be viewed here.
Please be aware, only assistance dogs are allowed in the Learning spaces.
Terms & Conditions — The Leach Pottery
Please sign-up to our mailing list to receive news about courses and the Leach Pottery.