Skill Levels

Ability & Skill Level

As workshops are taught in small groups, the tutor is able to provide support to each participant, regardless of their skill level. Abilities are self-identified by the participant on booking, so there may be a range of experience within the group—but everyone is supported at their own pace.

Below is an outline to guide participants identify if they are a beginner, improver or intermediate thrower to help inform their selection of courses. You will be asked to give details of your skill and experience level on booking a place on a course.

Beginner

You are new to the wheel or you’ve had some experience and are looking to build consistency.
You may:

  • Never have used a potter’s wheel before

  • Need guidance with centering clay, wedging, basic techniques, and posture

  • Be unfamiliar with the processes of throwing, trimming, or pulling handles

  • Want to build foundational skills through simple forms and repetition

Or:
You may:

  • Have attended a beginner’s class or short course

  • Be able to center clay and throw basic forms (like cylinders or bowls), but not consistently

  • Want to improve control, shape, and technique

  • Be starting to understand trimming and finishing but need guidance

  • Be exploring how to repeat forms

Improver

You have a solid grasp of throwing basics and want to refine or expand your skills.
You are:

  • Comfortable centering up to 2kg of clay and throwing a range of basic forms with consistency

  • Working on improving form, scale and efficiency

  • Exploring sets, lidded forms, or altered shapes

  • Confident trimming and finishing your work independently

Intermediate & Advanced

You are a confident thrower with consistent technique, looking to refine your work and take on more complex challenges.
You may:

  • Comfortable centering up to 3 kg of clay

  • Throw a range of forms with control and intention (cylinders, bowls, plates, etc.)

  • Consistently center clay and manage wall thickness and form refinement

  • Be exploring more advanced forms such as lidded jars, spouts, teapots, or sets

  • Be comfortable trimming, finishing, and assembling components

  • Be interested in improving speed, precision, and developing a personal style or body of work

  • Possibly working independently outside of classes or considering exhibiting and selling your work

Should learning in a mixed ability environment not suit you, this year we are piloting some skill specific Form & Function (both 3 and 5 day) courses. The course has the same content but is only for participants of a particular experience level.