Course Syllabus

advanced wheel canva banner.pngInstructor: Ms. Lau
Course: Ceramics: Advanced Wheel Throwing
Location: 345
Email: lauj@wellesleyps.org

Course Description

Advanced Wheel Throwing builds upon foundational wheel-throwing skills through increasingly complex forms, technical challenges, and independent artistic exploration. Students will refine their ability to center, throw, alter, trim, and assemble clay while developing greater control over proportion, scale, form, and surface.

Through demonstrations, focused exercises, critiques, and independent projects, students will explore the relationship between form and surface design and develop a more personal approach to making. Students will be encouraged to experiment, take creative risks, and solve technical and conceptual problems independently. The course culminates in a student-led independent project that combines multiple wheel-thrown forms with an intentional surface design and requires students to develop, propose, and present a cohesive body of work.

--

Course Units/Projects

  • Unit 1: Foundations- Set of 3 mugs or 2 bowls
  • Unit 2: Altered Forms
  • Unit 3: Lidded Vessels
  • Unit 4: Section Throwing
  • Unit 5: Surface & Form: Independent Project- 2 piece minimum
  • Website with Final Portfolio and Artist Statement

--

Grading/Assessment

Your work will be evaluated based on your growth, craftsmanship, participation, and ability to apply the techniques taught in class.

Assessment may include:

  • Process & Practice: Consistent effort and willingness to practice.
  • Craftsmanship: Care, control, and attention to detail.
  • Technique: Demonstration of skills taught in class.
  • Creativity: Development of original ideas and thoughtful artistic choices.
  • Problem Solving: Ability to respond to challenges and make adjustments.
  • Participation: Engagement in demonstrations, studio work, critiques, and discussions.
  • Studio Habits: Safe and responsible use of materials, tools, and equipment.
  • Reflection: Ability to discuss artistic choices, successes, challenges, and growth.

Project-specific rubrics and grading criteria will be provided throughout the course.

--

Studio Policies

Absences

Making wheel-thrown ceramics is a multi-step process-- throw → leather hard → trim/decorate → bisque fire → glaze → glaze fire → portfolio-- and missing one stage can affect the entire project. Students are expected to email the teacher to coordinate making up missed classes.

Office Hours

Extra help is available after school on Tuesdays in 345 (the ceramics studio). Additional time can be arranged via email.

WHS DCAP

District accommodations (DCAP)Links to an external site.Links to an external site. are available to all students, and in the 26-27 school year, WHS is committed to moving this forward with fidelity.

While some accommodations can be offered at the moment, others require advanced notice. 

For example: Extended time on an in-class assessment is a collaborative decision made by the teacher, student, and family to meet individual student needs.  The WHS guideline is up to 25% extra time.  This accommodation relies on proactive student communication prior to the date of the assessment.  The student and teacher must establish how the accommodation will be provided.