Course Syllabus

Instructor: Ms. Lau
Course: Ceramics: Wheel Throwing
Location: 345
Email: lauj@wellesleyps.org

In this course, you will learn the fundamentals of creating pottery on the wheel while developing your own artistic ideas and creative voice.

Wheel throwing takes practice, patience, and persistence. You will learn how to prepare clay, center and shape forms, trim your pieces, add handles, and explore a variety of surface-decoration techniques.

You will make mistakes and your pieces may turn out differently than you imagined. That's part of ceramics! Each piece gives you an opportunity to learn something new and improve your skills.

Our goal is not to make every piece perfect. Our goal is to learn, practice, create, and grow as artists.

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Course Description

In Intro to Wheel Throwing, students will learn the fundamental techniques of throwing pottery on the wheel. Students will practice creating functional forms while exploring proportion, shape, surface, decoration, and craftsmanship.

Throughout the course, students will:

• Learn proper and safe studio procedures.
• Prepare clay for wheel throwing.
• Center clay on the pottery wheel.
• Open and pull clay to create vessel forms.
• Develop consistent walls and intentional shapes.
• Trim and refine wheel-thrown pieces.
• Create and attach handles.
• Explore surface-decoration techniques.
• Develop personal designs and artistic choices.
• Participate in critiques and discussions.
• Reflect on their creative process and growth.
• Maintain a clean and organized ceramics studio.

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Course Units/Projects

• Unit 1: Tumbler
• Unit 2: Cup with Handle
• Unit 3: Bowl
• Unit 4: Two Additional Vessels
• 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.

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Studio Policies

Absenses

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. 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.