How we work
Our Class 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. We have a new structure, reflecting 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 often takes a few terms to receive an offer for a place. But once you are on the waitlist you will retain your place until we can offer you a spot in any of the classes you have nominated as a preference.
2025 Term dates for Intro Classes
Term 2a: Tuesday 22 April to Saturday 24 May
Term 2b: Monday 26 May to Saturday 28 June
Term 3a: Monday 14 July to Saturday 16 August
Term 3b: Monday 18 August to Saturday 20 Sept
Term 4a: Monday 6 Oct to Saturday 8 Nov
Term 4b: Monday 10 Nov to Saturday 13 Dec
Intro Class Times
Monday AM: 10am to 1pm
Tuesday AM: 9:30am to 12:30pm
Tuesday Arvo: 1pm - 4pm
Tuesday PM: 6pm - 9pm
Thursday PM: 6pm to 9pm
Saturday Arvo: 1-4pm
Core Class Times
Monday Morning 10:00am-1:00pm
Monday night 6-9pm
Tuesday Morning 10:00am-1:00pm
Tuesday Night 6-9pm
Wednesday Morning 9:30am-12:30pm
Wednesday Night 6-9pm
Thursday Morning 9:30am-12:30pm
Thursday Night 6-9pm
Friday Morning 9:30am-12:30pm
Saturday Morning 9:30am – 12:30pm
Saturday Afternoon 1- 4pm
2025 Term dates for Core Classes
Term 1 Monday 27 January to Friday 4 April
Term 2 Tuesday 22 April to Friday 27 June
Term 3 Monday 14 July to Friday 19 September
Term 4 Monday 6 October to Friday 12 December
Fees & Terms
Total $460
Introductory Classes (Fivers)
Fees for one class per week, 5 week block.
Please register you interest via the form below. If you provide class preferences we will try to get you into your class preference. We will email once a space becomes available. If you would like to accept the offer, please click the link provided to pay for your course, this will confirm your place and provide us with all of your details. Please add our email to your contacts as sometimes many offer emails going to junk folders.
“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.
FAQ’s and what to bring
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
Other things to note.
We do not offer casual classes, usual enrolment is by the term.
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.