Staff Ceramics Sessions

Throughout the month of November, the staff of Shiplake College were invited to take part in a 5-session ceramics course, in which participants could learn about working with clay and produce works of their own creation.

Starting on Monday 5 November, Head of Art Miss Hallam and Art Technician Mrs Brooks led the course of 17 beginner ceramicists. Lessons ran on Monday evenings between 5.00pm and 6.30pm, though some of the group were still in the Art classrooms at 7.30pm!

In the first week, members of staff were introduced to working with slabs and coils of clay. While some, including Teacher of Maths Mr Geyton, preferred to work with large coils, others like Mr Beckett, Head of Rugby, chose to use rectangular and square-shaped slabs. The would-be pupils were also taught how to join these slabs and coils with other pieces of clay.

The following weeks saw members of staff learn how to add texture and shape to their unique creations, and later in the month, they were taught how to use the glazes, which came in a huge variety of colours. Once the ceramics had been glazed, they were fired (baked in the kiln) at 1060°c.

Not only was it fantastic to see a brilliant mixture of staff from around the School, but their artworks were equally as varied.

Everyone who attended the classes is exceptionally happy with the outcome of their pots, bowls, jugs and jars, and would like to thank Miss Hallam and Mrs Brooks for their unwavering patience and creative solutions and suggestions. Also, special mentions go to DT Technician Mr Whitfield, Mrs Robinson and Mrs Bell, whose ceramics were commended by Headmaster Mr Davies. 

Marketing and PR Manager Fiona Robinson said, ‘It was a brilliant opportunity to see just how talented and encouraging our teachers are. They were very understanding and guided us admirably through the process. Like our musical Symphonic Challenge, it was also a great chance for staff to be reminded how difficult learning a new skill can be and of the challenge facing our pupils every day!