Youth wheel course - Term 1 2026

Class description

An introduction to throwing on the pottery wheel for youth aged 12 - 15yo. Classes will be Mondays, 3:30pm - 5:20pm, taught and supervised by Fiona McLeod, a Whanganui based full time potter. Classes will cater to mixtured abilities, from complete beginner to advanced. As students progress they can make multiple items. The course will run for 6 weeks with one make-up class for those who've missed a week because of school commitments or illness. Parents or care givers must supply contact details, including a mobile number, in case of emergency. For safety, Fiona must be informed how each student will be dropped off/picked up. Equipment and materials and are supplied by Whanganui Potters Studio. Throwing on the wheel can get messy, attendees should wear suitable clothes. Class outline for youth students. The following is a general overview. The student's progression will determine what is taught and demonstrated. Week 1 Students learn to wedge, center the clay on the wheel and remove the pot off the wheel. Students will watch Fiona demonstrate making an open bowl and they will practice this shape using 500g - 800g clay Week 2 Students will continue skills from week 1, and/or trim any pots. Fiona will demonstrate turning a pot with a foot if students are ready for that stage Week 3 Depending on students abilities they will throw cylinders and modify the shape to make a mug or jug. Fiona will demonstrate how to bow out the cylinder body to add shape to the mug or jug, and how to make a spout. Advanced students will be shown how to throw plates. Week 4 Students will turn their pots from previous week and add handles. Fiona will demonstrate turning again if required and show how to pull a handles and attach them. Fiona will demonstrate turning a plate and students turn their plates from last week. Week 5 Students finish off any pots needing handles or to be turned. Those doing a make-up class can turn their pots the following week. Students can practise throwing either a jug, mug, open bowl or plate. Make-up class Students who missed a week will have a make-up class to finish work Week 7 Students will be taught how to glaze their pieces in preparation for firing. If students can't attend the glaze class, their pots will be glazed white by Fiona. Health & safety note: students will need to provide a quality face mask (such as N95), to cover nose and mouth. Police check available on request. Photography credits Taya Kucherova on Unsplash