Courses, Tuition, Studio Access & Sessions
2025 Term 2 dates:
6th May - 26th June
The Studio Program changes each term and may include:
Pottery Taster (4x 2hrs)
Wheel Basics (8x 2.5hrs)
Handbuilding Basics (8x 2.5hrs)
Wheel Continuing (8x 2.5hrs)
Handbuilding Continuing (8x 2.5hrs)
Guided Studio (8x 3hrs)
Continue scrolling for detailed info about courses and sessions.
You're welcome to inquire about:
Private 1:1 Tuition
Customised One-off Sessions
Family/Corporate Group Sessions
You can send your inquiry from here
Firing services and Glazing sessions are available
Please scroll down this page for details
Term Courses
POTTERY TASTER (booked out)
An inspiring short course providing a sound introduction to working with clay and creating your own Pottery. Absolutely no experience is required.You will complete several structured projects to give you a sound start in the fundamentals of clay work.
Pre-requisites: None
Content:
- Understanding Clay
- Pinch & Slab methods
- Using moulds & templates
- Successful joining
- Intro to the Wheel
- Easy decorative methods
- Intro to Glazing
Session: Mondays 6pm-8pm BOOKED OUT
Begins: 19th May (19/5, 26/5, 2/6 & 16/6) NOTE: no session on 9th June
Duration: 4x 2hrs
Course Fee: $295
Includes: all tuition, use of tools and equipment, clay, glazes, and firingsYour creations will be available for pick-up approx 2-3 weeks after completion of your course.
Please note: your place is secured when full payment is made. Change of mind refund if requested at least 2 weeks prior to course starting date. After this, a refund will only be given if a replacement participant can be found. Up until course starting date you may transfer your booking to another person.
HANDBUILDING - BASICS (not available Term 2 2025)
A sound foundation to begin your journey with clay.
You will experience a variety of clay types and construction methods with structured projects designed to give you strong fundamental skills and knowledge.
Pre-requisites: None
Content:
- Understanding Clay
- Pinch method
- Coil method
- Slab rolling & construction
- Using moulds & templates
- Successful joining
- Decorative techniques
- Glazing techniques
Session: not available Term 2Duration: 8x 2.5hrs
Term Fee: $400
Includes: all tuition, use of studio equipment & tools, in-house glazes
Extras: clay'n'firing fee $16/kg of completed work
Please note: your place is secured when full payment is made. Change of mind refund if requested at least 2 weeks prior to course starting date. After this, a refund will only be given if a replacement participant can be found. Up until course starting date you may transfer your booking to another person.
Please note: your place is secured when full payment is made. Change of mind refund if requested at least 2 weeks prior to course starting date. After this, a refund will only be given if a replacement participant can be found. Up until course starting date you may transfer your booking to another person.
WHEEL - BASICS (in the shop here)
A focussed course for beginners wanting to gain a strong foundation in wheel throwing.Structured program to guide you through the fundamental skills and knowledge needed to underpin further development.
Pre-requisites: None
Content:
- Preparing clay
- Centre, open & lift
- The Cylinder & the Bowl
- Trimming & finishing
- Decorating & glazing
Session:Wednesdays 5:30pm-8pm starting 7th May. FULLY BOOKEDORThursdays 10am-12:30pm starting 8th May. PLACES AVAILABLE
Duration: 8x 2.5hrs
Term Fee: $400
Includes: all tuition, use of studio equipment & tools, in-house glazes
Extras: clay'n'fire fee $16/kg of completed work
Please note: your place is secured when full payment is made. Change of mind refund if requested at least 2 weeks prior to course starting date. After this, a refund will only be given if a replacement participant can be found. Up until course starting date you may transfer your booking to another person.
HANDBUILDING - CONTINUING (fully booked)
Increasingly complex projects to build your skills and knowledge.Plenty of up-skilling to see you independent or inspire you to delve deeper.
Projects may include: colander/berry bowl, mortar & pestle, lidded jar/box, jug/pitcher, citrus juicer, vase/bottle.
Pre-requisites: completion of at least one full term of Handbuilding Basics and/or demonstrated sound fundamental skills.
Content:
- Form & design
- Additions (handles, feet, spouts, lids)
- Creating templates
- Making moulds
- Exploring surface decoration
- Glaze mixing, use & styles
Session: Tuesdays 5:30pm-8pm BOOKED OUTBegins: 6th May
Duration: 8x 2.5hrsTerm Fee: $400Includes: all tuition, use of studio equipment & tools, in-house glazes.Extras: clay'n'fire fee $16/kg of completed work
Please note: your place is secured when full payment is made. Change of mind refund if requested at least 2 weeks prior to course starting date. After this, a refund will only be given if a replacement participant can be found. Up until course starting date you may transfer your booking to another person with the required pre-requisites.
WHEEL - CONTINUING (not available Term 2 2025)
Increasingly complex projects to build your skills and knowledge.
Plenty of up-skilling to see you independent or inspire you to delve deeper.Projects may include: colander/berry bowl, mortar & pestle, lidded jar, jug, citrus juicer, tall vase/bottle.
Pre-requisites: Completion of at least one full term of Wheel Basics, and/or demonstrated sound fundamental throwing skills.
Content:
- Form & design
- Handles, spouts, galleries & lids
- Larger & composite forms
- Exploring surface decoration- Glaze mixing, use & styles
Session: NA
Begins: NADuration: 8x 2.5hrsTerm Fee: $400
Includes: all tuition, use of studio equipment, tools & in-house glazes
Extras: clay'n'fire fee $16/kg of completed work
Please note: your place is secured when full payment is made. Change of mind refund if requested at least 2 weeks prior to course starting date. After this, a refund will only be given if a replacement participant can be found. Up until course starting date you may transfer your booking to another person with the required pre-requisites.
GUIDED STUDIO (booked out)
Design and create your own projects; self directed, self paced, with supervision and guidance at hand.
Important note: please check that you fulfill the pre-requisites below. If you are unsure, please contact Heather at Lake Cathie Pottery to discuss.
Pre-requisites: demonstrated strong independent skills in Wheel and/or Hand-building. You will either be a continuing Lake Cathie Pottery student who has completed at least 2 Intermediate courses, or you will provide evidence of an equivalent level of skill and knowledge. You must have a sound working knowledge of health and safety issues and practices, and be able to work in a shared environment with minimal supervision. Tuition is not provided but you may access the studio library and internet resources. Session: Thursdays 5:30pm - 8:30pm CLASS FULLBegins: 8th May Duration: 8x 3hrsTerm Fee: $400Includes: supervision & guidance, use of studio equipment, tools & in-house glazesExtras: clay per bag at discounted prices; firing fee $12/kg of completed work
Note: Independent operation of kilns is not permitted. Your work will be fired in line with the studio firing schedule, or you may book a dedicated firing and assist with load/unload.
Please note: Change of mind refund given if requested at least 2 weeks prior to term commencement. After this you may request a credit (valid for 12mths) to purchase a future course/pass, clay, firing services or studio ceramics.
Pre-requisites: demonstrated strong independent skills in Wheel and/or Hand-building. You will either be a continuing Lake Cathie Pottery student who has completed at least 2 Intermediate courses, or you will provide evidence of an equivalent level of skill and knowledge. You must have a sound working knowledge of health and safety issues and practices, and be able to work in a shared environment with minimal supervision. Tuition is not provided but you may access the studio library and internet resources. Session: Thursdays 5:30pm - 8:30pm CLASS FULLBegins: 8th May Duration: 8x 3hrsTerm Fee: $400Includes: supervision & guidance, use of studio equipment, tools & in-house glazesExtras: clay per bag at discounted prices; firing fee $12/kg of completed work
Note: Independent operation of kilns is not permitted. Your work will be fired in line with the studio firing schedule, or you may book a dedicated firing and assist with load/unload.
Please note: Change of mind refund given if requested at least 2 weeks prior to term commencement. After this you may request a credit (valid for 12mths) to purchase a future course/pass, clay, firing services or studio ceramics.
Firing Services and Glazing Sessions
FIRING SERVICE (please enquire here)
Available for Pottery/Ceramics created outside of the Lake Cathie Pottery studio environment. Read guidlines below, then contact Heather to discuss your needs.
The technical side of ceramic processes can be a minefield for the inexperienced and unwary. Please make contact to discuss process and requirements before independently acquiring any clay and/or glazes.
Work must be structurally sound and dry. You will also need to have absolute proof of your clay type and glaze rating.
Dark or speckled clay (eg DSW, BRT) will require thin light coloured clay 'patties' to be placed underneath to protect kiln shelves against spitting and flashing. You may supply your own or purchase at the studio.
Only electric kilns are used at the studio (reduction firing is not available).
Not excepted for firing: 'paper clay' or work containing support materials such as paper, metal, or any suspect additions. Unidentified or mismatched clay/glaze.
Fees are charged per kg of finished weight.
Fired work will be weighed at completion. Payment must be made prior to or at collection.
Bisque firing
Temp: 1000ºC (cone 06/05)
Fee: $6/kg
Glaze firing
Temp: 1280ºC (cone 9/10)
Fee: $9/kg
Your work will be fired in scheduled studio firings.
You may request to book a whole kiln (10cuft/280L or 5cuft/150L) with a personalised firing program and temperature. Please phone to discuss your needs and to arrange a quote.
Independent operation of kilns (programming, loading, unloading) is not offered. You may observe/assist if scheduling allows. You may book 1:1 tuition to specifically learn how to load and operate a kiln.
GLAZING SESSIONS (please enquire here)
If you are having your work fired at the studio, you may book into a scheduled glazing session and use the in-house studio glazes. A range of cone 9 stoneware glazes (gloss and matte) are formulated and batched at the studio for dipping/pouring application to bisqueware. All are food safe.
Fee: an additional $5/kg added to your firing fees.
For more info & dates/times please contact Heather.
Casual Sessions
WHEEL DATE (see in shop here)
A serious wheel lesson, a belly laugh or anything in between.
Price: $145 for 2 people (additional participants $30 each to a maximum group of 6) Session duraton: 1hrIncludes: tuition, clay, use of tools and equipment, and the glazing & firing of your creations.Your pieces will be trimmed, glazed and fired later by your tutor, and will be available for pick-up 2-4 weeks after your session (postage by arrangement).
Group size: up to 6 participants. Select at the checkout, or you may arrange to include additional people later. If you have a group greater than 6 please discuss prior to purchase.
Age 12-15yrs: are welcome in a group booking which includes at least one adult. Age under 12yrs: wheel work is not suitable for children aged under 12yrs.
To book a session time or arrange a gift certificate: please contact Heather by replying to your purchase confirmation email. If you have a restricted timeframe, please phone for availability prior to purchase.
Please note: fee must be fully paid to secure your session time. If you change your mind after purchase, you may transfer your booking to a friend or request a Gift Voucher to be used within 12mths.
Price: $145 for 2 people (additional participants $30 each to a maximum group of 6) Session duraton: 1hrIncludes: tuition, clay, use of tools and equipment, and the glazing & firing of your creations.Your pieces will be trimmed, glazed and fired later by your tutor, and will be available for pick-up 2-4 weeks after your session (postage by arrangement).
Group size: up to 6 participants. Select at the checkout, or you may arrange to include additional people later. If you have a group greater than 6 please discuss prior to purchase.
Age 12-15yrs: are welcome in a group booking which includes at least one adult. Age under 12yrs: wheel work is not suitable for children aged under 12yrs.
To book a session time or arrange a gift certificate: please contact Heather by replying to your purchase confirmation email. If you have a restricted timeframe, please phone for availability prior to purchase.
Please note: fee must be fully paid to secure your session time. If you change your mind after purchase, you may transfer your booking to a friend or request a Gift Voucher to be used within 12mths.
CLAY DATE (see in shop here)
Enjoy a deeply satisfying session of creativity with your partner, bestie, family, or a bunch of friends.
Options:HANDBUILDING: create your own plate/bowl and tumbler set (or discuss other project ideas)WHEEL: a full session on the potters wheel (not suitable for age under 12yrs)
Price: $290 for 2 people (additional participants $40 each to a maximum group of 6) Session duration: 2hrsIncludes: tuition, clay, use of tools & equipment, and the glazing & firing of your creations.Your pots will be trimmed, glazed and fired later by your tutor, and will be available for pick-up 2-4 weeks after your session (postage by arrangement).
Group size: select up to 6 at the checkout, or you may arrange to include additional people later. If you have a group greater than 6 please discuss prior to purchase. Ages 7-15yrs: are welcome in a booking that includes at least one adult (wheel not suitable for under 12yrs). Please consult before including children aged under 7yrs.
To book a session time or arrange a gift certificate: please contact Heather by replying to your purchase confirmation email. If you have a restricted timeframe, please phone for availability prior to purchase.
Please note: fee must be fully paid to secure your session time. If you change your mind after purchase, you may transfer your booking to a friend or request a Gift Voucher.
Options:HANDBUILDING: create your own plate/bowl and tumbler set (or discuss other project ideas)WHEEL: a full session on the potters wheel (not suitable for age under 12yrs)
Price: $290 for 2 people (additional participants $40 each to a maximum group of 6) Session duration: 2hrsIncludes: tuition, clay, use of tools & equipment, and the glazing & firing of your creations.Your pots will be trimmed, glazed and fired later by your tutor, and will be available for pick-up 2-4 weeks after your session (postage by arrangement).
Group size: select up to 6 at the checkout, or you may arrange to include additional people later. If you have a group greater than 6 please discuss prior to purchase. Ages 7-15yrs: are welcome in a booking that includes at least one adult (wheel not suitable for under 12yrs). Please consult before including children aged under 7yrs.
To book a session time or arrange a gift certificate: please contact Heather by replying to your purchase confirmation email. If you have a restricted timeframe, please phone for availability prior to purchase.
Please note: fee must be fully paid to secure your session time. If you change your mind after purchase, you may transfer your booking to a friend or request a Gift Voucher.
1:1 TUITION (please enquire here)
Jump start, revisit, upgrade or refine your Hand-building or Wheel Throwing skills with an intensive tutorial.
Suitable for the total beginner through to intermediate. You may also include skills such as turning, handle pulling, decorative techniques etc.
Important note: Wheel work is only suitable for ages 12yrs+ due to the need for core body strength and skeletal stability. Please discuss any physical restrictions before purchase so that a safe strategy can be worked out for you.
Initial Fee: $120
Duration: 1hr tuition + 30mins practice
Includes: tuition, clay, use of tools and equipment
Extras: firing service at $16/kg
You may arrange further lessons after your initial session. Further lessons are successively reduced by $5. Purchase of 4 or more sessions in a single term includes complementary access to a scheduled glazing session to complete the making cycle. Firing fees apply.
To book your session: please contact Heather to check availability or arrange a Gift Certificate.
Please note: fee must be fully paid to secure your session time. If you change your mind after purchase, you may transfer your booking to a friend or request a Gift Certificate.