Student Contract

Student Contract

ALL studio users must read and adhere to the health and safety policy at all times.

N.B. 15 minutes of every session will be directed to cleaning the studio space.

Please be aware that there is NO GUARANTEE that your work will survive firing. All due care is always taken but firings are often up to the kiln Gods!

Vessel Ceramics Studio is a relaxed and friendly environment, but we do need some rules in order for our classes to run efficiently. By attending classes at Vessel Ceramics you are agreeing to abide by these rules and our Terms & Conditions.

STUDIO TIMES VARY

Morning session: 9.30am - 12.30pm or 10 am - 1pm

Afternoon session: 1pm - 4pm or 2 - 5pm

GENERAL HOUSEKEEPING

  • Please note the start and end time for your session and be aware that tutors and staff have a short window to ensure that the studio is prepared for the next session.

  • Ceramics is not an exact science. Results can vary and can be unpredictable.

  • Please ensure you complete the Student Details survey at the start of each term.

  • We take photos/videos of life at the studio as well as of student work. These are often used on social media. If you would rather not be involved in this please let us know.

  • If you need to miss a session, please contact us by email or phone and we will do our best to organise a catch-up session. All catch-up sessions are untutored and use of a wheel cannot be guaranteed. We are, however, unable to carry sessions over from one term to the next.

  • If you decide not to continue to the next term please let us know as soon as possible.

EQUIPMENT & WORKSPACES

  • Please ensure any tools you have used are cleaned and put back where they belong.

  • Please make sure that you clean your workspace when you have finished your session and leave it how you would like to find it.

  • Please do not remove any tools, books or other equipment from the studio without prior permission.

HEALTH & SAFETY

  • Please wear appropriate clothing, including suitable ‘closed toe’ shoes.

  • Bring an apron or old shirt to protect your clothing.

  • Please bring your own towel if you like to use one when using a wheel.

  • Please leave valuable jewellery at home.

  • Please speak to a member of staff if you need use of a first aid kit and fill in the accident book.

  • Masks are provided for sanding and this should always be done outside or over water.

  • Please refrain from eating and drinking around the work areas.

  • When cleaning the wheels please ensure that they are switched off.

  • Always clean with a damp sponge/cloth and do not sweep as clay dust can be bad for your health.

  • Please ensure that corks are replaced on any sharp tools after use.

  • The extruder handle should always be removed after use.

  • Always wear a mask when using oxides and do not use if you are pregnant (it is important that you inform staff if you are pregnant).

  • There is no unauthorised use of the kiln.

  • The meeting point in the event of an evacuation from the studio is in the courtyard outside.

GLAZING

  • If any slips, stains, oxides or glazes are running low please speak to staff. We may well have more elsewhere or we will do our best to replenish as soon as is possible.

  • Check with staff before double-dipping or combining glazes.

  • Please make sure that the bases of your work are well wiped and free from any glaze.

  • If student work damages the kiln shelves, due to a glazing error, we will request a contribution to repair or replace the damaged shelf or shelves. The glazing fees will still also apply.

  • When using glazes, slips and oxides please use the three bucket glazing system for each glaze separately, label the container and do not pour any down the sink.

FIRED WORK

  • We may refuse to fire work if we consider that this would be a risk to other work and/or our kilns.

  • We do not offer a firing service for work produced outside of the studio.

  • There is a small charge for fired work. Please see a member of staff at the end of your session to pay for your glazing. Earthenware charges are as follows (other clay costs vary):

    £5 per 500g

    £6 per 500g for work with oxide

    £10 per 500g for any work over 30cm in height or width

    Work that is biscuit fired but not glazed is charged at £2 per 500g

STUDENT WORK

  • Please be very careful when moving your work or looking for your project. Do not pick up work that doesn’t belong to you.

  • Please inform us about your plans for work left on the shelves. This is because newly thrown work can get distorted and may need to be covered to prevent drying.

  • Wrapped bags contain fragile student work.

  • Any work that has not been bisque fired is extremely delicate.

RECYCLED CLAY

  • We have different recycling bins provided for clay (ie bins for soft clay, bins for hard clay, bins for slurry). Please make sure clay is placed in the correct bin. If hard clay is mixed with soft clay it is very difficult to recycle (please ask if you are not sure).