Ceramics

Developing a practical understanding of clay objects while taking an aesthetic approach to ceramics is the primary goal of this course. George School has an excellent studio with many potter's wheels, and wheelwork is emphasized. Students develop skills in centering clay, throwing on the potter's wheel, trimming, and glazing. Other skills introduced in alternate years are: building with slabs or coils, pinching clay pots, creating small-scale sculpture, making clay stamps, and decorating with brushes and glaze pens. Each student's work is exhibited with a critique at the end of each term. Classes include videos, slides, and presentations of others' work, including artists in the field. Students are expected to complete between four and ten pieces each term. In addition, they are expected to support classmates, to honor the work of all students in the class, and to contribute to classroom cleanup and maintenance.

Students may prepare for an IB visual arts exam by taking ceramics courses for at least two years. To take an SL exam, only one of the two years must be in 11th or 12th grade. To take an HL exam, the student must enroll in ceramics courses in both 11th and 12th grades. Juniors and seniors preparing for an IB exam in the visual arts must participate in the IB visual arts seminar, which meets for 30 minutes weekly and includes occasional field trips on Saturday or Sunday. IB ceramics students are encouraged to develop individual projects and to work more independently than non-IB students. 

Ceramics Concentration—Mixed Media Sculpture

The development of a conceptual understanding of the creation of abstract sculpture is central to this course in which students learn the fundamentals of creating and appreciating non-representational sculptural forms in clay and a variety of alternative materials. Among these fundamentals are techniques in clay, principles of balance and weight, elements of design, hand building techniques, and fabrication techniques. Alternative materials used include but are not limited to found objects, wood, steel, and stone.

Class discussions and group critiques are used to explore new ways of discussing, viewing, and understanding ceramic art and various sculpture media. This course provides students with the basic tools, information, and context needed for close observation and thoughtful analysis of art made in the class and in the wider world.

Students may prepare for an IB visual arts exam by taking ceramics courses for at least two years. To take an SL exam, only one of the two years must be in 11th or 12th grade. To take an HL exam, the student must enroll in ceramics courses in both 11th and 12th grades. Juniors and seniors preparing for an IB exam in the visual arts must participate in the IB visual arts seminar, which meets for 30 minutes weekly and includes occasional field trips on Saturday or Sunday. IB ceramics students are encouraged to develop individual projects and to work more independently than non-IB students.

Advanced Ceramics

Students work to expand their knowledge of clay as an art medium and to improve the skills learned in Ceramics. They complete specific assignments and plan some of their own projects. Projects are more complex and require more time. Assignments might include teapots, cups and saucers, plates, and other sets. There is a great deal of flexibility within the assignments given to students and some assignments might include a written or presentation component.

Students may take this course more than once.

Students may prepare for an IB visual arts exam by taking ceramics courses for at least two years. To take an SL exam, only one of the two years must be in 11th or 12th grade. To take an HL exam, the student must enroll in ceramics courses in both 11th and 12th grades. Juniors and seniors preparing for an IB exam in the visual arts must participate in the IB visual arts seminar, which meets for 30 minutes weekly and includes occasional field trips on Saturday or Sunday. IB ceramics students are encouraged to develop individual projects and to work more independently than non-IB students.

Prerequisite: Ceramics (must be taken at George School)