Term Pottery Classes
Term classes are 8 weeks , held four times a year. We cater for both new and experienced potters. Join a class to have a great time learning new skills, meet people and create wonderful pottery pieces in a warm and supportive class.
Term 4 Program 2025
Term 4, 2025 Bookings are now open.
Welcome to Term 4, 2025 – Bookings Now Open!
Commencing October 20 to December 11
We offer both hand-building and wheel-throwing courses, allowing students to focus on the unique skills each approach requires, rather than trying to cover everything in a single class. Our priority is providing personalised tuition in a warm and supportive studio environment.
With over 50% of our students returning each term, we’re committed to fostering individual growth in ceramics. Many of our classes are pre-booked by returning students, but as a newsletter subscriber, you have priority access before bookings open to the public.
Beyond skill development, PCAI is a fantastic place to connect with like-minded creatives, build friendships, and enjoy the fun and rewarding experience of working with clay.
Secure your spot early—places fill fast!
Course Descriptions
Introduction to the Wheel: Monday Night. The course is designed for complete beginners to provide you with the basic skills and techniques needed to throw and trim clay on a pottery wheel and glaze your work. Dianne is a very experienced wheel thrower, whose techniques will nurture through each step with care and attention.
Ongoing Wheel throwing: Tuesday night is an 8-week course for those continuing from Beginners with their previous pottery experience. You will learn how to make and refine your skills and other more advanced skills, decoration and glazing techniques. You will need to have completed Beginners or equivalent before enrolling. (Not for Beginners)
Wednesday Morning wheel throwing course: This 8-week course can cater for beginners to ongoing students. The focus of this course is to introduce you to throwing on the wheel, trimming and glazing. For those more experienced potters, Elsie will help you refine your techniques and assist you with more advanced wheel work techniques.
Wednesday Evening course is by invitation only. It is designed for more advanced throwers with considerable previous experience. Dianne will focus on developing your skills and provide more challenging wheel techniques /projects to work on, along with more surface design and glazing.
Thursday evening – Hand-building and Sculptural is an 8-week course. Designed to teach you hand building techniques for sculptural and functional ware. Diamando will guide and nurture your creativity and introduce advanced techniques in hand building for ongoing students.
Sunday Morning Hand building – New Course
This is a 6-week course with our new tutor Peter Meier to introduce you to hand building techniques, and Japanese Kurinuki, a Japanese method of carving clay blocks.
Please read our Conditions of Enrolment /refund policy carefully prior to enrolling in a class/ workshop as it’s an 8-week commitment.
Terms & Conditions
Terms & Conditions of Enrolment, Parramatta Clay and Arts Inc. (PCAI)
Confirmation of Booking
Once your booking is confirmed, details about our studio and what to bring to class will be sent closer to class commencement date.
Cancellation/ Refund Policy / Missed classes
2 weeks notification prior to commencement of class is required if cancelling your enrolment. A $20 cancellation fee applies
As there is a large waiting list for classes, no refunds or make up classes are available once class commences for missed classes, for change of mind, or failure to attend. In dire personal circumstances a partial refund may be considered. Conditions apply. Students must contact Director immediately to be considered.
Using the Gift Voucher
If you have received a Gift Voucher you still need to book into the program via the online Booking Form. Instead of payment details simply place Gift Voucher number in Notes section of Form. Vouchers can be purchased via email. Gift Vouchers are valid for 24 months from date of purchase.
Waiting List
Class sizes are limited to 10 to 12 persons per class and fill very fast. Sometime places open, due to cancellation so please complete the waiting list details form. If a place opens when term has commenced you will be advised and pay either the full rate or a pro-rata rate (if you miss a class) for the remainder of Term.
The Wait list is compiled in order of date and time of your booking.
Additional Needs and Physical ability
PCAI is an accessible venue for most although there is one step to the bathroom to navigate. A wheelchair accessible bathroom is available nearby.
Using the pottery wheel can be physically challenging for some with the following conditions: arthritis in or injury to hands; neck or back pain, reduced strength or limited motion in upper arms and shoulders; later trimester of pregnancy; Hip or Foot injury.
There are ways to modify the wheel throwing experience but please consider your physical capacity prior to enrolling in a wheel throwing class. We provide many options hand building with clay, as an alternative to the pottery wheel experience. Please feel free to contact us to discuss any addition needs further, so we may be of assistance.
Materials
Your materials fee covers a bag of clay, coloured slips and glazes per student.
Additional materials such as underglaze and tissue transfers can be purchased from the studio and are not included in materials fee.
For home studio use Clay can be purchased from the studio at discounted prices however orders need to be placed in advance.
Extra firings
PCAI kilns are always full, due to large student numbers. Occasionally we can fire some extra pieces, however a cost for bisque and glaze firings for work made outside of class time is necessary. Pieces can only be fired when kiln space is available as priority is given to PCAI student work.
If an excess of materials is used during class, students may be asked to refine their work and select only the best for firing or to pay an additional fee for kiln space and materials used.
Monday Evening Introduction to Wheel Throwing Class – Beginners only
Elsie Zhao, brings with her more than a decade of expertise in the ceramic industry.
“I earned my bachelor’s degree in ceramic art design from Jingdezhen Ceramic University in China in 2012. Over the course of 6 years, I’ve honed my teaching skills in ceramics, gaining valuable hands-on experience in throwing, trimming, glazing, and hand building.” (Elsie)
This course gives you the basic techniques needed to throw on a pottery wheel such as learning to centre your pieces, pull the clay up; and then trim the bases. You will be using coloured slip and texture to decorate and glaze your pieces.
Terms & Conditions
Terms & Conditions of Enrolment, Parramatta Clay and Arts Inc. (PCAI)
Confirmation of Booking
Once your booking is confirmed, details about our studio and what to bring to class will be sent closer to class commencement date.
Cancellation/ Refund Policy / Missed classes
2 weeks notification prior to commencement of class is required if cancelling your enrolment. A $20 cancellation fee applies
As there is a large waiting list for classes, no refunds or make up classes are available once class commences for missed classes, for change of mind, or failure to attend. In dire personal circumstances a partial refund may be considered. Conditions apply. Students must contact Director immediately to be considered.
Using the Gift Voucher
If you have received a Gift Voucher you still need to book into the program via the online Booking Form. Instead of payment details simply place Gift Voucher number in Notes section of Form. Vouchers can be purchased via email. Gift Vouchers are valid for 24 months from date of purchase.
Waiting List
Class sizes are limited to 10 to 12 persons per class and fill very fast. Sometime places open, due to cancellation so please complete the waiting list details form. If a place opens when term has commenced you will be advised and pay either the full rate or a pro-rata rate (if you miss a class) for the remainder of Term.
The Wait list is compiled in order of date and time of your booking.
Additional Needs and Physical ability
PCAI is an accessible venue for most although there is one step to the bathroom to navigate. A wheelchair accessible bathroom is available nearby.
Using the pottery wheel can be physically challenging for some with the following conditions: arthritis in or injury to hands; neck or back pain, reduced strength or limited motion in upper arms and shoulders; later trimester of pregnancy; Hip or Foot injury.
There are ways to modify the wheel throwing experience but please consider your physical capacity prior to enrolling in a wheel throwing class. We provide many options hand building with clay, as an alternative to the pottery wheel experience. Please feel free to contact us to discuss any addition needs further, so we may be of assistance.
Materials
Your materials fee covers a bag of clay, coloured slips and glazes per student.
Additional materials such as underglaze and tissue transfers can be purchased from the studio and are not included in materials fee.
For home studio use Clay can be purchased from the studio at discounted prices however orders need to be placed in advance.
Extra firings
PCAI kilns are always full, due to large student numbers. Occasionally we can fire some extra pieces, however a cost for bisque and glaze firings for work made outside of class time is necessary. Pieces can only be fired when kiln space is available as priority is given to PCAI student work.
If an excess of materials is used during class, students may be asked to refine their work and select only the best for firing or to pay an additional fee for kiln space and materials used.
Date Monday Evening: October 20 to December 8 (8 weeks)
Time 6 to 9 pm
Tutor Di Turner
Fee $500 (includes clay, glaze, and firings)
5 in stock
Tuesday Evening Ongoing Wheel (Intermediate level)
This course gives you the second steps needed after you have practiced the basic techniques such as centring the clay, pulling up and trimming the bases. You will be learning more techniques, using coloured slips, texture and glazing your bisque ware.
Terms & Conditions
Terms & Conditions of Enrolment, Parramatta Clay and Arts Inc. (PCAI)
Confirmation of Booking
Once your booking is confirmed, details about our studio and what to bring to class will be sent closer to class commencement date.
Cancellation/ Refund Policy / Missed classes
2 weeks notification prior to commencement of class is required if cancelling your enrolment. A $20 cancellation fee applies
As there is a large waiting list for classes, no refunds or make up classes are available once class commences for missed classes, for change of mind, or failure to attend. In dire personal circumstances a partial refund may be considered. Conditions apply. Students must contact Director immediately to be considered.
Using the Gift Voucher
If you have received a Gift Voucher you still need to book into the program via the online Booking Form. Instead of payment details simply place Gift Voucher number in Notes section of Form. Vouchers can be purchased via email. Gift Vouchers are valid for 24 months from date of purchase.
Waiting List
Class sizes are limited to 10 to 12 persons per class and fill very fast. Sometime places open, due to cancellation so please complete the waiting list details form. If a place opens when term has commenced you will be advised and pay either the full rate or a pro-rata rate (if you miss a class) for the remainder of Term.
The Wait list is compiled in order of date and time of your booking.
Additional Needs and Physical ability
PCAI is an accessible venue for most although there is one step to the bathroom to navigate. A wheelchair accessible bathroom is available nearby.
Using the pottery wheel can be physically challenging for some with the following conditions: arthritis in or injury to hands; neck or back pain, reduced strength or limited motion in upper arms and shoulders; later trimester of pregnancy; Hip or Foot injury.
There are ways to modify the wheel throwing experience but please consider your physical capacity prior to enrolling in a wheel throwing class. We provide many options hand building with clay, as an alternative to the pottery wheel experience. Please feel free to contact us to discuss any addition needs further, so we may be of assistance.
Materials
Your materials fee covers a bag of clay, coloured slips and glazes per student.
Additional materials such as underglaze and tissue transfers can be purchased from the studio and are not included in materials fee.
For home studio use Clay can be purchased from the studio at discounted prices however orders need to be placed in advance.
Extra firings
PCAI kilns are always full, due to large student numbers. Occasionally we can fire some extra pieces, however a cost for bisque and glaze firings for work made outside of class time is necessary. Pieces can only be fired when kiln space is available as priority is given to PCAI student work.
If an excess of materials is used during class, students may be asked to refine their work and select only the best for firing or to pay an additional fee for kiln space and materials used.
Date Tuesday Evening: October 21 to December 9 (8 weeks)
Time 6 to 9 pm
Tutor Elsie Zhao
Fee $500 (includes clay, glaze, and firings)
Out of stock
Wednesday Morning Introduction to Wheel Throwing Class -Beginners 1
Elsie Zhao, brings with her more than a decade of expertise in the ceramic industry.
“I earned my bachelor’s degree in ceramic art design from Jingdezhen Ceramic University in China in 2012. Over the course of 6 years, I’ve honed my teaching skills in ceramics, gaining valuable hands-on experience in throwing, trimming, glazing, and hand building.” (Elsie)
This course gives you the basic techniques needed to throw on a pottery wheel such as learning to centre your pieces, pull the clay up; and then trim the bases and apply glaze.
Terms & Conditions
Terms & Conditions of Enrolment, Parramatta Clay and Arts Inc. (PCAI)
Confirmation of Booking
Once your booking is confirmed, details about our studio and what to bring to class will be sent closer to class commencement date.
Cancellation/ Refund Policy / Missed classes
2 weeks notification prior to commencement of class is required if cancelling your enrolment. A $20 cancellation fee applies
As there is a large waiting list for classes, no refunds or make up classes are available once class commences for missed classes, for change of mind, or failure to attend. In dire personal circumstances a partial refund may be considered. Conditions apply. Students must contact Director immediately to be considered.
Using the Gift Voucher
If you have received a Gift Voucher you still need to book into the program via the online Booking Form. Instead of payment details simply place Gift Voucher number in Notes section of Form. Vouchers can be purchased via email. Gift Vouchers are valid for 24 months from date of purchase.
Waiting List
Class sizes are limited to 10 to 12 persons per class and fill very fast. Sometime places open, due to cancellation so please complete the waiting list details form. If a place opens when term has commenced you will be advised and pay either the full rate or a pro-rata rate (if you miss a class) for the remainder of Term.
The Wait list is compiled in order of date and time of your booking.
Additional Needs and Physical ability
PCAI is an accessible venue for most although there is one step to the bathroom to navigate. A wheelchair accessible bathroom is available nearby.
Using the pottery wheel can be physically challenging for some with the following conditions: arthritis in or injury to hands; neck or back pain, reduced strength or limited motion in upper arms and shoulders; later trimester of pregnancy; Hip or Foot injury.
There are ways to modify the wheel throwing experience but please consider your physical capacity prior to enrolling in a wheel throwing class. We provide many options hand building with clay, as an alternative to the pottery wheel experience. Please feel free to contact us to discuss any addition needs further, so we may be of assistance.
Materials
Your materials fee covers a bag of clay, coloured slips and glazes per student.
Additional materials such as underglaze and tissue transfers can be purchased from the studio and are not included in materials fee.
For home studio use Clay can be purchased from the studio at discounted prices however orders need to be placed in advance.
Extra firings
PCAI kilns are always full, due to large student numbers. Occasionally we can fire some extra pieces, however a cost for bisque and glaze firings for work made outside of class time is necessary. Pieces can only be fired when kiln space is available as priority is given to PCAI student work.
If an excess of materials is used during class, students may be asked to refine their work and select only the best for firing or to pay an additional fee for kiln space and materials used.
Date Wednesday Mornings: October 22 to December 10 (8 weeks)
Time 10 am to 1 pm
Tutor Elsie Zhao
Fee $500.00 (includes clay, glaze, and firings)
11 in stock
Thursday Evening Class- Hand Building / Ceramics Sculptural
Suitable for Beginners to ongoing students
Diamando is an experienced practicing ceramic artist, community arts facilitator, and art administrator. She has designed this course to introduce you to a variety of hand building techniques for making both functional and non-functional ceramics and to investigate the numerous and diverse ways to adorn your clay surfaces with texture, glaze, and slip. Methods of slab building, coil, and pinch pot construction, are among the skills you will acquire.
Expand your creativity and fortify your sense of well-being in the company of like-minded creatives. Each participant is guided along their unique pottery making journey, to manifest work that is meaningful to you personally.
Terms & Conditions
Terms & Conditions of Enrolment, Parramatta Clay and Arts Inc. (PCAI)
Confirmation of Booking
Once your booking is confirmed, details about our studio and what to bring to class will be sent closer to class commencement date.
Cancellation/ Refund Policy / Missed classes
2 weeks notification prior to commencement of class is required if cancelling your enrolment. A $20 cancellation fee applies
As there is a large waiting list for classes, no refunds or make up classes are available once class commences for missed classes, for change of mind, or failure to attend. In dire personal circumstances a partial refund may be considered. Conditions apply. Students must contact Director immediately to be considered.
Using the Gift Voucher
If you have received a Gift Voucher you still need to book into the program via the online Booking Form. Instead of payment details simply place Gift Voucher number in Notes section of Form. Vouchers can be purchased via email. Gift Vouchers are valid for 24 months from date of purchase.
Waiting List
Class sizes are limited to 10 to 12 persons per class and fill very fast. Sometime places open, due to cancellation so please complete the waiting list details form. If a place opens when term has commenced you will be advised and pay either the full rate or a pro-rata rate (if you miss a class) for the remainder of Term.
The Wait list is compiled in order of date and time of your booking.
Additional Needs and Physical ability
PCAI is an accessible venue for most although there is one step to the bathroom to navigate. A wheelchair accessible bathroom is available nearby.
Using the pottery wheel can be physically challenging for some with the following conditions: arthritis in or injury to hands; neck or back pain, reduced strength or limited motion in upper arms and shoulders; later trimester of pregnancy; Hip or Foot injury.
There are ways to modify the wheel throwing experience but please consider your physical capacity prior to enrolling in a wheel throwing class. We provide many options hand building with clay, as an alternative to the pottery wheel experience. Please feel free to contact us to discuss any addition needs further, so we may be of assistance.
Materials
Your materials fee covers a bag of clay, coloured slips and glazes per student.
Additional materials such as underglaze and tissue transfers can be purchased from the studio and are not included in materials fee.
For home studio use Clay can be purchased from the studio at discounted prices however orders need to be placed in advance.
Extra firings
PCAI kilns are always full, due to large student numbers. Occasionally we can fire some extra pieces, however a cost for bisque and glaze firings for work made outside of class time is necessary. Pieces can only be fired when kiln space is available as priority is given to PCAI student work.
If an excess of materials is used during class, students may be asked to refine their work and select only the best for firing or to pay an additional fee for kiln space and materials used.
Date Thursday Evening: October 23 to December 11 (8 weeks)
Time 6 to 9 pm
Tutor Diamando Koutsellis
Fee $500.00 (includes clay glaze and firings)
Out of stock
Sunday Morning Class- Hand Building / Ceramics Sculptural – New Course!!!
Suitable for Beginners to ongoing students
Peter has extensive experience as a ceramic artist. He loves sharing his passion for specialist glazes and surface decoration. This course is designed as an introduction to hand building skills for functional or sculptural works. You will nourish your creativity using basic coil and slab building techniques as well as kurinuki, a Japanese method of carving vessels from a solid block of clay.
You will investigate various surface treatments such as burnishing and texturing in the context of basic glazing techniques and discover ways to bring out the unique character of your work to craft pieces that carry personal meaning and artistic depth.
Terms & Conditions
Terms & Conditions of Enrolment, Parramatta Clay and Arts Inc. (PCAI)
Confirmation of Booking
Once your booking is confirmed, details about our studio and what to bring to class will be sent closer to class commencement date.
Cancellation/ Refund Policy / Missed classes
2 weeks notification prior to commencement of class is required if cancelling your enrolment. A $20 cancellation fee applies
As there is a large waiting list for classes, no refunds or make up classes are available once class commences for missed classes, for change of mind, or failure to attend. In dire personal circumstances a partial refund may be considered. Conditions apply. Students must contact Director immediately to be considered.
Using the Gift Voucher
If you have received a Gift Voucher you still need to book into the program via the online Booking Form. Instead of payment details simply place Gift Voucher number in Notes section of Form. Vouchers can be purchased via email. Gift Vouchers are valid for 24 months from date of purchase.
Waiting List
Class sizes are limited to 10 to 12 persons per class and fill very fast. Sometime places open, due to cancellation so please complete the waiting list details form. If a place opens when term has commenced you will be advised and pay either the full rate or a pro-rata rate (if you miss a class) for the remainder of Term.
The Wait list is compiled in order of date and time of your booking.
Additional Needs and Physical ability
PCAI is an accessible venue for most although there is one step to the bathroom to navigate. A wheelchair accessible bathroom is available nearby.
Using the pottery wheel can be physically challenging for some with the following conditions: arthritis in or injury to hands; neck or back pain, reduced strength or limited motion in upper arms and shoulders; later trimester of pregnancy; Hip or Foot injury.
There are ways to modify the wheel throwing experience but please consider your physical capacity prior to enrolling in a wheel throwing class. We provide many options hand building with clay, as an alternative to the pottery wheel experience. Please feel free to contact us to discuss any addition needs further, so we may be of assistance.
Materials
Your materials fee covers a bag of clay, coloured slips and glazes per student.
Additional materials such as underglaze and tissue transfers can be purchased from the studio and are not included in materials fee.
For home studio use Clay can be purchased from the studio at discounted prices however orders need to be placed in advance.
Extra firings
PCAI kilns are always full, due to large student numbers. Occasionally we can fire some extra pieces, however a cost for bisque and glaze firings for work made outside of class time is necessary. Pieces can only be fired when kiln space is available as priority is given to PCAI student work.
If an excess of materials is used during class, students may be asked to refine their work and select only the best for firing or to pay an additional fee for kiln space and materials used.
Date Sunday morning: October 26 to Dec 7 (6 weeks) (excludes Nov 9 due to exhibition)
Time 10 am to 1 pm
Tutor Peter Meier
Fee $375.00 (includes clay glaze and firings)
6 in stock