WILLOW WORK
Willow Work students learn a variety of different designs and techniques. Basket production is a speedy but rhythmical craft activity. The work includes planning, costing and sales. Students also learn about the complete cycle and range of willow growing and harvesting from our own withy beds.
WEAVING AND TEXTILES
Weaving and Textiles are one of the region’s traditional industries. Students can work on a wide range of looms to create designs and produce unique and beautiful woven fabrics, which in turn can be made into contemporary fashionable items. Additional activities include felt making, ragrug techniques, batik and silk painting. Project work can include spinning and carding, preparing natural dye and pigments, setting looms and collecting wool from our sheep..
WOODWORK
Woodwork students are taught to use a range of both hand and power tools skills. Each student is involved in all aspects of planning, research, costing and design. These all go towards developing essential skills that meet the needs of others. Finished work can be seen in the college buildings and activities.
POTTERY
Pottery students explore the unique qualities of clay through the differing techniques used in the creation of finished products. Students can also take part in digging, extracting and refining clods of local clay. The workshop is fully equipped with manual and electric wheels, a jigger jolly and a pug mill to recycle used clay.
During all the craft sessions students can develop their Information Communication and Technology skills using computers, tablets and photography. These are essential elements for students to record their work and in developing marketing skills and contacts. English and Maths skills are embedded in individual activities and supported discretely. Craft fairs provide opportunities for students to publicly display their individual and bespoke craftwork. This enables student to take commissions. Each workshop also produces stock for retail markets, craft fairs, and exhibitions and sale onsite.