Jewellery: Beginners and Intermediate, Thursday Evening

This is a practical class and you will be learning to make pieces of jewellery to develop, or build on your skills. You will learn to work confidently with metals and other materials. Beginners will start with a series of basic, practical projects designed to encourage the familiarity with the tools, materials and processes most frequently used in the workshop. Returning and intermediate students will be set a new project each term, usually related to a specialist technique, as well as pursuing their own personal projects. You will learn through group demonstrations and individual, one-to-one help and guidance, with technical and critical advice depending on your needs. The tutor will give demonstrations, presentations and lead group discussions around technical and creative subjects. You will work at your own pace, negotiating individual learning goals with your tutor, and record and assess these on Learning Statements.

The jewellery studio is on the 3rd floor of the main building, there is lift access. You need a moderate level of fitness to be able to use some of the jewellery equipment or machinery. Some chemicals used may be harmful in pregnancy. Please let the tutor know if you are pregnant and they will advise you as to necessary precautions. Covid Advice and Precautions: Please do not attend the course if you are feeling unwell or showing any of the symptoms of Covid 19. The classroom has been adapted to be a Covid safe working environment, tables and chairs will be sanitised and your tutor will be wearing a face visor. Students are asked to wash their hands or use the provided hand sanitiser / gloves before and after using shared equipment. You will be expected to comply with physical distancing guidance. Please bring an apron to wear and wash between sessions and glasses for close work and to observe tutor demonstrations. Very close up observation may not be possible under social distancing guidelines. We strongly advise that you bring a face protector. Appropriate health and safety guidance will be given as each new technique is introduced.

Students will be expected to buy materials for their projects (e.g. silver, silver solder, saw blades). A comprehensive list of these and suppliers will be provided during the first lesson. A note book for technical notes and design ideas is strongly recommended. New students with previous experience should bring an example of their work. The college provides all of the tools necessary to take part in the course and basic materials in reasonable quantities, such as base metals, paper, acrylic etc.

This is an open-ended course where different techniques are covered each term and you are encouraged to continue with the same tutor in order to develop your jewellery making skills and individual style. The course could lead to a full time study in the visual/applied arts: for example a qualification in Jewellery Design such as an NVQ, HND or BA. Experience and enthusiasm could lead to the student setting up their own workshop as a designer/maker.