As a student, I had the opportunity to participate in a pottery workshop, an art form that has been around for thousands of years. This involved using different techniques such as hand-building, sculpting, and throwing on a wheel to create unique objects out of clay. The workshop was an excellent example of a creativity-focused CAS activity that allowed me to develop my artistic skills. Not only did I learn about different pottery techniques, but I also gained personal and interpersonal skills.

LO1: Increased awareness of strengths and areas for growth:

The workshop helped me to identify my artistic strengths and areas for improvement. I discovered that I had a talent for hand-building but needed to improve my throwing skills. This realization helped me to set personal goals for growth and development. By being aware of my strengths and weaknesses, I was able to work towards enhancing my skills and techniques. For example, I took extra time to practice my throwing skills and sought feedback from my peers and instructors to improve my technique. As a result, I was able to produce more intricate and complex pieces of pottery. In addition to developing my artistic skills, the pottery workshop also helped me to develop my personal and interpersonal skills. I learned how to be patient, focused, and attentive to detail when creating pottery.

LO2: Undertaken new challenges:

During my pottery workshop, I was exposed to various techniques, from throwing on the wheel to hand-building and sculpting. It was an exciting opportunity to try out new techniques and challenge myself to experiment with different styles. I realized that in order to master these new techniques, I had to step out of my comfort zone and take risks. By pushing myself to try new things, I was able to develop my creativity and innovation skills. It also taught me the importance of being comfortable with taking risks and trying new things, even if it meant making mistakes along the way.

LO3: Planned and initiated activities:

When I participated in pottery, I learned that the planning and preparation involved in creating pottery is just as important as the actual creation process. From selecting the right type of clay to designing the final product, every step required careful consideration and planning. During the workshop, I took responsibility for planning and initiating my own pottery projects with the guidance of my supervisors. This experience taught me the importance of taking ownership of the planning process and developing important leadership and organizational skills. By being proactive and taking charge of the planning process, I was able to gain valuable experience in project management and develop my leadership abilities.

LO5: Shown perseverance and commitment:

During my pottery workshop, I learned that creating a pottery piece requires a great deal of patience, persistence, and attention to detail. It was a slow and gradual process, from preparing the clay to shaping and firing it in the kiln. I had to pay close attention to each step of the process, making sure to handle the clay carefully and apply just the right amount of pressure. Even when things didn’t go exactly as planned, I learned the importance of persevering and not giving up on my vision. By demonstrating this commitment and attention to detail, I was able to create a pottery piece that I was proud of, and I also developed my patience and perseverance skills.

LO7: Considered the ethical implications of their actions:

When I attended a pottery workshop, I realized that pottery making is not just about creating beautiful objects but also about considering the environmental and social impact of my actions. I learned to choose eco-friendly materials and production methods that don’t harm the environment or local communities. By making ethical decisions and discussing responsible production with others, I improved my decision-making and critical thinking skills while developing a sense of social and environmental responsibility.