Ceramics I

Ms. McGrath

Course Summary:

In Ceramics I, students will learn a variety of techniques for working with clay. Primarily, we will be handbuilding, using the pinch, coil, and slab methods. Projects may include functional objects as well as sculptures.

Welcome to

Ceramics I!

About Ms. McGrath (she/her):

​

• Beginning 28th year of teaching art at HVRSD
• Faculty advisor to Spectrum, Youth Environmental Society, Photography, and Art Clubs
• Co-chair of the HVRSD Climate Action Committee
• Graduate of:
• Rutgers with B.A. in Psychology, English, and Visual Art
• Parsons/New School Art Education Certification Program
• Maine College of Art with M.F.A. in Studio Art

Ms. McGrath’s Teaching Philosophy:

​

Everyone is an artist!

​

​

PINCH POTS

Some projects this year may include...

TEXTURED PLANTERS

COIL MUGS

COIL VASES

SGRAFFITO PLATES

SLAB SIGNS

LEAF IMPRINT TRAY

ECO ART POLES

TEXTURED BOWLS

MASKS

ANIMAL SCULPTURES

In this class, students will experience all the stages of the creative process, including:

​

1. Research, experimentation, practice, and planning

​

• Artwork creation:
• Greenware (wet clay)
• Glazeware (fired & glazed clay)

​

• Documentation, reflection and self-assessment

​

• Critique

​

​

​

Assessment will be based on:

​

• Completion of all assignments
• Meeting assignment goals and objectives
• Demonstration of knowledge and understanding terms, techniques, and concepts

Deadlines:

​

• It is important that students complete each segment of the project by the deadline given. Once a deadline has passed, no additional class time will be given for its completion.

​

• Students who require additional time may make arrangements with their teacher to work in the studio outside of class. Some students may need to take work home to complete it.

​

• Projects that are not turned in by the deadline will receive a “0” in OnCourse until the assignment is turned in.

​

• No projects will be accepted after the close of the marking period.

​

• Students who are absent from class are responsible for work missed while they were out.

​

• In cases where students are unable to complete missed work, individual arrangements should be made with the teacher.

​

​

.

• Use of Generative AI, ChatGPT, LLMs etc. to write assignments will be treated as plagiarism.
• Students who present another person’s images or words as their own will be considered in violation of the district policy regarding academic dishonesty.

​

• Students are expected to create original artwork. They may use photographs and other artwork as resources and/or inspiration, but they may not copy and present it as their own.
• Students are expected to answer written assignments using their own words, unless quoting directly from a source.

Expectation of Academic and Artistic Honesty:

Ms. McGrath’s

Community Guidelines:

• Arrive to class on time and prepared.
• Check your phones in on arrival.
• Get your work and supplies out.
• Care for class space/materials.
• When leaving class for bathroom/drinks
• wait until instruction is over
• ask the teacher first
• make a smart pass
• limit time
• No food or drinks–no exceptions.
• Use proper waste/recycling receptacle.
• Put work and supplies away when asked.
• Clean your table, check floors, push in chair.

Students will be required to check in phones at the start of class in the phone storage unit. They will only be used for specific class assignments, such as photographing artwork.

Tips for Success!

​

• Be willing to step outside your comfort zone.
• Do the assignments.
• Turn work in by deadlines.
• Put in your best effort.
• Ask for help when needed.
• Communicate with your teacher regularly.
• Be a supportive member of the class community.

Contact information:

Ms. Carolyn McGrath

carolynmcgrath@hvrsd.org

737-4003 x 1362

Instagram @HVArtMcGrath

​