GENERAL COURSE OUTLINE AND CLASS INFORMATION
Level 1: There will be a variety of studio projects in hand building methods with a basic introduction to the potter’s wheel. There is one written test per grading period.  The final will be a comprehensive review of the information taught and used this semester.  Additionally, all students are required to participate in the “semester-end cleaning” in order to prepare the room for the forthcoming semester. (This is usually considered part of the final and consists of each student performing in a group task activity). 
Level 2, 3 & 4: This will be a continuation of studio projects in hand building methods with an option for the potter’s wheel.   The final will be a comprehensive review of the information taught and used in this and previous semesters.  Additionally, all students are required to participate in the “semester-end cleaning” in order to prepare the room for the forthcoming semester. (This is usually done as part of the final and consists of each student performing in a group task activity).

Grades:
As a general rule, studio projects are worth 100 points, with 40 points for construction, 40 points for glazing, and 20 points for the written response component.  Each of these components is graded on a rubric.

Tutorial:
It is your responsibility to come to tutorial if you feel you cannot meet the project due date. Clay projects are not “portable”; you cannot take them home to make up work, so it is essential that you keep tutorial an option for you. (Tutorial is not a social time; it is for ceramic students only.  Please do not bring your friends with you).

Participation points
Everyone achieves 30 participation points for the first two grading periods, starting when they meet their “readiness/responsibility” obligation.  This is the easiest grade to achieve, and is given when you meet the following three obligations:

  1. The signed policy form
  2. A lock to lock up your projects (you may share with one partner only).
  3. Your lab contribution or required parent note stating they have been informed.

Demerits
Note that the above grade is a readiness/responsibility grade.  This means you can lose points by not being responsible or ready to perform in this class.  Demerits are given in increments of 2 points for policy infractions and general behavior problems.  Two demerits will result in a 30 minute detention.   Failure to serve the detention is defiance and warrants a referral.

Special mention:  Projects with tasteless themes will not be allowed or fired.  Examples are: drugs, cigarettes, beer, mushrooms, 420, or anything that degrades and offends subgroups of the human race.  A “sculpture” that resembles drug paraphernalia will be dispatched.  Ashtrays promote smoking and will be destroyed.  Additionally, do not copy “pre-done” designs and brand logos” . . . you are the creative artists in this class!

Materials and Supplies:  Due to the high cost of supplies and glazes, students are asked to pay a materials contribution of $20.00 per semester.  This gives you sufficient access to clay and glazes for all projects.  By the end of the second week of school, students must bring either the contribution or a written note from the parent/guardian stating they have been notified.  Make checks payable to Poway High School

Tardy Policy:

Tardy #:

  1. Warning
  2. 15 minute after school detention
  3. 30 minute after school detention and parent phone call
  4. 30 minute after school detention
  5. office referral

 

# 6 through #9:  1 hour after school detention

#10 :   second office referral

Note: failure to serve the detention within three days results in the student serving the detention by doing an in-class clean-up task; the student may then make up their studio work after school during tutorial or most other days when the classroom is open.