The
Skills section of the
Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme
is all about developing practical and social skills and personal
interests. By choosing to develop a particular skill, such as
pottery, you are not only developing a new talent but you will also
boost your self esteem, develop practical and social skills and
learn how to set and rise to a challenge. If this isn't enough, it
should also be good fun too! You have to do your Skills section for
6 months each at Bronze and Silver levels. More information is to be
found at the Skills requirement section of the DofE website by
clicking
here.
All aspects
of clay work are covered: hand building, modelling,
sculpture and wheel work.
Groups are small and of mixed ages. The Secondary School
age group are guided more into free expression and abstract work and on a more personal
level.
The value of clay as an educational
medium has been discussed widely and the media
have rightly aired this subject for the benefit of all.
Children
and young people who are lucky enough to have a chance to
work with clay have found that, through expressing
themselves with something tactile and three-dimensional,
they are better able to cope with the tasks of school and
student life. Development of language, freedom of
expression, relaxation, patience and the many other
educational attributes associated with ceramics, give the
children more confidence and a real sense of achievement.
Only by having a “hands on” experience can they
realise the value of this medium and their full
potential. Many young people have attended holiday
courses and other classes, but a regular session once a
week can be very beneficial.
