Glazing and Finishing

Lesson Overview

Subject: Art and Design
Year Group: Year 8
Unit: Fishy Art Adventures (Lesson 6 of 6)
Lesson Title: Glazing and Finishing Ceramic Fish Creations
Duration: 60 minutes
Class Size: 20 students
Curriculum Reference: Aligned with the KS3 National Curriculum for Art & Design, covering:

• Developing creative and technical skills in 3D sculpture.
• Understanding the properties and effects of different glazing techniques.
• Evaluating and analysing artistic processes and outcomes.

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Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students will:

1. Understand various glazing techniques and their effects.
2. Apply glaze to their ceramic fish sculptures using appropriate methods.
3. Evaluate their artistic journey by reflecting on their progress and process.
4. Prepare their work for a final class exhibition.

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Success Criteria

• Students select and apply a suitable glaze technique for their fish sculpture.
• They apply evenly distributed glazes, understanding the impact of different textures and finishes (e.g., glossy, matte, translucent, opaque).
• They reflect meaningfully on their work, articulating artistic and technical choices.
• Work is neatly presented for the final exhibition.

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Resources

• Fired ceramic fish sculptures (created in previous lessons)
• Assortment of glazes (glossy, matte, transparent, opaque)
• Brushes, sponges, and dipping tongs
• Water pots and cleaning cloths
• Test tiles displaying different glaze finishes
• Reflection sheets for students to complete
• Labels for exhibition display

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Lesson Structure

Starter (10 minutes) – Demonstration and Discussion

1. Visual Examples: Display real-life images and physical test tiles of different glaze finishes. Ask students:
   • "What moods or effects do different finishes create?"
   • "Why might you choose a glossy glaze over a matte one?"
2. Demonstration:
   • Show correct techniques for applying glaze (dipping, brushing, layering).
   • Explain common mistakes (too much glaze, uneven application).
   • Highlight safety protocols (handling glaze safely, cleaning brushes properly).

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Main Activity (35 minutes) – Glazing and Reflection

Step 1: Choosing a Glaze (5 minutes)

• Students select a glaze that best enhances their fish sculptures.
• Encourage thoughtful decision-making by asking:
  • "What colours and finishes will bring out the details in your sculpture?"
  • "How will your choice fit into the overall class exhibition?"

Step 2: Applying the Glaze (20 minutes)

• Students apply their chosen glaze using an appropriate method (brushing, dipping, or sponging).
• Support students by:
  • Checking for even distribution.
  • Encouraging layers where needed for better intensity.
  • Reminding them to wipe glaze off the base to prevent sticking in the kiln.

Step 3: Reflection and Exhibition Prep (10 minutes)

• Students complete the reflection sheet, considering:
  • What they have learned throughout the unit.
  • How their sculpture has evolved from concept to final finish.
• Write a brief label for their sculpture, including their name, the title of their piece, and a sentence about their artistic intention.
• Carefully place sculptures in the designated drying area for final kiln firing.

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Plenary (15 minutes) – Art Circle and Peer Feedback

1. Mini Gallery Walk:
   • Students walk around the room, observing each other’s glaze choices.
   • Encourage silent reflection before discussing.
2. Peer Discussion:
   • In pairs, students discuss:
     • "What do you like about your partner’s glaze choice?"
     • "How does their choice impact the overall look of the fish?"
3. Class Share:
   • Volunteers share their experiences and final thoughts on glazing.
   • Teacher gives constructive feedback and highlights strong examples.

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Differentiation

For advanced students:

• Encourage creative glaze layering for added depth.
• Challenge them to experiment with partial glazing techniques (e.g., leaving some sections raw for contrast).

For students needing more support:

• Provide additional one-on-one guidance when selecting and applying glaze.
• Pair them with a peer mentor who can model the process.

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Assessment Opportunities

• Observation: Monitor technique and application of glaze.
• Reflection Sheet: Assess how well students articulate their learning journey.
• Peer feedback: Listen for thoughtful critique and discussions.
• Final sculptures: Evaluate craftsmanship, glazing technique, and presentation in the exhibition.

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Extension Activities

• Sketchbook Work: Students can sketch their sculpture with notes on how the glaze has transformed it.
• Research: Find and present other artists who use unique glazing techniques.
• Creative Writing: Write a short story inspired by their fish sculpture as if it were a magical creature.

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Teacher Reflection

• Did students make thoughtful glaze choices?
• Were they engaged in reflective discussion?
• How successful was the final result compared to their initial sketches?
• Adjustments for future lessons?

Final Note: This lesson beautifully concludes the Fishy Art Adventures unit, allowing students to appreciate the full creative process from clay to kiln to exhibition. Their ceramic fish creations are not just art—they are stories told through texture, colour, and personal expression. 🎨🐟