Elements and Performance Criteria

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Ceramic techniques may include:
applications of materials other than plaster to create moulds, templates and patterns
applied and subtractive surface treatments, including:
engraving, carving, incising and piercing
glazing
sprigging, slip decoration and applied colour
block and case moulds for casting production
die making for extruders
handbuilding techniques, including pinch, coil, slab construction and extrusions
mould-making techniques
mould and profile making for jigger jolley machine
mould making for pressed tiles
slip-casting techniques
throwing techniques
use of a variety of materials as supports, such as:
armatures
reinforcement
use of the following tools and equipment:
kilns: gas, electric and raku
jigger jolley machine with associated fittings
ram press with associated fittings
rasps, chisels and saws for forming templates, models and moulds.
Technical effects may include:
combination of clay bodies and other materials
other effects, such as laminated clay, including :
laminated incompatible bodies
two or more laminated compatible stained bodies
surface treatments specific to ceramics, such as:
alternative non-ceramic surface finishes, such as wax, paint and patina
burnishing
erosion techniques, including:
acid etching
sandblasting
water etching
other surface applications, including:
fumed finishes from pit firing and post raku firing reduction
glazing
high-fire reduction finishes
masking techniques on green ware, biscuit ware and glost ware
multiple layering of different surface treatments
on-glaze enamels
reduced lustres
slip decorating, such as slip trail, sgraffito, inlay and paper resist
water erosion.
Intellectual property requirements may relate to:
copyright
design licensing regulations
form of acknowledgement or credit
moral rights
protocols for the adaptation of work by others
trademarks.
Opportunities may relate to:
architectural ceramics, including tiles, mosaics and murals
ceramic installation, including use of fired and/or non-fired clay
commercially viable (limited production) tableware, vessels and sculptures
communication of ideas
large scale sculptural work incorporating mixed media in constructions and assemblages
large thrown, handbuilt or slipcast vessels or sculptural forms
personal affinity with particular techniques
potential for combining techniques
potential for interactions between technique and media
themes in work
wearable objects.
Limitations and constraints may relate to:
availability of materials
capacity of technique to deliver required effect
finances
location and geography
own interaction with technique
resources
time.
Refinement may relate to:
ability to use selected techniques with confidence
ongoing demonstration of development of technique
use of selected techniques in a body of professional work.
Safe work practices may include:
completing material safety data sheets (MSDS)
correct disposal of waste materials
dust and fume extraction
ergonomic safety
managing risk
reporting accidents and incidents
safely using tools and equipment
using clearly designated wet and dry areas
using personal protective equipment (PPE).
Technical problems may include:
limitations of own technical skill required for:
forming techniques
glaze application techniques
surface design and decorating techniques
limited availability of space for:
displaying fired results
producing work, including making, glazing and firing
storing work in progress, whether damp or dry
other limitations, such as:
equipment and machinery breakdown, such as kiln element failure, faulty or broken equipment, and no fuel
limited kiln capacity to allow for work to be fired as required
skills and knowledge required for selected firing processes
unavailability of kilns suitable for large work.
Coherent body of ceramic work is:
conceptually resolved
documented in terms of its development
subject to critical feedback by others
technically resolved
thematically connected.
Ways in which technique may be further developed may include:
collaboration
further study
intensive workshops
mentored guidance
new projects.

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Evidence of the ability to:
evolve and refine ceramic technique through a demonstrated process of experimentation
develop individual style in own work
produce a coherent body of professional ceramic work that shows the use of well-developed ceramic technique
research ceramic technique in the broader context of other artwork and artists
use safe and sustainable work practices.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure access to:
a safe ceramics work space
materials, tools and equipment used to produce ceramic work.
Method of assessment
A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:
evaluation of ceramic technique within a body of work produced by the candidate
evaluation of processes used by the candidate to evolve and refine ceramic technique
evaluation of the work documentation
direct observation of work in progress, including exploration of, and experimentation with, techniques
questioning and discussion about candidate’s intentions and the work outcome
review of portfolios of evidence
review of third-party reports from experienced practitioners.
Assessment methods should closely reflect workplace demands (e.g. literacy) and the needs of particular groups (e.g. people with disabilities, and people who may have literacy or numeracy difficulties, such as speakers of languages other than English, remote communities and those with interrupted schooling).
Guidance information for assessment
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:
CUVPRP501A Realise a body of creative work.