Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 6:56 AM AWST

Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.

Research and experiment with techniques to produce ceramics

Research and experiment with techniques to produce ceramics

Unit of competency
National Code
CUVVSP06B
State Code
D1740
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
18/04/2008
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
14/06/2010
Field of Education
100305 - Crafts
Original Release Date
14/06/2010
Nominal Hours
60
Description
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to research and experiment with various techniques and media for the realisation of ceramic work. It outlines the way ceramic works are produced through the use of experimentation and ongoing refinement.It is a specialisation unit and refers to a specific art form. This work would usually be carried out independently, although guidance would be available if required.No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1 Inform work through experimentation with ceramic techniques and media.
  • 1.1 Evaluate the potential for new approaches to ceramic work based on capabilities of techniques already used.1.2 Select, adapt or introduce new materials, tools, equipment or technology for the achievement of different effects. 1.3 Extend the capabilities of ceramic techniques through experimentation to inform practice.
  • 1.4 Take account of particular safety or environmental issues associated with the use of different techniques and media.1.5 Research, adapt and use relevant ideas and approaches from other practitioners with consideration of intellectualproperty, moral rights and copyright requirements.
2 Develop and refine a conceptual vision for ceramic work.
  • 2.1 Develop a conceptualvision for ceramic work based on a knowledge and understanding of different ceramic techniques.2.2 Consider the criteria for selecting techniques, material, tools and equipment based on results of experimentation.2.3 Establish criteria which are most likely to facilitate the achievement of the conceptual vision.2.4 Select approach to work which meets established criteria.2.5 Refine the conceptual vision based on ongoing experimentation and analysis of ceramic techniques.
3 Determine and organise resource requirements for new work.
  • 3.1 Assess specific resource requirements which arise from the use of techniques and experimental approaches.3.2 Research and access potential sources of supply for ceramic resources.3.3 Evaluate cost or other constraints which may impact on the development of work.3.4 Set up or coordinate resource requirements in accordance with safety or other workplacerequirements.
4 Realise ceramic work.
  • 4.1 Realise the ceramic work using techniques and media selected from research and experimentation to meet the conceptual vision.4.2 Evaluate and respond to the potential for changes in the use of techniques, materials, tools or equipment. 4.3 Refine the conceptual vision based on ongoing experiences with the production of work.4.4 Use safe working practices throughout the production of ceramic work.4.5 Consider issues of presentation and take action accordingly.
RANGE STATEMENT
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 work may include:
architectural ceramics
ceramic installation work
fired and non fired clay work
hand formed work (table ware, vessels)
mixed media

sculptural work and constructions
wearable objects, e.g. head and neck pieces, bracelets etc.

Within this unit the candidate would generally demonstrate a command of a broad range of techniques as the basis for experimentation and innovation. Techniques may include:
applied surface treatments (inlay with other clays or other materials, oxides, glazes)
hand forming (pinch, coil, slab, slab-roll methods)
moulding, including mould making
slip casting
subtractive surface treatments (incising, impressing, stamping, piercing).

Materials may include:
casting plaster, resins, wax and other materials for mould making
glazes, oxides
other materials for inlay which would leave impressions/stains etc in the ceramic work after firing
range of clays
slip.

Tools and equipment may include:
brushes, toothbrushes
carving tools
electronic equipment used in design work, e.g. computer, scanner, printer software
gas or electric kiln, wood fired kiln
kiln furniture and equipment
knives/blades
measuring devices
protective clothing
raku kiln
rolling pins or other rollers
spatulas
tongs.

Extending capabilities through:
experimentation encourages the exploration of the full potential of the art form and involves innovation.

Particular safety or environmental issues may include:
Federal, State and Territory legislation, regulations and standards
personal protection
recycling
safe disposal of waste

Research may involve:
approaching individuals with relevant expertise
attending lectures and talks
conducting material and technical experiments and tests
seeking out information in books, journals, newspapers
visiting exhibitions, museums.

Intellectual property, moral rights and copyright requirements may relate to:
extent to which the work may be used
procedures for seeking permission to use the work of others, including systems for the administration of copyright
protocols for the adaptation of work by others.

The conceptual vision may be determined by:
elements and principles of design
the relationship of the work to a theoretical and historical context
the subject matter or theme for the ceramic work, e.g. the body; identity; land and place; political, cultural, social issues; spiritual concerns.

Refining the conceptual vision may include:
adjustment to consideration of elements and principles of design
adjustment to subject matter or theme
adjustment to utilise the extended capabilities of the technique
no change.

Sources of supply may include:
commercial outlets
found objects or materials
manufacturing or factory waste
nature.

Cost and other constraints may relate to:
availability of materials and tools
budgeting
sponsorship
timeframe.

Workplace requirements may include:
drying space
lighting
ventilation
wet and dry areas.

Issues of presentation may include:
availability of materials and space
client preference
cost
practical considerations
timeframe.

Taking action may involve:
deciding on presentation method
seeking external assistance, e.g. with plinth construction
selecting and preparing work for presentation.
EVIDENCE GUIDE
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.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
The following evidence is critical to the judgement of competence in this unit:
production of ceramic work which demonstrates a highly developed command of the selected techniques and which is consistent with the conceptual vision
in depth knowledge of techniques, materials and tools and the ways they may be adapted and extended.

Context of and specific resources for assessment
The assessment context must provide for:
evaluation of visual language and technical execution of work pieces produced by the candidate
practical demonstration of skills using required tools, equipment and materials to produce multiple pieces of ceramic work or a single major work.

Method of assessment
Assessment may incorporate a range of methods to assess performance and the application of essential underpinning knowledge, and might include:
direct observation of ceramic work in progress, including exploration of and experimentation with techniques
questioning and discussion about candidates intentions and the work outcome
verbal and written reports
review of portfolios of evidence
third party workplace reports of performance by the candidate.

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 a speakers of languages other than English, remote communities and those with interrupted schooling).


Assessment of this unit requires access to the materials and resources needed to produce ceramic work.
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
C6541 CUVVSP06A Research and experiment with techniques to produce ceramics Unit of competency
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
S7629 CUVCER401A Experiment with techniques to produce ceramics Unit of competency