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.

Techniques may include:
applied surface treatments:
glazes
inlay with other clays or other materials
oxides
handbuilding:
coiling
pinching
slab-roll methods
moulding, including mould making
slipcasting
subtractive surface treatments:
impressing
incising
piercing
stamping.
Tools and equipment may include:
brushes and toothbrushes
carving tools
electronic equipment used in design work
kilns: electric, gas, wood or raku
knives and blades
measuring devices
protective clothing
rolling pins or other rollers
spatulas
tongs.
Materials may include:
glazes and oxides
materials for mould making:
casting plaster
resins
wax
other materials for inlay that leave impressions or stains, etc. in the ceramic work after firing
range of clays
slip.
Safety and sustainability considerations 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 and newspapers
searching the internet
visiting exhibitions, galleries and museums.
Ideas may be influenced by:
artistic aspirations
current capability with techniques
historical and theoretical contexts
subject matter or theme for the work, such as:
built environment
land and place
natural world
political, cultural and social issues
the body
spiritual concerns.
Intellectual property requirements may relate to:
extent to which the work may be used
form of acknowledgement or credit
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.
Professional potentialmay relate to:
cost of production
existence of an established market
how to promote or sell the work
market trends
professional development.
Criteria may relate to:
audience
client and user expectations
environment in which ceramics will be viewed
local government and planning authority regulations
materials
quality of final product
techniques
timelines
tools
weather considerations.
Process followed to refine ideas may include:
adjustment to subject matter or theme
adjustment to take account of elements and principles of design
adjustment to use extended capabilities of techniques.
Sources of supply may include:
commercial outlets
found objects and materials
manufacturing or factory waste
nature.
Cost and other constraints may relate to:
availability of materials and tools
budgeting
environment in which ceramics will be viewed
sponsorship
timeframe.
Presentation considerations may include:
availability of space
cost
practical considerations
presentation context
timeframe.

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:
develop ideas and techniques through a process of research and experimentation
produce multiple finished ceramic items or a single major work that demonstrate a command of techniques
apply knowledge of ceramics techniques, equipment and materials and the ways they may be adapted and combined
participate in the operation and monitoring of kilns and firing processes
use safe ceramics work practices.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure access to:
tools, equipment and materials used in 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 technical execution of work pieces produced by the candidate
direct observation of ceramics 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:
CUVPRP401A Realise a creative project.