mayfield

Ceramics

Where creativity takes shape

Ceramics offers students a unique opportunity to explore creativity through making. Working with clay develops imagination, technical skill and confidence, while encouraging students to think critically, solve problems and bring their ideas to life. 

At Mayfield, students learn in a supportive and stimulating environment where experimentation, individuality and craftsmanship are celebrated. 

Mayfield's Pottery Studio is considered one of the finest school ceramics facilities in Europe 

The Curriculum

Ceramics combines creative expression with technical understanding, allowing students to develop both practical and analytical skills. Students learn to: 

  • Design and create original ceramic pieces 

  • Explore a range of hand-building and decorative techniques 

  • Develop analytical and aesthetic judgement 

  • Draw inspiration from historical and contemporary ceramic artists 

  • Understand the cultural significance of ceramics across different societies 

The subject appeals to both artistic and scientifically minded students, combining creativity with problem-solving and design thinking. 

Teaching takes place in Mayfield's dedicated Pottery Studio, widely regarded as one of the finest school ceramics facilities in Europe, providing extensive opportunities for research, experimentation and practical work. 

Ceramics A Level Gallery

Beyond the Classroom

Ceramics is enriched through opportunities to engage with professional artists and the wider creative community. 

Students benefit from: 

  • Working alongside our Artist in Residence 

  • Demonstrations and workshops with visiting ceramicists 

  • Museum and gallery visits 

  • Opportunities to learn from professional practitioners 

Each year, the department hosts its annual Potter's Day, welcoming a ceramic artist of national or international standing to deliver lectures, demonstrations and practical workshops. 

Degree Courses

Ceramics complements a wide range of university pathways by developing creativity, design thinking and problem-solving skills. Recent students have progressed to courses including: 

  • Art Foundation 

  • Ceramics and Fine Art 

  • Architecture 

  • Engineering 

  • Design-related disciplines

Highlights

  • An Artist in Residence works alongside students, providing inspiration and professional insight. 

  • Every year, students meet and learn from a nationally or internationally recognised ceramic artist at the department's annual Potter's Day. 

  • Over the last six years, A Level Ceramics students have achieved 32 A* grades and 14 A grades. 

Trips

Students regularly visit museums and galleries to gain inspiration and experience artworks firsthand, supporting both practical work and wider cultural understanding. 

Careers

Students have gone on to careers and further study in areas including: 

  • Ceramics and Fine Art 

  • Architecture 

  • Design 

  • Engineering 

  • Creative Industries 

  • Education 


Head of Department

Yolanda McFadyean

Ms Yolanda McFadyean discovered her passion for ceramics while at school in East Sussex before studying Ceramics at Camberwell School of Art in London. A practising ceramic artist, she has exhibited in galleries across the South East and London, with her work featured in Ceramics Review. 

Having joined Mayfield in 2002, Ms McFadyean has inspired generations of students through her enthusiasm for the subject and was appointed Head of Ceramics in 2026. She is passionate about helping students discover the creative possibilities of clay and develop confidence through making.