Electives in high school are a great way to expand your knowledge and explore potential career paths. Kalani High School offers a variety of electives covering many different subjects. Students may also choose electives simply for enjoyment and discovering new hobbies. One long-standing elective at Kalani is Ceramics, where students learn to work with clay, create art, and sculpt.
“I chose this class because I like to play with clay, I like being creative, doing new activities and new things,” Kellen Kobayashi (10) states. “I always have to think outside the box; some of our assignments make us focus and explore our minds.”
Ceramics offers various assignments that introduce students to arts and crafts, allowing them to freely explore the concepts presented by the teacher. The program fosters an innovative environment where creativity is highly valued. Students create a range of projects, from cups and pinch pots to sculptures, vases, and more complex pieces. However, finding creative inspiration in Ceramics can be challenging, as generating new projects requires effort.
“This class is all about the effort you put in,” Raven Hotema (10) explains. “You don’t have to be an expert; you can simply focus on learning. It’s not about getting a good grade as much as it is about having fun.”
Ceramics also has a strong social aspect, as students enjoy sharing their ideas with each other and their families. The program encourages students to put down their phones and socialize with their peers, creating a fun and engaging environment. It’s especially rewarding to finish a project and share it with others.
“For many of my pieces, my family members ask me to make things for them, which I find very meaningful because family is important to me,” Hotema (10) says.
Overall, Ceramics is a great class for those who want to explore the creative process. It can provide insight into the arts and related careers. Ceramics also encourages students to develop their ideas and express themselves creatively.