As part of the Junior Arts Centre’s launch at Tanglin Trust School, bringing industry expertise into the classroom has been a key focus. Thanks to the generous support of The Foundation, students recently enjoyed an inspiring visit from acclaimed stop-motion animator Jim Parkyn, enriching creative learning across the school. 
 

Jim Parkyn is an Aardman Animations Ambassador who has a distinguished career spanning over 20 years. Best known for his work on well-known Aardman shows and films such as Wallace and Gromit, Shaun the Sheep, Chicken Run, Pirates vs Scientists!, and the much-loved clay character Morph, Jim shared insights into how character, humour, and believable movement are brought to life frame by frame. 

Working with students from Junior to Senior School, Jim delivered hands-on workshops tailored to each age group. Year 4 students explored the fundamentals of stop-motion animation using miniature creatures, while Year 6 pupils designed and created their own Shaun the Sheep models. In Senior School, Year 10 GCSE Film Studies students refined their sculpted stop-motion techniques, learning professional approaches to animation and gaining first-hand insight into Jim’s creative journey within the animation industry. 
 

Students were quick to reflect on the impact of the experience. Mia (Year 5) shared, “I really loved learning how to design with clay from Jim. It was so much fun creating our own characters and bringing them to life through our animations.” Kyla (Year 5) added, “It was fun to learn how to create our own animations by taking lots of photos and moving the clay character just a tiny bit each time.” 

Year 6 student Harvey said, “I was so inspired by Jim. At home, I’ve now been making my own characters using the skills he taught us.” Year 10 student Vivann added, ‘It was an unforgettable hands-on learning experience. We learned how professional animators create clay models using plasticine and animate realistic walk cycles, giving us a real insight into the animation industry.”  

Conrad from Year 10 also chipped in, "The Aardman Animation workshop was an inspiring experience, learning directly from industry professionals about storytelling and stop motion techniques was very engaging and motivating. My favourite part was seeing how simple ideas can be developed into full productions, which really increased my understanding of the animation industry."