Today, All Saints’ Academy proudly hosted the Cheltenham International Film Festival for a special screening of Shaun the Sheep: The Movie, followed by a hands-on animation modelling workshop with the world-renowned Aardman Academy.
The event brought together Cheltenham Education Partnership students from Art, Design, Film, Creative Media and Coding across our partner schools to celebrate creativity, collaboration and storytelling through film and animation.
The morning began with an exclusive screening as part of the Cheltenham International Film Festival.
Students then had the opportunity to learn about the pathway BAFTA-nominated animation director Zoë Hutber took to be working on well-reknowned films such as Chicken Run 2. Students then took part in an interactive clay animation workshop, guided by Zoë Hutber and Rachel Plant from Aardman Studios. Using bespoke Aardman Clay Station sheets, students built their own Shaun the Sheep models, experimenting with movement, expression and personality. The workshop encouraged creativity and problem-solving, as students considered how a simple shift in posture or expression could bring their models to life.
The atmosphere was buzzing with excitement and collaboration, with students bouncing ideas off one another and sharing their unique designs.
Louie, Year 10 Film Studies student (All Saints’ Academy):
“I have recently started making clay models at home. I have enjoyed manipulating my Shaun the Sheep model into different positions to show different emotions and scenarios – such as lying down flat with his arms behind his head.”
Seb, Year 11 Film Studies (Leckhampton High School):
“Meeting professional animators and then getting them to teach us their skills has been wonderful. I will keep my model forever.”
Sofia, Year 10 Art (Cheltenham College):
“I didn’t even know I was good at model making, but I’ve gone above and beyond, creating Shaun the Sheep and his supporting model family. This has been great!”
Zoë Hutber herself was impressed by the students’ creativity and passion:
“I have loved chatting with the students and finding out what they plan to do next with their animation journey. I also love how different personalities shine through their designs.”
Thank you to Cheltenham International Film Festival Director, Leslie Sheldon, for making this unique learning experience possible.
This event marks an exciting step in our ongoing collaboration with the festival, and we look forward to welcoming them back for more inspiring opportunities for our students.
