Local schools experience '˜Generation Animation'

‘Generation Animation’ is a collaborative programme involving Millburn and St Malachy’s Primary Schools and the Media, Film and Journalism School.

The programme, run over the course of six weeks, saw pupils from each of the schools working with Ulster University students to design and produce their own short animations.

Course Director Adrian Hickey, who developed the project, welcomed the pupils, their parents and their teachers to a special screening in the University’s new Raked Lecture Theatre last Wednesday.

With popcorn and drinks for the young animators, they sat back and watched their work on the big screen.

One of the aims of the project, according to Adrian, was to open up the university to the community.

He explained that the project also showed that genres such as animation were now within reach for primay school teachers and their pupils thanks to tablet computers.

At the same time the project enabled the Coleraine students to achieve their ‘Tutoring in Schools’ certificate.

“The longer term goal of the project is to leave a legacy of innovation, creativity and aspiration,” said Course Director, Adrian.

On the day of the showcase, the children met with their student mentors and saw the culmination of their six weeks of work.

Their animations, which showcased their creative minds, were based on concepts from The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Tony Fisher, Principal of St Malachy’s commented that it was was ‘fantastic’ for the pupils to be able to come into the University to complete the programme.

To find out about the programme visit www.generationanimation.co.uk