Private Animation Classes at South Hampstead Junior School Spring Term 2026

For students of South Hampstead Junior School only.

Sparks animation classes ignite imagination, build confidence and encourage a host of new skills. Young animators learn all about the different aspects of animation in our fun and friendly animation classes.

Tuesdays
3.30pm-5.00pm

20^th Jan, 27^th Jan, 3^rd Feb, 10^th Feb, 24^th Feb, 3^rd March, 10^th March, 17^th March

£164.00 per term

Raising the Stakes

The hero races against time. The detective has one chance to crack the case. The countdown begins and there’s no turning back.

This term, your young animator will discover how the best directors keep audiences gripped from the first frame to the final shot.

Raising the Stakes is all about dramatic tension, suspense and high-stakes storytelling. Students will learn the secrets behind those edge-of-your-seat moments that make animated films unforgettable – mastering both the technical craft and narrative techniques that professional animators use to make audiences care deeply about what happens next.

This term, your young animator will discover how the best animation directors keep audiences gripped from the first frame to the final shot.

Raising the Stakes is all about dramatic tension, suspense and high-stakes storytelling. Young animators will learn the secrets behind those edge-of-your-seat moments that make animated films unforgettable – mastering both the technical craft and narrative techniques that professional animators use to make audiences care deeply about what happens next.

What They’ll Create

Over the season, crews will explore powerful animation techniques and storytelling strategies, then put everything into practice by creating their own main feature animation – an ambitious project that showcases their growing mastery of dramatic storytelling.

Technical Skills

• Cross-cutting between parallel scenes to build tension
• Exaggerated camera moves for extreme emotional states and sudden realisations
• Composition and framing – controlling what audiences notice and when
• High and low angles to show power and vulnerability
• Timing and spacing to control tension and release

Storytelling Techniques

• Upping the stakes – making failure matter more and more
• The ticking time bomb – when time is running out and everyone knows it
• Changing status – shifting character power during scenes

Why It Matters

Understanding dramatic tension isn’t just about making exciting animations. It’s about learning how stories work, why we connect with characters, and how creative choices shape emotional experiences.

Animation gives students complete control over every element – from character design, world-building, set construction to camera angles and from timing to atmosphere. Our young animators will develop confidence in their technical abilities whilst discovering their voice as storytellers. Every session contributes to their progression through the Sparks curriculum, building skills in animation, editing, directing and cinematic storytelling.

The Sparks Difference

Small classes, professional software, and industry-experienced instructors who are passionate about developing young animators.

Your child won’t just watch animated films differently after this term – they’ll understand exactly how directors create those moments that stay with us long after the credits roll.

Ready to raise the stakes?