From the earliest years in Nursery through to Grade 5, our Visual Arts program encourages students to explore, experiment, and express themselves using various artistic tools, media, and techniques. Young learners begin by developing fine motor skills, engaging with color, shape, and texture, while older students dive into more complex artistic concepts such as composition, symbolism, and visual storytelling. The program emphasizes process over product, allowing students to take risks, reflect on their choices, and connect their artwork to personal experiences, inquiries in the classroom, and global contexts. Art appreciation is also a key component as students learn to interpret and respond to artworks from different cultures and time periods, deepening their understanding of the world and of themselves as artists.

Music education in the PYP invites students to engage with rhythm, melody, movement, and sound as tools for communication and expression. In Nursery and early years, music supports language development, coordination, and social interaction through singing, movement games, and instrument play. As students progress through the grades, they build a strong foundation in musical concepts such as pitch, tempo, dynamics, and musical notation. They explore various musical styles and cultures, compose and perform original pieces, and collaborate in ensembles to create music together. Music is often integrated with classroom inquiries, allowing students to deepen their understanding of central ideas while expressing themselves creatively through song, percussion, and performance.

Our Makerspace program in Grades 1 to 5 brings innovation, problem-solving, and design thinking into the heart of student learning. Rooted in the PYP’s emphasis on inquiry and agency, the Makerspace invites students to tinker, build, test, and iterate using a range of materials, from traditional craft supplies to digital tools and robotics. Students explore design processes, engineering concepts, and real-world challenges while developing perseverance, collaboration, and critical thinking. Whether constructing models to demonstrate an understanding of a scientific concept or designing a prototype to address a local issue, students are empowered to take ownership of their ideas and bring them to life in tangible, creative ways. The Makerspace complements the Visual Arts and Music programs by providing another avenue for students to express their thinking and engage with the world as active, capable creators.

In our Middle Years Program (MYP), design goes beyond theory; it empowers students to tackle significant real-world challenges. Our design students, who we see as potential change-makers, confront pressing global issues with creativity and purpose through innovative products and digital design. They actively take on the role of change-makers, utilising a design process that mirrors that of industry professionals to develop impactful solutions. 

Our design classes are dynamic and hands-on, guiding students through every stage of the design cycle. They engage in thorough research, concept development, product creation, and authentic testing, which equips them with the practical skills and knowledge essential for success beyond the classroom. This hands-on approach ensures that our students are well-prepared for the challenges of the real world.

Our students can explore various innovative materials such as textiles, robotics, coding, CAD/CAM, 3D printing, electronics, engineering, and digital design to give them the skills they will need in the future. We aim to deliver exciting lessons and inspire our students to discover a passion for design. The way to create successful designers is to allow them to have fun trying out new materials and exploring their ideas through real-world design thinking. This emphasis on fun and creativity makes the learning process enjoyable and inspires our students to push the boundaries of their imagination. 

At EARJ, visual arts classes are designed to inspire and cultivate creativity in students from grades 6 to 12, utilizing the International Baccalaureate (IB) frameworks of the Middle Years Programme (MYP) in grades 6-10 and the Diploma Programme (DP)in grades 11-12. In the MYP, students explore various techniques, media, and concepts to develop their artistic skills while learning to reflect, analyze, and express ideas through art. The DP builds on this foundation, encouraging students to refine their practice and explore deeper artistic inquiry, preparing them for the demands of higher education and the professional art world.

At EARJ,  theatre classes are tailored to each academic stage, providing a nurturing and dynamic environment where students can explore, develop, and showcase their artistic talents. Through age-appropriate techniques and engaging activities, students gain confidence, creativity, and collaboration skills while discovering the transformative power of the performing arts.

As students progress to middle school, theatre classes become more structured, introducing essential theatrical concepts such as characterization, script analysis, and improvisation. Group projects and performances encourage collaboration and problem-solving, while students explore more complex narratives and themes. This stage emphasizes personal growth and resilience, as students step out of their comfort zones and embrace challenges in a constructive way.

In high school, theatre classes take on a more advanced and professional tone, focusing on acting techniques, stagecraft, and production design. Students participate in plays, musicals, and other performance opportunities, honing their skills both on stage and behind the scenes. They explore diverse theatrical styles, engage with global perspectives, and often take part in student-led productions, fostering leadership and artistic vision.

In Upper School, MYP Music and the Band Elective provide students with progressive and enriching musical experience which begin with fundamental skills like reading music and mastering an instrument, and evolve into more advanced techniques and collaborative performance as students progress. The program fosters both individual growth and teamwork, encouraging students to explore diverse musical styles and deepen their technical abilities. EARJ actively values and nurtures each student's artistic potential by offering a supportive environment for creative expression, while emphasizing the importance of perseverance, collaboration, and cultural appreciation.