Concept
Discover how our choice-based art curriculum develops soft skills, emotional growth, and bilingual confidence—essential tools for navigating today’s world.
Pedagogical Alignment
BrushTales is pedagogically anchored in Swiss and international learning objectives while going beyond traditional classroom instruction to foster creative self-confidence and unmatched skills for the real world.
| Framework | Origin & Purpose |
|---|---|
| Lehrplan 21 | Swiss national curriculum for German-speaking cantons; focuses on foundational knowledge and “überfachliche Kompetenzen” (cross-disciplinary skills) |
| International Baccalaureate (IB) | Global curriculum used in international schools; emphasizes holistic, inquiry-driven, globally minded education |
| Competency Area | Lehrplan 21 (Swiss Curriculum) | IB Learner Profile | How BrushTales Fits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inquiry & Curiosity | Asking questions, exploring | Inquirer | Story-led exploration sparks curiosity and questioning |
| Knowledge & Understanding | Applying knowledge, recognizing connections | Knowledgeable | Real-world themes connect art to broader concepts |
| Communication | Expressing ideas, listening, cooperating | Communicator | Visual, verbal, and emotional expression through storytelling |
| Critical Thinking | Reflecting, evaluating, solving problems | Thinker | Creative problem-solving through design and narrative |
| Social & Emotional Skills | Empathy, collaboration, taking responsibility | Caring, Principled, Balanced | Builds emotional intelligence, teamwork, and self-awareness |
| Creativity & Innovation | Designing, developing ideas | Risk-Taker, Open-Minded | Encourages experimentation and diverse perspectives |
| Global & Cultural Awareness | Respecting diversity, experiencing community | Open-Minded, Caring | Inclusive themes and multilingual engagement (German/English) |
| Self-Management & Reflection | Working independently, learning how to learn | Reflective | Students reflect on their creative process and growth |
| Ethics & Responsibility | Taking responsibility, following rules | Principled | Respectful collaboration and ownership of ideas |
How It Works
At BrushTales, we ultimately want kids to develop into resilient, sharp, self-assured adults. We can’t achieve that by giving them all the answers. We do it by giving them choices. Giving choices gives them the ability to problem-solve and trust themselves.
Think about the difference between two art projects:
Copy The Teacher
In one, kids have to make an exact copy of the picture or project. In this approach, the challenge is already solved for them. They don’t have to add their own ideas, or figure out the hows and whys of the project. Kids become passive participants, and the focus shifts from learning to replication. This can be frustrating for them, especially if their piece doesn't end up looking like the teacher's example, and it places heavy emphasis on appearance rather than individuality.
You Must Decide
Now consider a project with a solid structure but a flexible outcome. Kids aren't just making art; they are using art as a tool to practice many important skills, such as creative problem-solving and self-expression. In order to finish the art piece or project, they need to figure out how to begin, what approach to take, what colours to use, what story to tell, and so on. They also learn that their unique ideas have value and that there is no single "right" answer, and no sense of ‘wrong’.
I’m sure many of you can probably relate, having a project in front of you, where the expectation is a pre-determined outcome and you need to follow the exact rules - there is no room for your own ideas. You never really understand the point of it and there’s just this sense of just ‘getting it done’. Ultimately, the very meaning of art is the expression of your own ideas and emotions, not the expression of someone else’s.
This is why we offer a specialised choice-based art curriculum, where we guide and encourage our students to express themselves through their own ideas by making decisions, solve problems, think on their feet and let their unique creativity shine through their artworks.
Our 4 Pillars
At BrushTales, we believe that true success comes from having original ideas and the ability to express them confidently, creatively, and with clarity. Copying may offer a shortcut, but it creates followers, not leaders. We don't want our students to just copy what we show them as illustrative examples. We want them to question, think, and make their own decisions by solving problems.
This is why BrushTales is more than an art academy - we're a gateway to acquiring essential life skills. Through the transformative power of art, we inspire creativity, confidence, and a readiness for all our students to become leaders in the future.
Choice-Based
We encourage fearless decision-making, empowering our students to grow in confidence, imagination, and real-world resilience. Every creative choice is an opportunity to think boldly, solve problems, and express individuality.
No Right Or Wrong
It’s not about getting it perfect - it’s about getting involved. We celebrate the creative journey, where every choice, mistake, and revision helps children grow in confidence and self-awareness.
English / Swiss-German
Our bilingual environment in English and Swiss-German supports rapid language development—while nurturing expressive communication, emotional growth, and meaningful connection with others.
Life Lessons
Our projects teach both practical skills and important values. Whether it’s superheroes who stand up for what’s right or characters who solve everyday challenges, students learn about empathy, fairness, and resilience through their art.