In this research, I explore the potential of a material-led, embodied pedagogical approach to cultivate diverse modes of thinking, knowing and becoming within a pre-GCSE curriculum. Drawing from my experiences as both an artist and educator, I acknowledge the transformative power inherent in recognising the agency of all forms of matter, whether human or non-human. Through the implementation of a project titled 'To Play,' which utilises paper as a primary pedagogical tool, I engaged Year 9 Art and Design students. Qualitative data collected over a six-week period underpins the analysis, with a particular emphasis on understanding students' experiences with material-led processes. The findings highlight the potential of material-led pedagogies to empower students and challenge anthropocentric perspectives, offering valuable insights for enhancing pre-GCSE art education and harnessing the educational potential of materials. This study contributes to the ongoing discourse in art education by emphasising the importance of embodied, experiential learning approaches that prioritise creativity, exploration and critical engagement with the world around us.