ELAN Opening Worlds Symposium showcases outstanding pupil knowledge

Pupils from nine North Somerset schools came together to showcase their knowledge and enthusiasm for learning at the third Opening Worlds Curriculum Symposium, hosted by Bournville Primary School in Weston-super-Mare.

The event, organised by Extend Learning Academies Network (ELAN), welcomed pupils, school leaders and special guests from across the trust on 20 May. It celebrated the success of the Opening Worlds curriculum, which ELAN introduced in 2023 to strengthen the teaching of geography, history and religion.

Developed by education experts Christine Counsell and Steve Mastin, the curriculum aims to deepen children’s knowledge and understanding of the world. ELAN says pupils across its schools have responded with remarkable enthusiasm, developing impressive confidence when discussing and writing about the subjects they study.

The symposium provided an opportunity for children to share their learning in a memorable and engaging way. Special guests included Christine Counsell, Steve Mastin and Opening Worlds pioneer James Page, Chief Executive of Haringey Education Partnership.

The evening began with a two-course dinner prepared by ELAN Catering Managers Alex Crawley and Jess Bunyan. During the meal, pupils entertained guests with facts, stories and insights from topics they had studied throughout the year.

Organisers said the depth of knowledge and confidence demonstrated by the children was exceptional, with pupils eagerly discussing their favourite historical events, geographical discoveries and religious studies topics.

The second half of the evening featured a closely fought quiz competition between Year 3, Year 4 and Year 5 pupils from across the trust. Working entirely independently, teams competed to answer questions based on their learning.

After an exciting contest, Locking Primary School emerged victorious and took home the trophy.

ELAN thanked Bournville Primary School for hosting the event and praised its central services team, headteachers and senior leaders, many of whom helped serve dinner to pupils and guests throughout the evening.

The trust also paid tribute to its staff and pupils, whose commitment and enthusiasm helped make the symposium such a success.