<p>Special guests and pupils from the nine schools who are Extend Learning Academies Network (ELAN) trust, gathered for the very first Opening Worlds Curriculum Symposium at Weston College on Tuesday 21st May 2024.</p><p>In 2023 ELAN adopted the Opening Worlds curriculum for humanities: geography, history and religious education written and designed by Steve Mastin and Christine Counsell.</p><p>To open the evening, thanks to our tech team at Weston College and IT whizz Emma Parkins, Opening World’s writer Steve Mastin beamed in live via video call from Kazakhstan to talk directly with the children.</p><p>Following on, children and special guests enjoyed a lovely two-course dinner, catered for by our incredible catering and hospitality learners, providing the learners with an additional opportunity to support their own studies and show off what they can do.</p><p>Over dinner, children entertained their table with amazing stories, facts and knowledge about some of their favourite subjects.</p><p>The second half of the evening saw an interactive and rather competitive quiz pitting schools and their wisdom against each other – no adult input allowed and absolutely not required.</p><p>It was edge-of-the-seat action and very tightly fought with the overall winners Oldmixon Primary School taking the trophy!</p><p>Marie Berry, Headteacher at Bourneville Primary School, said: “What an amazing night! To have witnessed the pure joy in the room was an absolute privilege. Definitely a top ELAN moment.</p><p>“Thank you to everyone who put so much into making it the great success it was. The children were fantastic, and I think we can certainly say quality teaching is paying off.</p><p>“Councillor Gibbons was absolutely blown away by the children’s knowledge and looking around the room I could see similar responses from many of the guests. It’ll be an event I remember always.”</p><p>Matthew, a Year 3 student from Locking Primary School, added: “This is the most special evening of my entire life. I liked the quiz. There were so many questions, and we really did try our best! The dessert was delicious too!”</p><p>The CEO of ELAN, Adam Matthews, said: “The children’s knowledge, enthusiasm, love of learning and desire to discuss the subjects they had studied (and beyond) made a special evening extraordinary. It will go down as one of my standout moments in education.”</p><p>Extend Learning Academies Network is a group of North Somerset primary schools and nurseries situated at Banwell, Bournville, Locking, Oldmixon, Mead Vale, Mendip Green, Milton Park, Walliscote and Windwhistle.</p>

<p>My name is Jason, and I am the General Manager at the Club and Spa Cadbury House. <a href="https://www.cadburyhotelbristol.co.uk/">DoubleTree by Hilton Cadbury House</a> is the South West’s finest four-star boutique hotel and spa, and provides event spaces for weddings, private parties, business events, spa breaks or dining experiences. My role at the business is to oversee the day-to-day running of the Health Club and Spa.</p><p>We have worked with Weston College for a number of years, as we can see that the students get the best possible help, support and training from the excellent team of tutors available, and we trust the judgement from them on the students that they recommend to us.</p><p>We have regularly employed students from the college in various departments of the business as well as giving many students the opportunity for work experience. We find work experience is extremely beneficial as it allows the learner to see first-hand how a business operates in their first steps before employment. We have regular communication with the tutors and business team, to make sure the relationship is always strong.</p><p>Working with the college has given students the opportunity to apply for various positions within the Heath Club and Spa. We have recruited many college leavers in the 16 years that I have been in charge, which has really helped us to grow our business. By having regular contact with the Weston College Team and a close working relationship, I know each leaver has been trained to the highest of standards from the excellent tutors and will provide us the experience that our guests expect. Furthermore, this is also beneficial in helping with a career for the individual.</p><p>I would highly recommend the College whatever course someone chooses; we have an amazing relationship and long may it continue!</p>