The elasticated learner: beyond curriculum learning opportunities in a Local Education Authority

After one Saturday workshop, Chris (an 11 year old) told me he was becoming an ‘elasticated learner’. This seems to succinctly sum up the purpose of education in general and the APEX (Able Pupils Extending Opportunities) out of hours sessions in particular, with the emphasis being not only on flexible, increased capacity but also on the ownership by the learner of the process. How can we help more young people to become ‘elasticated learners ‘; high ability learners willing and able to seek out and profit from learning experiences which will challenge and extend them, take them to new and uncharted territory and contribute to their educational voyage?