Dick Turpin was a highway robber in early 18th-century England. Unlike Robin Hood, he didn’t rob the rich to give to the poor. But he became a legend thanks to early “tabloid media”: broadsheets and penny dreadfuls. A new TV series takes a humorous look at the historic criminal. Dick Turpin could be considered as … Continue reading “Your Money or Your Life!”
Everyone has heard of the Suffragettes and their actions, yet, have you heard of Princess Suffragette? This Indian princess, whose father was the last ruler of the Sikh Empire, gave up her socialite life in order to fight for a cause. Meet Sophia Duleep Singh, goddaughter to Queen Victoria who got involved in Emmeline Pankhurst’s … Continue reading “Princess Suffragette”
Definitely not one to show your pupils! Wicked Little Letters is a delicious comedy with Olivia Colman and Jessie Buckley, set in a 1920s English seaside town, where the population starts receiving defamatory letters full of profanities. An Irish migrant with a good stock of swear words in her vocabulary, Rose Gooding is accused of … Continue reading “Rumours, Rumours”
Most people would feel proud of saving hundreds of mainly Jewish children from Czechoslovakia just before the outbreak of World War II. But Sir Nicholas Winton was haunted by all the children he couldn’t save. Until a surprise 50 years later on a TV programme showed him all the good he had done. A new … Continue reading “Doing the Right Thing”
You’re no doubt familiar with London’s iconic Underground map, and the names for Underground lines like Victoria, Circle, Bakerloo and Jubilee. But now the Overground trains in the network are being given new names reflecting the history and culture of the city. In fact, they’re being given names for the first time — up until … Continue reading “New Names for London Train Lines”
Our resource for Shine Bright 2de accompanies File 4: “Mysteries in the Countryside”. You can find the illustrated map “Spooky Britain” in the textbook. This A2+-B1-level resource will guide your pupils to find out more about the locations on the map from a promotional text. A group activity aimed at enriching pupils’ vocabulary to help … Continue reading “Spooky Britain”
The Ciné O’Clock British and Irish Film Festival in Villeurbanne will be presenting its 28th edition from 31 January to 4 February. There are some great current films, golden oldies and previews of upcoming releases. There are too many fabulous films for us to mention them all, check out the the programme and the teaser … Continue reading “Ciné O’Clock Villeurbanne 2024”
34 years after the beginning of the saga, British author Ken Follett returns to Kingsbridge, an imaginary town in the south of England, with a fifth installment, The Armour of Light. With this book, Follett completes a period of more than 800 years, from the end of the Dark Ages to the time of the … Continue reading “The Armour of Light: Ken Follett returns to Kingsbridge”
As we swelter in unseasonable heat, what better prospect than a summer spent watching rainy British costume dramas? ARTE has a great season lined up called “English Passions” with lots of Jane Austen, Jane Eyre and the reboot of the series that inspired Downton Abbey. Settle back with a cup of tea and enjoy! You … Continue reading “A Summer of Romanticism and Costume Drama on ARTE”
This biography of King Charles III is meant for A2 students. The coronation ceremonies will take place on Saturday 6th of May 2023 and celebrations are expected all over the United Kingdom and in some Commonwealth countries. The Royal Family is a fairly common topic at the moment, so your students are likely to know … Continue reading “A Royal Celebration”