Two Queens

Posted by Speakeasy News > Wednesday 27 February 2019 > Ready to Use

This article explores the fates of two queens who reigned in neighbouring kingdoms in the 16th century. Both linked and opposed, they had to rule in a man’s world, in a conflict-ridden society, where religious and political unrest were rife and conspiracy and treason were the norm. Through the new biopic, Mary Queen of Scots, … Continue reading “Two Queens”

Queens on Screen

Posted by Speakeasy News > Thursday 21 February 2019 > What's On

Films about Stuart queens are like buses — there are none for ages, then two together, just in time for the Oscars. Mary Queen of Scots and her descendant Queen Anne are both gracing our screens in radically different biopics, both diverging from history as it has traditionally been portrayed. The Favourite portrays the reign … Continue reading “Queens on Screen”

All About the Royals

Posted by Speakeasy News > Tuesday 05 February 2019 > What's On

The next “Talk in English” at the British Council in Paris will be on Thursday 21 February and will be on a popular topic: the British Royal Family. The talk will be given by one of the British Council’s teachers, Amy Brightling, and will cover the recent history of the Royal family, and their importance … Continue reading “All About the Royals”

Pupils’ Portrait Winners

Posted by Speakeasy News > Thursday 06 December 2018 > Pedagogy

Back at the beginning of the school year, we launched three pupil competitions. The A1+ level competition was to write a 50-word text about a special image, like “The People’s Portrait” we featured in September. We were absolutely inundated with replies for the three competitions, which we are slowly working through. Please apologise to your … Continue reading “Pupils’ Portrait Winners”

Pupils’ Portrait Competition

Posted by Speakeasy News > Wednesday 19 September 2018 > Pedagogy

The People’s Portrait is in fact two portraits of Queen Elizabeth II made up of a collage of images sent in by the general public. People were asked to send in a photo and short description or anecdote. We have an A1+-level Ready-to-Use Resource about the portraits for you to introduce the topic to your … Continue reading “Pupils’ Portrait Competition”

The People’s Portrait

Posted by Speakeasy News > Friday 31 August 2018 > Ready to Use

This A1 plus-level article deals with a special piece of art in Greater London, linked to the iconic Queen Elizabeth II. The theme will enable pupils to review personal descriptions as well as the preterite and participate to a fun writing contest, coming very soon. Language points: Vocabulary: British monarchy, family members, adjectives of personality … Continue reading “The People’s Portrait”

Royal Wedding

Posted by Speakeasy News > Tuesday 24 April 2018 > Ready to Use

In this A2 article your students will learn about Prince Harry and his future wife in relation to their jobs as members of the Royal Family, as well as about their wedding, which will be celebrated on 19 May. The second part of the article introduces charities, always a source of interest for students. Vocabulary … Continue reading “Royal Wedding”

Prince Harry to Wed

Posted by Speakeasy News > Tuesday 28 November 2017 > In the News

Britain will have something to distract it from Brexit negotiations in 2018 — a royal wedding always improves national morale. Prince Harry has announced his engagement to American actress Meghan Markle, with a wedding planned on 19 May. The couple has been dating since July 2016 and initially managed to keep the relationship surprisingly secret … Continue reading “Prince Harry to Wed”

Victoria and Abdul

Posted by Speakeasy News > Tuesday 10 October 2017 > What's On

Twenty years after Mrs Brown, Judi Dench returns to cinema screens as Queen Victoria, in another true story of the Queen’s friendship with one of her servants: Abdul Karim. The story of the widow Victoria’s relationship with John Brown was well documented. He was the gamekeeper on her beloved Scottish Highland estate where she spent … Continue reading “Victoria and Abdul”

Princess Diana

Posted by Speakeasy News > Wednesday 13 September 2017 > Ready to Use

In this A1+ article, your students will read a very short biography of Princess Diana. They may already know a few things about the British Royal Family, some of them may have heard about Prince William’s wife and children in particular. This worksheet can be used as part of a unit about family and friends, … Continue reading “Princess Diana”