Wicked for Good

Posted by Speakeasy News > Friday 07 November 2025 > Ready to Use

Wicked is back, with a vengeance and for good! The second part of the adventures of Elphaba and Glinda is released on 19 November, revealing another aspect of these two women’s relationship. Whether you teach A1+ students or B1 ones, these activities will help you explore the world of Wicked. We offer 2 levels of analysis … Continue reading “Wicked for Good”

Zohran Mamdani, A New Political Era for NYC

Posted by Speakeasy News > Thursday 06 November 2025 > In the News Shine Bright Lycée

On 4 November, Zohran Mamdani won the election to be Mayor of New York City at the age of just 34. Although a Democrat following two Democrats may not seem revolutionary, Mamdani, who describes himself as a Socialist, is far from the current line of the party. His youth delighted the many grassroots supporters who … Continue reading “Zohran Mamdani, A New Political Era for NYC”

Eight French Young Women Could Be Ambassadors for a Day

Posted by Speakeasy News > Wednesday 22 October 2025 > Pedagogy

For International Women’s Day each year, British Embassies organise a competition in each country for a young woman aged 15-18 to come and discover what it’s like to be an ambassador for a day. In 2026 the opportunity will be extended to eight young women in France. Applications need to be in by 4 January … Continue reading “Eight French Young Women Could Be Ambassadors for a Day”

Halloween for All

Posted by Speakeasy News > Thursday 16 October 2025 > Celebrate

A man in Austin, Texas, has made it his personal mission that every child can have a Halloween costume. In 2016, Christopher Waggoner moved into a house rather than an apartment and so trick or treaters came to his door on Halloween. He saw some kids watching the elaborate costumes other kids had ruefully. Now … Continue reading “Halloween for All”

Margaret Atwood and Stephen King Defend the Freedom to Read

Posted by Speakeasy News > Thursday 16 October 2025 > In the News

The New Age of Book Banning Over the past two years, North America has witnessed a resurgence of book censorship in public and school libraries. From Alberta in Canada to Florida and Utah in the United States, hundreds of books have been removed under the banner of “protecting minors” from content deemed “explicit” or “inappropriate.” … Continue reading “Margaret Atwood and Stephen King Defend the Freedom to Read”

Mystery House

Posted by Speakeasy News > Tuesday 14 October 2025 > Celebrate

Tradition says that ghosts have fun at Halloween. But in San Jose, California, they have fun all year in a 160-room eccentric house built for them. The house’s creator was Sarah Winchester, who inherited the vast fortune of the Winchester rifle company. The rifles were very popular in the Wild West. When Sarah’s baby and … Continue reading “Mystery House”

Railway Travel at 200

Posted by Speakeasy News > Tuesday 14 October 2025 > Ready to Use

Taking the train is such a common activity and some of us do it every day, yet, yet passenger rail travel was only introduced 200 years ago. These A2/ A2+ activities focus on the celebration of the 200th anniversary of the opening of the Stockton and Darlington Railway in September 1825 to carry freight and passengers, … Continue reading “Railway Travel at 200”

Save the Date: British Short Films Festival All Around France

Posted by Speakeasy News > Monday 13 October 2025 > Pedagogy

The “This is England” festival of British short films based in Rouen and the surrounding region is back. The 2025 edition  will take place from 15 to 23 November. A team of teachers has put together a special programme of screenings and teaching materials for primary, collège and lycée classes. And this year, it will … Continue reading “Save the Date: British Short Films Festival All Around France”