The Lumière Festival in Lyon from 15 to 23 October has a great programme of films in various languages including English. And it will be giving the prestigious Prix Lumière to American writer- director-animator Tim Burton, as well as showing a retrospective of his films like A Nightmare Before Christmas, Edward Scissorhands and Charlie and … Continue reading “Tim Burton and Sidney Lumet Honoured at Lyon’s Lumière Festival”
The midterm elections will take place in the U.S.A. on 8 November. Among thousands of candidates, Maxwell Alejandro Frost stands out as a lively and enthusiastic young activist, who’s been involved in politics and has organised political events since he was 15. Now 25, Frost is aiming to be the first member of Generation Z … Continue reading “A Youth Voice for Congress”
Many of Edward Hopper’s paintings are like mini-narratives of mid-20th-century America. Although he also painted landscapes, he is best known for portrayals of lonely urban life. There are plenty on show in Edward Hopper’s New York at the Whitney Museum in NYC. We’d like to challenge your pupils to write stories inspired by the images. … Continue reading “Creative Writing Competition: Edward Hopper”
The “Black Indian Tribes” or crews are some of the most colourful participants in New Orleans’ famous Mardi Gras celebrations. A new exhibition at the Musée du quai Branly features their intricate, flamboyant costumes and explains the history of African Americans in Louisiana. Till 15 January 2022. There are more than 40 Black Indian tribes … Continue reading “Black Indians from New Orleans”
Our bioboxes are short “Who Am I?” quizzes to help introduce pupils to famous figures in the English-speaking world. This one is about Britain’s new King Charles III. You can download the MP4 file below to use in class.
David Hockney is one of Britain’s best known and most popular artists (a retrospective at Tate Britain in 2017 attracted a record half million visitors). His brightly coloured pop art in many media is instantly recognisable. Since 2018, he’s been living in Normandy and was inspired by the Bayeux tapestry to produce a narrative cycle … Continue reading “Digital Seasons with David Hockney”
The winner of the U.K.’s most prestigious literary prize, the Booker, will be announced on 15 October. The six authors on shortlist in the running for the prize are from the U.K., Ireland, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe and the U.S.A. Their books are overwhelmingly inspired by real historical events, from a terrible lynching in America to … Continue reading “Short List for the 2022 Booker Prize”
The instant that the queen died, her eldest son and heir, Charles, became Britain’s new monarch. Charles had been first in line to the throne for 70 years since the accession of his mother and was the longest-serving Prince of Wales. Prince William now replaces Charles as heir to the throne, followed by his three … Continue reading “The Queen is Dead, Long Live the King!”
26 September is the day the EU celebrates all the many languages spoken in Europe and around the world. They have lots of suggested activities to get your pupils enthusiasm flowing for languages. You can find out 20 fascinating facts about languages on this poster, and 20 MORE facts on this new one for 2022. … Continue reading “Celebrating Languages”
On 1952 London’s West End, Agatha Christie’s play, The Mousetrap, is a hit. Hollywood comes knocking at the stage door. But plans for a movie version of this smash-hit play come to an abrupt halt after the film’s Hollywood director is murdered. Reality The Mousetrap occupies a special place in the work of Agatha Christie. … Continue reading “See How They Run: A Whodunit Within a Whodunit”
