Prime Canadian

Posted by Speakeasy News > Friday 15 June 2018 > Celebrate

As Canada Day approaches on 1 July, the Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has been in international headlines, though not for the reasons the golden boy of Canadian politics has attracted publicity for in his three years in office. This time it was for crossing swords with Donald Trump over trade tariffs at the G7 … Continue reading “Prime Canadian”

Nelson Mandela Centenary

Posted by Speakeasy News > Monday 04 June 2018 > Celebrate

Nelson Mandela was born a hundred years ago, on 18 July 1918. In 2009, the United Nations declared his birthday International Mandela Day, when people around the world are encouraged to give service to their communities, as he gave service to the people of South Africa. Rolihlahla Mandela was born into the Madiba clan in Mvezo, … Continue reading “Nelson Mandela Centenary”

Join the Fairtrade Movement

Posted by Speakeasy News > Thursday 17 May 2018 > Celebrate

It’s Fairtrade Fortnight, la quinzaine du commerce équitable, in France from 12 to 27 May. Products with Fairtrade or Max Havelaar certification have been produced by workers who receive a fair price for their products. These are essentially basic food commodities: the top six are bananas, sugar, cocoa, coffee, other fresh fruit, and tea. However … Continue reading “Join the Fairtrade Movement”

Frankenstein at 200

Posted by Speakeasy News > Thursday 17 May 2018 > Celebrate

Frankenstein was published in 1818, written by a very unconventional young woman. Its genesis is as intriguing as its lasting influence. Without a volcanic eruption, Frankenstein and the vampire fiction genre may never have seen the day. In 1815 Mount Tambora in Indonesia erupted violently, in the largest and most deadly eruption recorded anywhere in … Continue reading “Frankenstein at 200”

May the Fourth Be With You

Posted by Speakeasy News > Thursday 03 May 2018 > Celebrate

May 4 is international “Star Wars” Day in honour of the pun on this date: “May the fourth be with you.” In the movies the phrase “May the Force be with you” is used to wish an individual good luck and good favour with The Force. Since it began in 1977, Star Wars, an epic … Continue reading “May the Fourth Be With You”

Free Ecology Poster

Posted by Speakeasy News > Friday 20 April 2018 > Celebrate

The theme for this year’s Earth Day, 22 April, is “End Plastic Pollution”. This poster from the U.S. Department of State puts the focus on ecological problems caused by plastic waste in our oceans, and the dangers it presents for marine creatures. The poster is a great starting point for a class on plastic in … Continue reading “Free Ecology Poster”

Media Literacy Week

Posted by Speakeasy News > Friday 16 March 2018 > Celebrate

Every year the Semaine de la presse à l’école encourages teachers to work on media literacy with their pupils, by examining the press and having pupils turn their hands to reporting themselves. It’s a wonderfully realistic activity for language learners. There is a really excellent teaching pack with so many ideas in that you can … Continue reading “Media Literacy Week”

Stepping Up

Posted by Speakeasy News > Friday 16 March 2018 > Celebrate

From 17 to 23 March, Britain is breaking out the running shoes and swimming costumes for Sport Relief, Red Nose Day’s sporting cousin. A whole lot of comics, celebrities, schools and the great British public will take on sporting challenges to raise money for those in need in Britain and some of the poorest communities … Continue reading “Stepping Up”