Dragons loom large in a lot of children’s literature, from Lord of the Rings to Harry Potter, as well as How To Train Your Dragon and Eragon. The theme of dragons sparked the imagination of thousands of British children, who created designs for giant dragon sculptures on view in London’s Kew Gardens this summer. There … Continue reading “To Find a Dragon”
Parmi les idées d’évolution du Baccalauréat figure la perspective d’un « grand oral » qui valoriserait les compétences de l’oral. Or, la confiance nécessaire pour parler devant ses camarades, toute la classe, voire un jury, n’est pas innée et les élèves doivent y être régulièrement entrainés. Les langues peuvent jouer un rôle non négligeable dans … Continue reading “Oral Participation in Class: Ideas from Britain”
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”
South Africa’s second largest city came very close to running out of water in April. Only a massive effort by its citizens has delayed “Day Zero” for now. More and more urban areas face water shortages as a result of climate change. Three years of unusually low rainfall, combined with population increases, left Cape Town … Continue reading “Cape Town: The Day the Water Stops”
It was a surprise bestseller about a forgotten piece of World War Two history with an improbable title. Now The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society is coming to a screen near you. It tells the story of the Nazi occupation of the Channel Islands — the only part of the British Isles to … Continue reading “Guernsey, a Book Club and German Occupation”
It is one of the greatest mysteries of our time — why is New Zealand always being left off world maps? A new video tackles the issue. In a 2.5 minute video posted to Facebook around 10am on Wednesday 2 May 2018, New Zealand has launched a tourism campaign exploring this question that has bothered … Continue reading “New Zealand, Where Are You?”
If you teach in a European section, have you seen the latest addition to the Speakeasy family? Speakeasy Files 3e is designed for sections européennes with six thematic files giving an original angle on the culture of the English-speaking world. Have a look at our trailer! This 48-page book provides six files: Stand Up for … Continue reading “New for Sections européennes”
The United Nations has declared June 12 the World Day Against Child Labour. It is estimated that 152 million children have to work for a living, and lose out on education and well-being as a result. Many of them work to produce food or consumer items that we find on our high streets. The number … Continue reading “World Day Against Child Labour”
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”
Philip Roth, one of the most admired American novelists, has died at the age of 85. In more than 30 novels, Roth fascinated and scandalised his home country. Roth won accolades for his work from the outset, winning the National Book Award for his first book, the collection of short stories Goodbye Columbus (1959). The … Continue reading “Novelist Philip Roth Dies”