Every year, the BBC National Short Story Award contains some real gems of short fiction — and you can download the audio versions to listen to at leisure. Previous awards have been given to both unknown authors and well-established ones. This year, all five authors on the shortlist are women. Their stories have protagonists ranging … Continue reading “National Short Story Award to Listen to and Keep”
From 28 September to 2 October, Dinard will celebrate the 27th edition of its British Film Festival. This year, the jury will be headed by French director Claude Lelouch who will personally award the Golden Hitchcock. There are six films in competition and a whole host of homages and premieres, to catch the best new … Continue reading “Dinard British Film Festival”
Il est souvent question aujourd’hui dans la société civile de démocratie participative pour réconcilier les citoyens avec la politique. De la même façon et par transposition, la communauté éducative peut explorer le thème de la pédagogie participative et collaborative pour réconcilier certains élèves avec l’apprentissage et, pourquoi pas, renforcer la motivation de tous ? Le cours … Continue reading “Le cours de langue comme lieu d’apprentissage d’une citoyenneté sereine”
In less than 2 decades, with Zip2, PayPal, SpaceX and Tesla Motors, the South African entrepreneur Elon Musk has become one of the most influential entrepreneurs in the world. A mix between Tony (Iron Man) Stark and Henry Ford, Elon Musk’s life story reads like a myth or maybe a comic book. Born and raised in … Continue reading “Elon Musk: a Serial Entrepreneur”
Michael Moore’s new documentary film has a typically tongue-in-cheek title, Where to Invade Next. Moore decides that since the U.S.A. has a propensity for invading other countries it should do so for the right reasons. He sets off in search of countries that have things to teach the U.S.A. Michael Moore is that rare (or … Continue reading “Michael Moore: Where to Invade Next”
Amongst the many events celebrating the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death in 2016, the big one for schools will be 2 December: Shakespeare Lives in Schools Day. Why not participate in a class competition on the theme of Macbeth before 31 October? It could become an animated film for the global celebrations in December. The … Continue reading “Competition: Shakespeare Lives in Schools”
They are London’s working-class royalty, and a popular part of the city’s folklore. The Pearly Kings and Queens also raise large amounts of money for charity. Their annual Harvest Festival in September is a sight to behold. The original Pearly King was an orphan, Henry Croft. He was brought up in an orphanage but at … Continue reading “Pearly Kings and Queens Festival”
Quentin Blake illustrated all of Roald Dahl’s children’s books. And now he has illustrated a long-lost story by Beatrix Potter. Here are a couple of ways to enrich your class with Quentin Blake’s work. This trailer for The Tale of Kitty-in-Boots features Quentin Blake’s illustrations and Dame Helen Mirren reading the opening passage of the … Continue reading “Quentin Blake Webpicks”
Quentin Blake’s illustrations are instantly recognisable to anyone who has ever read a Roald Dahl’s children’s book. And now he has illustrated a long-lost story by Beatrix Potter. Blake’s illustrations have helped form generations of readers’ image of Roald Dahl’s characters. When Blake was asked to illustrate Roald Dahl’s first book for younger children, The … Continue reading “Quentin Blake Brings Roald Dahl and Beatrix Potter to Life”
Just when you think you understand Britain, all your expectations get turned on their head. In a highly urbanised, high-tech obsessed country, a large proportion of the population has been on tenterhooks about a radio soap opera about a farming community. The Archers is a British institution. It has been broadcast six days a week … Continue reading “The Archers Phenomenon”