Roald Dahl was such a popular children’s writer that every year, 13 September (his birthday) is World Roald Dahl Day. This year is the hundredth anniversary of his birth, and there are celebrations galore. Dahl, who died in 1990, is best remembered as the author of irreverent classics like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Matilda, … Continue reading “Roald Dahl Day Special”
For the last couple of years, there have been nothing but surprises in British politics. The latest is the nomination of Theresa May as Conservative Party leader, and Prime Minister, after the “vote leave” victory in the Brexit referendum. May, 59, was one of the most senior members of David Cameron’s government, in charge of … Continue reading “Theresa May: A Woman at Number 10”
The Battle of the Somme in 1916 was a tragic turning point in World War One for British and Empire forces. There are many on-going commemorations from 1 July to 18 November to mark the centenary of the battle. The Battle of the Somme was launched to try to provide relief for the French Army, which … Continue reading “The Battle of the Somme 1916”
C’est l’histoire d’une étudiante discrète et timide, qui manque de confiance, qui ne fait jamais de bruit en cours, que ce soit en anglais ou en français. Elle ne connaît personne qui parle anglais. Elle n’aura peut-être jamais les moyens de vraiment parler cette langue… Étudiante sérieuse, elle rencontre en ligne sur Facebook une jeune … Continue reading “Histoires virtuelles vraies”
Padlet permet de créer des murs virtuels collaboratifs en ligne. Il est accessible, à partir d’un navigateur sur tous les appareils fixes ou mobiles. Il suffit d’être connecté et d’ouvrir un compte, gratuit pour la version de base, à partir d’une adresse mail ou d’un compte sur un réseau social. On peut alors créer un … Continue reading “Padlet, une appli pour les projets de classe”
21 September is Peace One Day, a U.N. day of ceasefire and non-violence around the world. A day to bring peace into your classroom! The United Nations voted unanimously in 2001 to declare 21 September a day for peace. Unfortunately, that decision was taken days before the 9/11 terrorist attacks. But that didn’t deter Jeremy … Continue reading “Teach Peace on 21 September”
A new exhibition in Paris shines a spotlight on a man who never shied away from one: Oscar Wilde. The author of The Picture of Dorian Gray and The Importance of Being Earnest lived a life as witty and provocative as his work. Oscar Wilde had an affinity and long connection with France, so the … Continue reading “Oscar Wilde: Impertinent Portrait”
This year’s Deauville American Film Festival is going less for the Hollywood glitz and more for subversive, independent voices with tributes to documentary maker extraordinaire Michael Moore and actor-director-producer James Franco. There are of course lots of stars on the red carpet at Deauville, but Moore and Franco show another side of American cinema. Michael … Continue reading “Michael Moore and James Franco at Deauville”
Rebels, hedonists, social critics… eternal outsiders who have influenced generations of writers and artists that followed. The Beat Generation exhibition at the Paris Pompidou Centre looks at the legacy of Jack Kerouac, Allen Ginsberg, William Burroughs, and many more. The Beat poetry movement was born in the wake of World War Two. But its influence … Continue reading “The Beat Generation: On the Road”
As part of the celebrations of the centenary of Roald Dahl’s birth, Steven Spielberg has helmed an adaptation of his book The BFG. Pupils generally recognise Dahl’s work from books or films, so it is a rich subject for class work. Don’t miss our articles on the The BFG film and Dream Jar Trail (see … Continue reading “The BFG Webpicks”