Henry VIII’s Six Wives

Posted by Speakeasy News > Friday 26 July 2024 > What's On

King Henry VIII is such an overwhelming character in British culture that his six wives tend to be reduced to a footnote of history. A new exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery in London puts the women in the spotlight. Henry VIII had a famously tumultuous love life. In fact most British schoolchildren learn the … Continue reading “Henry VIII’s Six Wives”

Chisholm for President

Posted by Speakeasy News > Friday 03 May 2024 > Ready to Use

You may not be familiar with her name but you must be familiar with her struggle: fighting inequalities, defending minorities and women… Shirley Chisholm, a trailblazer in politics, the first African American woman to run for president in the 1970s paved the way for the following generations thanks to her determination. Her willpower and desire to … Continue reading “Chisholm for President”

Shirley Chisholm the Woman Who Ran for President

Posted by Speakeasy News > Tuesday 30 April 2024 > What's On

A new TV film shines the spotlight on a trailblazer in U.S. politics: Shirley Chisholm, the first African American woman to be elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, and the first, and only, woman to run for the Presidential nomination. Regina King plays “Fighting Shirley”, who faced, and faced up to, obstacles all through … Continue reading “Shirley Chisholm the Woman Who Ran for President”

Princess Suffragette

Posted by Speakeasy News > Friday 05 April 2024 > Ready to Use

Everyone has heard of the Suffragettes and their actions, yet, have you heard of Princess Suffragette? This Indian princess, whose father was the last ruler of the Sikh Empire, gave up her socialite life in order to fight for a cause. Meet Sophia Duleep Singh, goddaughter to Queen Victoria who got involved in Emmeline Pankhurst’s … Continue reading “Princess Suffragette”

Teaching with Trailers: Hercule Poirot A Haunting in Venice

Posted by Speakeasy News > Friday 15 September 2023 > Shine Bright Collège Webpicks

If you’re working on detective stories, or scary stories, these two trailers for the new Agatha Christie film A Haunting in Venice would work well in class depending on context. The first one immediately identifies Poirot and that there is a mystery. If you have already worked on detective stories, pupils could be asked to … Continue reading “Teaching with Trailers: Hercule Poirot A Haunting in Venice”

Hercule Poirot in Venice

Posted by Speakeasy News > Thursday 24 August 2023 > Shine Bright Collège What's On

After Murder on the Orient Express and Death on the Nile, Agatha Christie’s detective Hercule Poirot, in the shape of Kenneth Branagh, continues to travel across the world solving crimes. A Haunting in Venice is based on Christie’s Hallowe’en Party, and is suitably spooky to work on at this time of year. Poirot, officially retired, is … Continue reading “Hercule Poirot in Venice”

A Royal Celebration

Posted by Speakeasy News > Wednesday 26 April 2023 > Ready to Use

This biography of King Charles III is meant for A2 students. The coronation ceremonies will take place on Saturday 6th of May 2023 and celebrations are expected all over the United Kingdom and in some Commonwealth countries. The Royal Family is a fairly common topic at the moment, so your students are likely to know … Continue reading “A Royal Celebration”

Emily Brontë Biopic

Posted by Speakeasy News > Friday 10 March 2023 > What's On

Emily Brontë was one of the most extraordinary group of siblings in British literature. Although she wrote just one novel, Wuthering Heights, it has resonated across the world since 1847. A new biopic tries to imagine how Emily got inspiration for her Romantic classic. Emma Mackey (Eiffel, Death on the Nile) embodies the fierce, shy … Continue reading “Emily Brontë Biopic”

Biobox: Edward Hopper

Posted by Speakeasy News > Tuesday 15 November 2022 > Ready to Use

Our bioboxes are short “Who Am I?” quizzes to help introduce pupils to famous figures in the English-speaking world. This one is about American artist Edward Hopper. It gives biographical information and some of his most famous paintings. It would be a great introduction to the artist if you’re planning to have your pupils participate … Continue reading “Biobox: Edward Hopper”