Irish Population Returns to Pre-Famine Levels

Posted by Speakeasy News > Tuesday 09 August 2022 > In the News

The Irish Central Statistics Office recently announced that the country’s population had surpassed 5 million for the first time since the Great Famine (1845-49). A notable event in a country whose history and culture have been marked by waves of emigration. This excellent infographic would be a great addition to Shine Bright 1e File 9 … Continue reading “Irish Population Returns to Pre-Famine Levels”

Bloomsday 100

Posted by Speakeasy News > Friday 10 June 2022 > Celebrate

In 1922, James Joyce’s landmark novel Ulysses was published in Paris, since it wouldn’t have passed censorship rules in his native Ireland. Every 16 June, Joyce fans pay homage to the book, which takes place over one day on 16 June, by dressing in period costume and acting out scenes from the novel. Ulysses was … Continue reading “Bloomsday 100”

Teaching with Films: Belfast

Posted by Speakeasy News > Monday 14 March 2022 > Webpicks

The trailer and the featurette for Belfast are both used in our Ready-to-use resource on the film. Trailer Featurette

Branagh’s Belfast

Posted by Speakeasy News > Monday 14 March 2022 > Ready to Use

Belfast is the story of nine-year-old Buddy growing up in the Northern Irish capital in a friendly, working-class community until the Troubles brutally disrupt his life in 1969. The film and these activities will help the students discover more about the Northern Irish conflict and its human consequences. It is actor-director Kenneth Branagh‘s most personal film … Continue reading “Branagh’s Belfast”

In the Streets of Belfast

Posted by Speakeasy News > Friday 04 March 2022 > What's On

Belfast is actor-director Kenneth Branagh‘s most personal film yet. It’s the story of nine-year-old Buddy growing up in Belfast in a friendly, working-class community until the Troubles brutally disrupt his life in 1969. Belfast is set in 1969, when what were called “the Troubles” went from protests to violent riots in the space of a … Continue reading “In the Streets of Belfast”

Travel to Dublin or Norwich for Language Training Courses

Posted by Speakeasy News > Friday 05 November 2021 > Pedagogy

Every year, the Education Ministry finances 400 courses in language and culture in EU countries for language teachers in primary or secondary. Applications need to be in by 17 January 2022. The two-week courses take place during the summer holidays. This year there are two in Dublin and two in Norwich (England), from 11 to … Continue reading “Travel to Dublin or Norwich for Language Training Courses”

Irish Legends: Wolfwalkers

Posted by Speakeasy News > Monday 25 October 2021 > What's On

Tomm Moore’s animated films are rooted in Irish folklore and history. After fairies in Brendan and the Book of Kells and selkies in Song of the Sea, the heroes of his latest film are wolfwalkers, which he describes as “benign Celtic werewolves”. The film is set in 1650, when Cromwell’s English army had put down … Continue reading “Irish Legends: Wolfwalkers”

James Joyce and Bloomsday

Posted by Speakeasy News > Wednesday 09 June 2021 > Celebrate

Ireland has a rich literary heritage and is fond of honouring it. On 16 June every year, it is author James Joyce who is remembered, as Joyce fans all over Ireland and the world celebrate Bloomsday in honour of his novel Ulysses. Ulysses, published in 1922, consists of 18 episodes mirroring Homer’s Odyssey and takes … Continue reading “James Joyce and Bloomsday”

Shine Bright AMC Landmarks

Posted by Speakeasy News > Friday 23 April 2021 >

As well the 28 Files, the Shine Bright AMC contains 34 pages of Landmarks: timelines and key information about the history and culture of English-speaking countries with an AMC angle. They were written by Juliette Hanrot, who teaches history and geography in DNL. These reference pages can be used to give pupils essential background when … Continue reading “Shine Bright AMC Landmarks”