Kids Take Over Parliament

Posted by Speakeasy News > Friday 21 March 2025 > In the News

On 28 February, the average age in the House of Commons debating chamber was a lot younger than normal. Instead of the usual MPs, the chamber hosted the annual sitting of the UK Youth Parliament: more than 300 11-18-year-olds elected by their peers.  The debaters are MYPs: Members of the U.K. Youth Parliament. Any 11-18-year-old … Continue reading “Kids Take Over Parliament”

What is the King’s Speech?

Posted by Speakeasy News > Monday 06 November 2023 > In the News

All through Elizabeth II’s long reign, the Queen’s Speech was shorthand for the UK’s State Opening of Parliament, which takes place annually at the beginning of each parliamentary session.  The monarch reads out a speech to the assembled Houses of Lords and Commons detailing the government’s programme of legislation for the upcoming year. On 7 … Continue reading “What is the King’s Speech?”

Australia Says No in Indigenous Representation Referendum 

Posted by Speakeasy News > Wednesday 18 October 2023 > In the News Shine Bright Collège Shine Bright Lycée

On 14 October, Australians voted 60-40% against a referendum proposal on a change to the Constitution that would have given Indigenous Australians a greater voice in the legislature. If approved, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice would have been a consultative body to advise lawmakers on issues affecting Indigenous Australians.  Labor Prime Minister Anthony … Continue reading “Australia Says No in Indigenous Representation Referendum “

Australia to Hold Referendum on Indigenous Representation

Posted by Speakeasy News > Monday 26 June 2023 > In the News Shine Bright Collège Shine Bright Lycée

Australia will hold a referendum later this year on a change to the Constitution that would give Indigenous Australians a greater voice in the legislature. If approved, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice would be a consultative body which would advise lawmakers on issues affecting Indigenous Australians. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, who … Continue reading “Australia to Hold Referendum on Indigenous Representation”

Guy Fawkes

Posted by Speakeasy News > Saturday 16 October 2021 > Ready to Use

This A1+ article is a short introduction to the Gunpowder Plot, which could of course be treated from a more complex historical point of view at a higher level. The traditions of Guy Fawkes night, fireworks, bonfires and the State Opening of Parliament are introduced. As 5e pupils are studying the same period in history (Thème … Continue reading “Guy Fawkes”

Canada Elections: Status Quo

Posted by Speakeasy News > Wednesday 22 September 2021 > In the News

Canada went to the polls two years early on 20 September. The situation after the election looks almost exactly the same as that before, with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s Liberal Party losing the popular vote but winning the most seats, though not enough for a majority. Trudeau will now form another minority government. Justin Trudeau, … Continue reading “Canada Elections: Status Quo”

Big Ben

Posted by Speakeasy News > Tuesday 18 July 2017 > Ready to Use

Big Ben is a must-see on any trip to London. The iconic London landmark is undergoing major renovation work for the next three years. We take the opportunity to show pupils what makes Big Ben tick with an A2-level article.  Language and Structures: Descriptive narration: simple present and preterite tenses Numbers: saying dates Modals and … Continue reading “Big Ben”

Big Ben Under Repair

Posted by Speakeasy News > Tuesday 18 July 2017 > In the News

Big Ben symbolises London and is an iconic part of the British capital’s skyline. But from 2017 to 2020, Big Ben will look and sound very different, because it needs major repairs. The tower, clock and Big Ben bell have given more than 150 years faithful service, including continuing to ring the quarter hours and … Continue reading “Big Ben Under Repair”