The UK Goes to the Polls

Posted by Speakeasy News > Thursday 27 June 2024 > In the News

On 4 July, British citizens will vote in a general election. It is widely expected that the Conservative Party, which has been in power for 14 years, will be defeated. British voters knew they would be called to the polls for a general election at some point in 2024 but Prime Minister Rishi Sunak surprised … Continue reading “The UK Goes to the Polls”

Teaching About the UK Electoral System

Posted by Speakeasy News > Tuesday 25 June 2024 > Webpicks

General elections in the U.K. have a lot in common with French legislative elections. Here are some resources on the British system that can help pupils think about democracy and compare and contrast the British and French systems. The video on this page has a 1-minute explanation of how a general election works, written for … Continue reading “Teaching About the UK Electoral System”

Bullying Is Never OK

Posted by Speakeasy News > Thursday 09 November 2023 > Ready to Use Shine Bright Collège

Anti-bullying actions are taking place in November in the United Kingdom, in Australia, and in France too. Anti-Bullying Week 2023 is coordinated in England, Wales and Northern Ireland by the Anti-Bullying Alliance. This year it has the theme “Make A Noise About Bullying” and will take place from Monday 13 to Friday 17 November. The … Continue reading “Bullying Is Never OK”

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?”

Scottish First Minister Resigns

Posted by Speakeasy News > Wednesday 15 February 2023 > In the News

On 15 February, Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced she was resigning after eight years in the post. Like Jacinda Ardern, New Zealand’ Prime Minister, less than a month ago, Sturgeon blamed the brutality of political life for her resignation. Nicola Sturgeon has been an MSP (Member of the Scottish Parliament) since the first elections … Continue reading “Scottish First Minister Resigns”

Two-week Stays in UK and Irish Schools for Teachers

Posted by Speakeasy News > Monday 14 November 2022 > Pedagogy

If you’d like to brush up on your English and discover different teaching techniques, you can apply to spend two weeks teaching and observing in a school in the UK or Ireland, whether you are a language or DNL teacher. France éducation international (formerly the CIEP ) gives teachers possibility to spend two weeks in UK … Continue reading “Two-week Stays in UK and Irish Schools for Teachers”

UK’s First British Asian Prime Minister

Posted by Speakeasy News > Monday 24 October 2022 > In the News

The British Conservative Party has announced that its new leader, will be Rishi Sunak, former Chancellor of the Exchequer. He will become Britain’s third Prime Minister in less than three months. Mr Sunak will succeed Liz Truss, whose Premiership lasted just 45 days, after she replaced Boris Johnson as Prime Minister on 5 September. Ms … Continue reading “UK’s First British Asian Prime Minister”

Bye-bye Boris

Posted by Speakeasy News > Monday 05 September 2022 > In the News

Boris Johnson learned who would replace him as British Prime Minister on 5 September:  Liz Truss. The change came after Mr Johnson admitted he had lost the faith of his own cabinet and MPs and the Conservative Party held a two-month long election to choose a new leader. It may seem surprising that Britain can … Continue reading “Bye-bye Boris”