This article explores the fates of two queens who reigned in neighbouring kingdoms in the 16th century. Both linked and opposed, they had to rule in a man’s world, in a conflict-ridden society, where religious and political unrest were rife and conspiracy and treason were the norm. Through the new biopic, Mary Queen of Scots, … Continue reading “Two Queens”
If Beale Street Could Talk, a love story set in 1970s Harlem, is the first English-language film adapted from one of James Baldwin’s novels. This video and interactive book can be used in class to explore Baldwin’s work and the film. It is a romance but also an ode to loving family bonds. And it … Continue reading “Love in Harlem: Teaching Tools”
The next “Talk in English” at the British Council in Paris will be on Thursday 21 February and will be on a popular topic: the British Royal Family. The talk will be given by one of the British Council’s teachers, Amy Brightling, and will cover the recent history of the Royal family, and their importance … Continue reading “All About the Royals”
Andy Warhol remains one of the most famous and iconic American artists. He contributed to bridge the gap and blur the boundaries between pop culture and fine arts and his work is a wonderful way in into American 20th century history, culture, and values. Some thirty years after his death, the New York Whitney Museum … Continue reading “Andy Warhol: From A to Z”
The Hate U Give is a bestselling young-adult novel and now a new film. The carefully nuanced novel, written in part from experience by young African-American author Angie Thomas, gives a fascinating insight into the life of a teenager caught between two worlds: the mostly black neighbourhood where she lives and the mostly white private … Continue reading “The Hate U Give”
Brexit is a complex topic to tackle in class. We’ve scoured the web for the simplest videos we can find. This 2’30 video is aimed at British children, so it’s a fairly simple explanation of Brexit. Usable from A2+. This video from Channel 4 News is a very good explanation of the importance of the … Continue reading “Teaching about Brexit: Web Resources”
Christmas Jumper Day has been a big charity event in the UK for several years. The U.S. is catching up with Ugly Christmas Sweater Day. Either way, it’s a great way to get in the Christmas spirit and make a donation to a children’s charity. Christmas Jumper Day in the UK is organised by the … Continue reading “It’s Christmas Jumper Day!”
On 10 December, the Nobel Committee is presenting the 2018 Nobel Prize for Peace to a woman and a man fighting against the use of sexual violence as a weapon of war. Nadia Murad and Dr Denis Mukwege come from different parts of the world, and took different paths to advocacy. But both fight to … Continue reading “Fighting for Women’s Rights”
If you’re working on the theme of heroes, why not take some advice from the late Stan Lee, co-creator of a dizzying number of superheroes for Marvel Comics from Spider-man to the Black Panther and The Fantastic Four. This TedX Talk Lee gave in 2013 is really clear and can be used from B1, or … Continue reading “Talking about Superheroes”
The Marvel-verse of superheroes are orphans. The man who created some of the most enduring characters in popular culture has died at age 95. Stan Lee co-created Spider-Man, the X-Men, the Avengers, Daredevil and the Fantastic Four: superheroes with a good dose of human frailty. Stanley Lieber was born in Manhattan in 1922, the son … Continue reading “Marvel Superheroes Creator Stan Lee Dies”