Latest Stories
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The remarkable life of Prince Philip
Did he see more change than any of us will? Prince Philip died on Friday aged 99. The Queen’s husband had an incredible life and lived through some of the most important events in history.
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‘Crocodiles are better survivors than humans’
Are they the world’s greatest survivors? Millions of years ago, an asteroid wiped out almost every animal – but not crocodiles. New research suggests their shape is the key to their success.
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Medals for sport, health and community heroes
Is it a good idea to celebrate individuals? This year’s New Year’s Honours list is filled with famous faces and everyday heroes. Some argue we should honour whole groups of people instead.
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People, animals and art unearthed in Pompeii dig
Were the Ancient Romans just like us? Recent excavations have unearthed two more people frozen in time, taking shelter from the volcano that erupted above the city almost 2,000 years ago.
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Fossil footprints reveal Ice Age tale
Would you like to meet Zoe? Scientists have discovered the longest trail of fossilised human footprints. They tell a story of a young child’s dangerous journey in difficult weather.
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Lie-ins all round as clocks go back
Should we get rid of clocks altogether? Brits enjoyed a later start yesterday as British Summer Time ended. But some people think living by the clock makes us stressed and unhappy.
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This is a Golden Age of dinosaur discovery!
Can we learn anything useful from studying dinosaurs? Using new technology, scientists have learnt about them in the last 50 years than ever before. But some say it’s pointless research.
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The Syrian boy who helps pupils with English
Should we all learn new languages? Eleven-year-old Mohammed is very good at it. A video about how he helps his classmates to understand English is very popular online.
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Meet the woman who might be Shakespeare
Was Shakespeare a woman? For centuries, scholars have puzzled over Shakespeare’s true identity. Now, there is a new contender: Emilia Bassano, England’s first-published, female poet.
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How we can learn from ancient heroes
Are historical figures better role models than modern people? Ancient generals Alexander the Great and Hannibal reigned supreme in battle. Some say we could learn from their successes.
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Vast ancient structure found near Stonehenge
Can we learn from our ancestors? The largest prehistoric structure in the UK was built by hand with simple tools. Some experts say we should be inspired by our Stone Age predecessors.
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Europe marks 75 years since World War II
Was it right to celebrate VE day? Despite the current lockdown, Britain marked 75 years since the end of World War II in Europe with 1940s’ tea parties, sing-alongs, and bunting.
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Saxon hoard lands treasure hunters in jail
Who owns buried treasure? Last Friday, two men were sent to jail for trying to sell an amazing 1,100-year-old stash of Anglo-Saxon coins and jewellery. But to whom does it really belong?
- Culture
- Reading Band 11
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Happy birthday modern China, 70 this week!
Is China the world’s most important country? It certainly has the most people. And for most of history it has also been the richest — the inventor of paper, gunpowder and the compass…
- Society
- Reading Band 11
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50 years since man’s ‘greatest achievement’
Was the Moon landing the greatest scientific achievement of all time? Fifty years ago, humans walked on the Moon for the first time — using less computing power than the average smartphone.
- Science
- Reading Band 14+