Latest Stories
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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+
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Anger as protests in Hong Kong turn violent
Will China ever be a democracy? This week, thousands took to the streets of Hong Kong to protest a controversial new law. “The people’s voices are not being heard,” said one teenager.
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The race to be Britain’s new prime minister
Should Boris run Britain? Today, the UK’s Prime Minister Theresa May will officially resign, triggering the race to replace her. At the front of the pack of contenders is the colourful Boris...
- Politics
- Reading Band 14+
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Too many climbers on Everest, say experts
Should we stop climbing the world’s tallest mountain? This photo of tourists waiting to reach its peak has gone viral. Mountaineers say traffic is not just annoying — it can be deadly.
- Sport
- Reading Band 11
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Eurovision: the ultimate battle of the bands
Is Eurovision silly or serious? Tomorrow, around 200 million people will tune in to watch the grand final of the world’s most outrageous singing competition: the Eurovision Song Contest.
- Culture
- Reading Band 14+
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The very model of a modern royal family
It is the picture that says more than any words. The 93-year-old Queen greets with delight her three-day-old great grandchild, the first part Afro-American baby in the British royal family.
- Society
- Reading Band 14+
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Pressure mounts to speed up action on climate
Could we go carbon-free in just six years? The protest group Extinction Rebellion says that this must happen in order to save the planet. Politicians say it is impossible. Who is right?
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South Africans celebrate 25 years of freedom
Is Nelson Mandela’s work done? Twenty-five years ago, the hero activist was elected president, spelling an end to the racist apartheid era. However, South Africa is still deeply unequal.
- Conflict
- Reading Band 11