Latest
English for Life in the UK – The United Kingdom
An overview of the 4 countries that make up the United Kingdom. More information about each of the smaller countries Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Read more
English for Life in the UK – Early Britain and Roman Britain
The early history of Britain including Stonehenge and the Bronze and Iron ages. Roman Britain including Hadrian’s Wall and Boudicca. Read more
English for Life in the UK – Anglo-Saxons, Vikings and Normans arrive in Britain
Anglo-Saxons arrive in Britain. The two St Augustines. The Vikings. The Battle of Hastings and the Norman conquest. How the Normans changed Britain. Read more
English for Life in the UK – The Development of the English Language
History of English as a language. English in use today in the U.K. and around the world. The differences between British English and American English Read more
English for Life in the UK – British Citizenship
Outline and discussion of the process for becoming a British citizen. Freedoms and responsibilities of citizens. The pledge and oath of allegiance to the Queen. Read more
English for Life in the UK – US Presdential Election
Why the US Presidential election is important to the U.K. How the US election system works. What has happened in this year’s election and the possible implications for the U.K. Read more
English for Life in the UK – Values and Principles of British Society
The Government handbook identifies 5 principles – democracy, rule of law, individual liberty, tolerance, participation. We discuss each of these and suggest some others. Read more
English For Life in the UK – Fashion and Design in the UK
What we mean by fashion and design. Some famous British designers, including fashion designers. Nouns and adjectives for materials. Read more
Season 2 – Preview
What is this podcast? What have we done so far and what are our plans for season 2? How to use this podcast to improve your English and learn more about life in the U.K. Read more
English for Life in the UK – Everyday Life and Customs
Including greetings, neighbours, queuing and shopping, eating and meal times, and family life. Read more
English for Life in the UK – Coronavirus
A special episode looking at the Coronavirus. We cover the main government advice, support that is available locally and ideas about how to look after yourself in these difficult times. Read more
English for Life in the UK – Mass Media in the UK
We talk about newspapers, television and radio in the UK Read more
English for Life in the UK – The law in the UK
This episode includes how laws are made, the role of the courts and the role of the police. We also do a quiz about what age people are allowed to do different things. Read more
English for Life in the UK – Local Government
The structure of local government in England, the services provided by one local Council, in this case Calderdale, and how that Council is run. Read more
English for Life in the UK – The Economy
A look at the British economy. This includes the public sector and the money the government spends in different areas. Then we look at the different parts of the private sector of the economy and h... Read more
English for Life in the UK – Driving
Driving requirements, the driving test, examples of driving incidents, recognising and using modal verbs Read more
English for Life in the UK – Black Lives Matter
Discussion of the events in the USA and around the world following the death of a black man at the hands of the police. Why this matters in the U.K. Protest and demonstrations against racism. Read more
English for Life in the UK – Leisure in the UK
In this episode we discuss different types of leisure activity and we focus in particular on cycling, including the Tour De Yorkshire, and walking and hiking. Read more
English for Life in the UK – Religion in the UK
This episode includes some information about the roles and organisation of the Church of England, the patron saints, religious festivals and other traditions. Read more
English for Life in the UK – Government and the British Constitution
Systems of government. Democracy and constitution. The U.K. constitution and monarchy. Read more
English for Life in the UK – Architecture and Buildings in the UK
Some of the famous architects and the buildings they designed. Our own favourite buildings. Adjectives in English and in particular the word order we use. Read more
English for Life in the UK – Gardens and Gardening
Famous British landscape gardeners and gardens. Gardening as a pastime in the U.K. including allotments. How to start and continue a conversation. Read more