Podcasts by English for Life in the UK
This podcast is for those people who want to improve their English and at the same time learn more about life in the U.K. It is aimed at intermediate level learners of English and is recorded, using everyday conversational English, by a group of volunteer teachers from a charity, the St Augustine’s Centre, based in Halifax, Yorkshire. We work particularly with Asylum Seekers, Refugees and Migrants and we hope this podcast will help those wanting to settle here and eventually become British Citizens. Transcripts of the episodes are available on our website www.staugustinescentrehalifax.org.uk
Further podcasts by Mark Pattison, Christine Brown, John Coa
Podcast on the topic Sprachen lernen
All episodes
The school system in the U.K. from 2022-07-18T13:35:25
How schools are organised in England. 3 people discuss their own experiences of teaching and of the school system.
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Co-operatives in the U.K. from 2022-06-17T14:55:57
What is a co-operative? The history of co-ops in the U.K. Interviews with 2 co-operatives - Suma Wholefoods and Valley Organics. Including how they operate and the principles on which they are based.
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Interview with an artist - Kate Lycett from 2022-05-15T10:12:23
We interview Kate about her work as a visual artist, how she goes about creating a painting, her influences and why art is important.
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Farming and cheese-making in a Yorkshire town from 2022-04-17T13:22:10
We interview a dairy farmer and cheese maker about the history and process of milk and cheese making. We discuss the idea of organic farming and the use of the word ‘culture’ in cheese making.
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Access to healthcare in England from 2022-04-09T08:02:29
A discussion with a doctor (general practitioner) and a community pharmacist about how individuals can access primary healthcare services in England
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Football Interviews from 2022-03-31T11:08:12
We interview 2 teenage girls about playing football and an older man about playing and watching the game. In the language support section we talk about the modern everyday use of the word ‘like’.
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Housing in the U.K. from 2022-03-11T17:33:31
We talk to the housing manager for Calderdale, discuss owning or renting property, the problem of finding affordable housing, housing issues for refugees and the issue of homelessness.
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Owning and managing a family bakery in the U.K. from 2022-02-27T13:05:31
We interview the owner of a family bakery called Lottie Shaw’s. We hear about making ‘Parkin’, a traditional northern gingerbread, and the challenges of running a sustainable business.
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The role of a Member of Parliament from 2022-02-16T15:27:50
Interview with Holly Lynch, MP for Halifax
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How does Local Government work in the U.K. ? from 2022-02-07T17:12:23
We interview Councillor Jane Scullion who is the deputy leader of Calderdale Council about how the Council works, her role and why local government is important. We also highlight some interesting ...
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Season 3 preview from 2022-01-26T09:24:08
We preview the new season, explain the idea behind this season of the podcast, introduce 2 new members of the team and outline some of the topics we will cover.
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How to learn a language from 2021-07-25T14:26:18
We discuss our personal experiences of what works in learning a language, some of the research on language acquisition, how many people listen to the podcast and where they live and interviews with...
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Theatre in the U.K. - Northern Broadsides from 2021-07-18T12:25:30
We interview the Artistic Director of a national touring theatre company about what they do and how they work. We also talk about theatre in the West End and elsewhere.
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Regional accents and dialects in the U.K. from 2021-07-08T15:42:34
We discuss and illustrate a number of the regional variations in how English is spoken in different parts of the U.K. including Yorkshire, Lancashire, Liverpool, Birmingham, Scotland, Northern Irel...
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Soap Operas in the U.K. from 2021-06-22T12:29:24
A soap opera is a tv or radio drama. We interview one of the writers and ask her to explain what is a ‘soap’, talk about some of the most popular soaps, give examples of story-lines and discuss whe...
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Britain in the world: the G7 and other international organisations from 2021-06-15T10:01:11
The G7 is meeting in the U.K. this week. This episode explains the G7 and talks briefly about other international organisations including the United Nations, the Commonwealth and NATO. In Language ...
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Seeking asylum in the U.K.: part 2 local support, the work of the St Augustine’s Centre. from 2021-06-01T17:52:16
The history and work of our independent charity which specialises in support for asylum seekers and refugees. We hear the voices of some of our asylum seekers and refugees.
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Seeking asylum in the U.K. - part 1, the asylum process and experiences from 2021-05-27T08:05:42
The right to asylum. How the process I supposed to work. Some of the challenges. The voices of experience from asylum seekers and refugees.
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Elections in the U.K. from 2021-05-18T10:35:28
In May 2021 there were local and mayoral elections in England, national elections in Scotland and Wales. We interview one of the local candidates to find out what it was like.
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Football in the U.K. from 2021-05-04T13:30:46
We discuss the recent proposals for a European Super League. The history of some of England’s big clubs including Manchester City and Manchester United. Football related phrases and idioms.
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Shakespeare from 2021-04-26T17:03:16
We recorded this episode on Shakespeare’s birthday which is also St George’s day. We discuss aspects of Shakespeare’s life and plays. Idioms from Shakespeare.
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Easter in the U.K. from 2021-04-04T14:21:48
The importance of Easter to Christians and the Easter story. Easter as a pagan festival. Modern U.K. traditions at Easter. Easter in some other countries. Symbolism and metaphors.
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The census in the U.K. from 2021-03-29T15:20:03
What is the census? Historical examples of the census. How the census changes over time. The census 2021 and how it will be used. How to talking about obligation in English including ‘to have to’ a...
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Film and Cinema in the U.K. from 2021-03-22T10:37
History of film. Festivals and award ceremonies, the Oscars. How films get selected and the impact of streaming. Film genres. Film vocabulary.
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Wildlife in the uk from 2021-03-15T15:11:53
Wild animals, trees, plants and flowers in different parts of the U.K. How to talk about quantities and amounts in English.
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The seasons and the weather in the U.K. from 2021-03-07T16:09:52
The 4 seasons in the U.K. what happens and what the weather is like in each season. Weather vocabulary and phrases.
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The Victorian Age from 2021-03-01T13:04:31
British history during the reign of Queen Victoria. The workshop of the world, the British Empire, the extension of the vote, the Great Hunger in Ireland. Queen Victoria and her family.
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The Industrial Revolution in the U.K. from 2021-02-22T11:36:36
How Britain became the first country in the world to have an industrial revolution. Inventions, transport, resistance to the changes, urbanisation and trade.
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What and where is Calderdale? from 2021-02-14T14:16:11
The St Augustine’s Centre is based in the town of Halifax and the borough of Calderdale. We explain the geography, history, famous places and people of the area. Plus superlative adjectives.
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Things to do during lockdown from 2021-01-31T15:22:02
We discuss a range of things which people can do to look after themselves and keep busy and healthy during the lockdown caused by the coronavirus.
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COVID update January 2021 from 2021-01-25T10:32:52
An update on the COVID-19 virus, what is happening across the world and in the U.K. Ideas for looking after yourself and information about the vaccine in the U.K.
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The English Civil War from 2021-01-18T17:18:15
The causes of the Civil War in England. The war itself, events in Scotland and Ireland, Oliver Cromwell. The restoration of the monarchy and the glorious revolution.
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Tudor England from 2021-01-11T17:35:23
A brief overview of the life of two of England’s most famous monarchs, King Henry V111 (8th) and Elizabeth I. In a bonus section we cover in more detail the second part of the Tudor period.
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Christmas in the U.K. from 2020-12-20T17:13:03
A discussion of aspects of the history and traditions of Christmas in the U.K. and the importance of Christmas to Christians.
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The Development of the English Language from 2020-12-13T19:01:37
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
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Anglo-Saxons, Vikings and Normans arrive in Britain from 2020-12-08T14:17:47
Anglo-Saxons arrive in Britain. The two St Augustines. The Vikings. The Battle of Hastings and the Norman conquest. How the Normans changed Britain.
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Early Britain and Roman Britain from 2020-12-02T15:35:52
The early history of Britain including Stonehenge and the Bronze and Iron ages. Roman Britain including Hadrian’s Wall and Boudicca.
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The United Kingdom from 2020-11-24T12:06:07
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.
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British citizenship from 2020-11-16T17:20:10
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.
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U.S. Presidential election from 2020-11-09T17:10:31
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.
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Values and principles of British society from 2020-11-03T13:51:59
The Government handbook identifies 5 principles - democracy, rule of law, individual liberty, tolerance, participation. We discuss each of these and suggest some others
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English for life in the U.K. from 2020-10-29T10:03:37
For anyone wanting to improve their English and learn about life in this country. Who we are and where to find us. www.staugustinescentrehalifax.org.uk . Link to season 2 preview.
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Series 2 preview from 2020-10-26T16:34:01
What is this podcast? What have we done so far and what are our plans for series 2? How to use this podcast to improve your English and learn more about life in the U.K.
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Fashion and design in the U.K. from 2020-09-27T11:59:41
What we mean by fashion and design. Some famous British designers, including fashion designers. Nouns and adjectives for materials
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Literature in the U.K. part 2: Poets and poetry from 2020-09-15T11:02:38
Famous British poets. Personal choice of poetry by Robert Burns, Wilfred Owen and Lemn Sissay. Similes and metaphors.
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Literature in the U.K. part 1 from 2020-09-06T17:04:39
Famous British authors and novels past and present. Favourite books of the presenters. The use of 1st, 2nd and 3rd person narratives in literature.
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Gardens and gardening from 2020-09-01T09:58:17
Famous British landscape gardeners and gardens. Gardening as a pastime in the U.K. including allotments. How to start and continue a conversation.
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Architecture and buildings in the U.K. from 2020-08-23T14:24:23
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.
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Driving in the U.K. from 2020-07-28T15:30:23
Driving requirements, the driving test, examples of driving incidents, recognising and using modal verbs
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Food in the U.K. from 2020-07-23T11:53:53
Traditional British food, how our tastes have changed, recipe for shortbread, the use of the imperative tense
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Land use and farming in the U.K. from 2020-07-19T08:45:15
What the land is used for. Types of farming. Animal and plant based farming and food. Vegetarianism and veganism.
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Climate change and the green agenda in the uk from 2020-07-03T16:25:47
What we mean by climate change, the policies for the environment of the main political parties in the U.K. and what we, as individuals, can do to help tackle climate change
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Coronavirus and the Economy in the U.K. from 2020-06-22T16:16:06
Examining the possible impact of the coronavirus on the U.K. economy, including looking at the impact on retail and tourism and the challenges ahead for the Government
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Black Lives Matter from 2020-06-16T14:20:58
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.
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VE Day in the U.K. from 2020-06-10T14:15:36
Victory in Europe Day. The events leading up to it, the celebrations and the final end to the 2nd world war and what happened immediately after.
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Eid in the U.K. from 2020-06-03T08:05:09
Interviews with 3 Muslims living in the U.K. about their experiences of Eid in normal times and under lock down.
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Welfare State and the benefit system from 2020-05-20T12:02:35
What is the welfare state in the U.K. A brief history. The current benefit system including universal credit. Interview with one of our advisers.
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Health in the U.K. from 2020-05-10T10:40:25
History of the National Health Service. How the health service works and what to do if you are ill.
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Everyday life and customs from 2020-05-03T14:16:49
Including greetings, neighbours, queuing and shopping, eating and meal times, and family life.
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Coronavirus from 2020-04-24T11:38:14
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.
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Mass Media in the U.K. from 2020-04-23T09:35:09
We talk about newspapers, television and radio in the uk
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The Law in the uk from 2020-04-06T13:29:10
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.
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Local Government from 2020-03-28T15:30:42
The structure of local government in England, the services provided by one local Council, in this case Calderdale, and how that Council is run.
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The economy from 2020-03-14T15:24:06
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...
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Government and the British Constitution from 2020-03-01T12:48:50
Systems of government. Democracy and constitution. The U.K. constitution and monarchy.
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Leisure in the U.K. from 2020-02-14T14:42:44
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.
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Religion in the U.K. from 2020-02-10T09:45:44
This episode includes some information about the roles and organisation of the Church of England, the patron saints, religious festivals and other traditions.
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Art and culture in the U.K. from 2020-02-03T10:48:22
In this episode we discuss a number of famous works of art and pieces if music.
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Education in the U.K. from 2020-01-28T17:41:24
The different stages of the education system in the U.K. including schools and colleges. Private and state schools. The role of parents and of OFSTED. Vocational and academic education.
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Sport in the U.K. from 2020-01-28T16:55:25
A short episode about some of the sports which originated in Britain with a particular focus on football, including women’s football.
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Review of 2019 and Preview of 2020 from 2020-01-28T10:45:45
Looking back at the last year and forward to the next. This episode uses a variety of past and future tenses.
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Britain and Europe from 2019-12-24T16:29:07
We look at the recent history of the relationship between Britain and Europe and in particular our membership of the European Union and the recent decision to leave the EU, known as BREXIT. We also...
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The history of democracy in the U.K. from 2019-12-15T14:37:31
Recorded on the day of the general Election, we cover part of the development of democracy and particularly the right to vote.
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Episode 3. The British Empire from 2019-11-30T14:20:52
A brief history of the British Empire from the age of exploration through to the end of empire and the legacy of the empire today.
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Medieval Britain from 2019-11-22T10:39:06
In the episode we cover some key events from this period including the Magna Carta, the Black Death and the Peasants Revolt. We also look at how the English language has developed from other langua...
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English for Life in the U.K. Episode 1. The history of migration. from 2019-11-14T18:43:58
An introduction to this podcast and a summary of our first session on the history of migration into the U.K.
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