FCE registration

REGISTERING AND EXAM DATES for FIRST CERTIFICATE ENGLISH

Check our GUIDE for instructions  .

Shrove Tuesday or Pancake Day

Shrove Tuesday -also known as Pancake Day-is the day before Ash Wednesday and the start of Lent. The word "Shrove" stems from the Old English word "shrive", meaning "to obtain absolution for one´s sins through confession and penance". Thus Shrove Tuesday gets its name from the custom of Christians to be "shriven" before the start of Lent.

It is also called Pancake Day because it is the day traditionally for eating pancakes, as this was the way of using up the stocks of milk, butter and eggs which were forbidden  during the abstinence of Lent.

Like many other festivities it has a pagan origin. It is an analogous tradition to the tradition of Carnival which developed separately in countries of Latin Europe.

On Pancake Day "pancake races" are held in villages and town all over Britain. Participants with frying pans race trough streets tossing pancakes into the air and catching them back in the pan while running.

      

SAINT VALENTINE .... DID YOU KNOW?

Every February 14, across the United States and in other places around the world, candy, flowers and gifts are exchanged between loved ones, all in the name of St. Valentine.

But who is this mysterious saint, and where did these traditions come from?

Find out about the history of this centuries-old holiday, from ancient Roman rituals to the customs of Victorian England.

Henry VIII

What do you know about Henry VIII ?

     It is well-known that he ruled England for 36 years presiding the changes that brought his country into the Protestan Reformation.

     As you probably know as well, he married 6 wives, looking all the time for political alliances. His desire to annul his first marriage with Catalina de Aragón without the papal approval led to the creation of a separate church - the Church of England.

But what else do you know ?

Watch this video and learn a bit more about the man.

BIG DESCRIBER

Read a brief description and click on the image that is described.

click on image to start

Old books reborn

What will happen to outdated encyclopedias or reference books in the information age?

Will old books actually DIE or will they EVOLVE? 

Listen to Brian Dettmer explaining his work with old books . In his talk he shows how he digs into old books ( literally ) to create beautiful new forms that reflect how we see old information in a modern world. Really ASTONISHING !!!