Introduction
- Big question
- Are the Beckhams a second royal family?
- The story
- A boy from East London and a girl from Hertfordshire. The Spice Girls and Girl Power, Manchester United and the Treble, captain of England, Victoria's reinvention in fashion and beauty, and in 2025 a knighthood at Windsor Castle.
- Documents
- A painting by Elizabeth Peyton, three official Netflix videos, the official "Wannabe" video, short texts with real facts.
- Grammar
- One grammar point per session: be, have got and the present simple; the past simple; used to; can, could and was able to; the present perfect; present simple or continuous; the future; comparatives and superlatives; the passive. A grammar recap at the end.
- Cultural landmarks
- The monarchy and honours, football culture, East London, Essex and Hertfordshire, Cool Britannia and the Spice Girls, London Fashion Week.
- Final task
- My Role Model: a 2-minute presentation, or a job interview role play.
- Level
- Seconde bac pro, from A2 towards B1. 9 sessions.
Meet the Beckhams
Goal: I can describe a person and give facts with be, have got and the present simple.
Recap
Before we start: what do you already know about the Beckhams?
Think of Manchester United and England.
Her nickname was Posh Spice.
David grew up in East London.
- footballer
- Spice Girls
- England
Read
Look at the painting at the top of this page. An American artist, Elizabeth Peyton, painted it in 1999. The title is David, Victoria + Brooklyn. Brooklyn is their first son, born in 1999.
According to Christie's, the auction house, the painting shows the couple holding their baby very close to them. At the time, many newspapers called David and Victoria "the new British royalty".
Today, David and Victoria have four children: Brooklyn, Romeo, Cruz and Harper. David works in football and business. Victoria runs a fashion and beauty company.
Check you understand
Read the first sentence again.
Look at the clothes and the background.
Brooklyn, Romeo, Cruz and Harper.
- Elizabeth Peyton
- dark blue, black and white
- four
Watch
Watch the video. Then answer the questions.
'BECKHAM' Documentary Series | Official Trailer | Netflix. Netflix (official YouTube channel), 19 September 2023. Watch on YouTube
"…because all I ever wanted to do was play football."
"It's a … card for David Beckham."
He says it two times.
- school
- red
- "I don't give up."
Expanding your vocabulary
Tap a card to see the French. Tap Listen to hear the word.
Vocabulary practice
hard + work
Victoria on stage is not shy.
A married man.
- hard-working
- confident
- husband
Grammar
Describing people: be, have got and the present simple
The rule
Use be + adjective for personality. Use have got + noun for appearance and family. Use the present simple for facts and jobs today: add -s with he, she, it.
| be + adjective | He is ambitious. They are famous. She isn't shy. |
|---|---|
| have got + noun | She has got dark hair. They have got four children. |
| present simple | Victoria runs a company. David works in football. |
| negative and question | He doesn't play football now. Does she design clothes? Yes, she does. |
Level 1 · Choose
they: have got
she: add -s
he: doesn't + verb
- have got
- runs
- doesn't
Level 2 · Complete
have got with she.
be with they.
Present simple with he: + s.
Question with she.
- In the painting, the woman has got dark hair.
- The couple are very famous.
- David works in football and business. (work)
- Does Victoria design clothes? Yes, she does.
Level 3 · Write
Possible answer
I am confident. I have got a brother and a sister. I study in a lycée professionnel and I want to work in a hotel.
Speak: describe the people in the painting
Work in pairs. Describe the three people in the painting. Use be and have got, and two words from the vocabulary list.
Sentence starters
- The man on the left has got…
- He is wearing a dark blue…
- The woman on the right has got…
- She looks…
- I think they are…
Possible answer
The man on the left has got brown hair and a dark blue shirt. He looks calm and serious. The woman on the right has got short dark hair. She is holding a baby in a white blanket. She looks confident. I think they are a famous couple.
Homework
Describe a famous person from your country in 5 sentences. Use be, have got, the present simple and 2 adjectives of personality.
Growing up: East London and Hertfordshire
Goal: I can tell a life story with the past simple, regular and irregular verbs.
Recap
Recap of session 1: describing people and the present simple.
They got married in 1999.
Someone who works a lot.
he, she, it: has.
- wife
- travailleur
- has
Read
David Beckham was born on 2 May 1975 in Leytonstone, in East London. His mother was a hairdresser and his father was a kitchen fitter. He grew up in a working-class family. His family supported Manchester United, and his dream was to play for them.
Victoria Adams was born on 17 April 1974 in Harlow, in the county of Essex, and grew up in Goffs Oak, in Hertfordshire, north of London. She went to a theatre school. She wanted to be a performer.
East London, Essex and Hertfordshire are close to each other, but they are different. The East End is a traditional working-class area of London. Hertfordshire is a county of small towns and countryside, where many London workers live.
Check you understand
Read the first sentence.
She cut hair.
Read the last paragraph.
- in East London
- a hairdresser
- a county north of London
Watch
Watch the video. Then answer the questions.
David Beckham "Be Honest" Q&A Clip | Beckham | Netflix. Still Watching Netflix (official Netflix YouTube channel). Watch on YouTube
"We're very working class."
He is behind the door.
A very expensive British car.
- working class
- David
- Rolls-Royce
Expanding your vocabulary
Tap a card to see the French. Tap Listen to hear the word.
Vocabulary practice
In England, a county is a bit like a French département.
David's father.
From a child to an adult.
- counties
- a kitchen fitter
- grandir
Grammar
The past simple, regular and irregular verbs
The rule
Use the past simple for finished actions with a date: in 1975, in 1996, last year. Regular verbs take -ed. Irregular verbs have their own form: learn them by heart. For negatives and questions, use did / didn't + verb.
| regular: + ed | work → worked, play → played, live → lived, support → supported |
|---|---|
| irregular | be → was / were, grow → grew, go → went, become → became, have → had |
| negative | He didn't do well at school. |
| question | Did she go to a theatre school? Yes, she did. |
Level 1 · Choose
Irregular verb.
A finished situation in the past: + ed.
Negative in the past: didn't + verb.
- grew
- supported
- didn't
Level 2 · Complete
be: was or were?
Irregular verb.
Regular verb: + ed.
Irregular verb.
Question in the past.
- David was born in 1975. (be)
- He grew up in Leytonstone. (grow)
- His mother worked as a hairdresser. (work)
- Victoria went to a theatre school. (go)
- Did his father fit kitchens? Yes, he did.
Level 3 · Write
Possible answer
Did you grow up in this town? Yes, I did. Did you go to school by bus? No, I didn't. I walked. Did you play a sport? Yes, I played football.
Write: a life story in 5 sentences
Choose David or Victoria. Write 5 sentences about the beginning of his or her life. Use 5 different verbs in the past simple.
Sentence starters
- He / She was born in…
- He / She grew up in…
- His / Her parents…
- His / Her dream was to…
- He / She went to…
Possible answer
Victoria was born in 1974 in Harlow, in Essex. She grew up in Goffs Oak, in Hertfordshire. Her father had a Rolls-Royce in the 1980s. Her dream was to be a performer. She went to a theatre school.
Homework
Make a timeline of your own life with 5 dates. Write one sentence in the past simple for each date: 3 regular verbs and 2 irregular verbs.
Girl Power: the Spice Girls
Goal: I can talk about past habits and the 1990s with used to and the past simple.
Recap
Recap of session 2: the past simple.
Irregular verb.
A county north of London.
Question in the past.
- went
- Hertfordshire
- Did
Read
In 1994, an advert in The Stage, a magazine for performers, invited young women to audition for a new girl band. Victoria Adams was chosen with Geri Halliwell, Melanie Brown, Melanie Chisholm and Emma Bunton. They became the Spice Girls. The magazine Top of the Pops gave them their nicknames: Posh, Ginger, Scary, Sporty and Baby Spice. Victoria was "Posh Spice".
Their first single, "Wannabe", was released on 8 July 1996. It stayed at number one in the UK for seven weeks, and the National Portrait Gallery says it went to number one in 53 countries. It was the first of six UK number ones in a row. The video was filmed in the old Midland Grand Hotel at St Pancras, in London. Their message was "Girl Power": girls can be confident, ambitious and loyal friends.
In February 1997, at the Brit Awards, "Wannabe" won an award, and Geri wore a famous Union Jack dress. It became a symbol of "Cool Britannia", a time in the 1990s when British music, fashion and art were very popular around the world. In 2012, the five Spice Girls sang together again at the closing ceremony of the London Olympic Games.
Check you understand
Read the first sentence.
"Posh" means chic, upper class.
The 1990s.
Girls can be confident.
- with an advert for auditions
- Posh Spice
- a time when British culture was very popular
- Girl Power
Watch
Watch the video. Then answer the questions.
Spice Girls - Wannabe (Official Music Video). SpiceGirlsVEVO (official channel), video directed by Johan Camitz, 1996. Watch on YouTube
The Midland Grand Hotel at St Pancras.
Posh, Ginger, Scary, Sporty and Baby.
Friendship comes first.
- in a big old building
- five
- friends
Expanding your vocabulary
Tap a card to see the French. Tap Listen to hear the word.
Vocabulary practice
Geri wore it as a dress.
Not her real name.
"Wannabe" won one in 1997.
- the Union Jack
- nickname
- British music prizes
Grammar
Past habits: used to and didn't use to
The rule
Use used to + verb for a habit or a situation in the past that is not true now. Negative: didn't use to. Question: Did … use to … ? For one action with a date, use the past simple.
| affirmative | Victoria used to sing in a girl band. Now she designs clothes. |
|---|---|
| negative | She didn't use to run a company in the 1990s. |
| question | Did they use to travel a lot? Yes, they did. |
| used to or past simple? | They used to sing together (a habit). They sang at the Olympics in 2012 (one time). |
Level 1 · Choose
Past habit: used to.
Negative: didn't use to (no d).
One time, with a date: past simple.
- used to
- didn't use to
- sang
Level 2 · Complete
A past habit.
Negative of used to.
One period, finished: past simple.
Question with used to.
- The Spice Girls used to dance in all their videos.
- Victoria didn't use to work in fashion in the 1990s.
- "Wannabe" stayed at number one for seven weeks. (stay)
- Did you use to listen to pop music as a child?
Level 3 · Write
Possible answer
I used to watch cartoons every morning. I used to play football in the street. I didn't use to like vegetables, but now I do.
Speak: Girl Power today
In pairs: what does "Girl Power" mean for you today? Give 2 examples of women you admire, at work, in sport or in music.
Sentence starters
- For me, Girl Power means…
- I admire … because she…
- She used to… and now she…
- Women can…
Possible answer
For me, Girl Power means that girls can choose their job and be confident. I admire my aunt because she used to work in a shop and now she runs her own hair salon. Women can do any job, like Victoria, who used to be a singer and is now a designer.
Homework
Write 5 sentences about the Spice Girls: 3 with the past simple and 2 with used to.
Manchester United, the Class of '92 and the Treble
Goal: I can talk about abilities and success with can, could and was able to.
Recap
Recap of session 3: used to and the Spice Girls.
Past habit.
Music, fashion and art.
Geri's dress.
- used to
- the 1990s in Britain
- the Union Jack
Read
On 8 July 1991, David signed for Manchester United as a trainee, on the Youth Training Scheme. In 1992, United's young players won the FA Youth Cup. This group, with David, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Nicky Butt and the brothers Gary and Phil Neville, became famous as the "Class of '92". Their manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, gave them a chance in the first team.
On 17 August 1996, against Wimbledon, David scored a famous goal from his own half of the pitch. He was able to see that the goalkeeper was far from his goal. He could cross the ball with great accuracy, and he practised for hours after training.
In 1999, Manchester United won the "Treble": the Premier League, the FA Cup and the UEFA Champions League. In the final, on 26 May 1999 in Barcelona, United were losing 1 to 0 against Bayern Munich after 90 minutes. They were able to score two goals in injury time, both after corners taken by David. That year, he came second in the Ballon d'Or, behind the Brazilian player Rivaldo (219 points against 154). David never won the Ballon d'Or, but second place in Europe is a great achievement.
Check you understand
They won the FA Youth Cup in 1992.
Premier League, FA Cup, Champions League.
Rivaldo won it.
Injury time.
- a group of young United players
- three trophies in one season
- No, he came second in 1999
- with two goals after 90 minutes
Expanding your vocabulary
Tap a card to see the French. Tap Listen to hear the word.
Vocabulary practice
FA = Football Association.
United scored two goals then.
In Manchester.
- the FA Cup
- injury time
- Old Trafford
Grammar
Abilities: can, could and was able to
The rule
can = ability now. could = general ability in the past. was / were able to = you succeeded in doing something on one occasion in the past. Negative: can't, couldn't, wasn't able to. After can and could: verb without to.
| can (present) | I can work in a team. He can't sing. |
|---|---|
| could (past, in general) | At 15, David could cross the ball very well. |
| was / were able to (one success) | In the 1999 final, United were able to score two goals in injury time. |
| negative | He wasn't able to win the Ballon d'Or. As a boy, he couldn't stop playing football. |
Level 1 · Choose
General ability in the past.
One success, one occasion.
Ability now.
- could
- were able to
- can
Level 2 · Complete
One success in the past.
Present ability.
Past ability, negative.
Negative, one occasion.
- In 1996, he was able to score from his own half.
- Today, I can work in a team.
- At 10, I couldn't drive a car.
- In 1999, he wasn't able to win the Ballon d'Or.
Level 3 · Write
Possible answer
I can welcome customers in English. Before my placement, I couldn't use the cash register. Last week, I was able to answer the phone alone.
Speak: teamwork, at Old Trafford and at work
The Class of '92 grew up and worked together. In pairs, answer: why is teamwork important in your future job? Give 3 reasons.
Sentence starters
- In my job, teamwork is important because…
- A good team-mate can…
- When I was a beginner, I couldn't…
- Last month, my team was able to…
Possible answer
In my job, teamwork is important because we can finish the work faster. A good team-mate can help you when you make a mistake. When I was a beginner, I couldn't use the machines, but my tutor helped me. Last month, my team was able to finish a big order on time.
Homework
Write 4 sentences with can, could and was able to about your skills at school or in your work placement.
Captain of England and a career abroad
Goal: I can talk about achievements with the present perfect and the past simple.
Recap
Recap of session 4: can, could, was able to.
One success.
David came second.
Premier League, FA Cup, Champions League.
- were able to
- Rivaldo
- three trophies in one season
Read
David played his first match for England in 1996. On 30 June 1998, at the World Cup in Saint-Étienne, he got a red card against Argentina, and many fans booed him. It was a big setback. But he bounced back: on 6 October 2001, his last-minute goal against Greece sent England to the 2002 World Cup. He was captain of England 59 times, played 115 matches for his country and scored 17 goals. He was the first English player to score in three World Cups: 1998, 2002 and 2006.
In 2003, he joined Real Madrid in Spain and won the Spanish league in 2007. Then he went to the United States and joined LA Galaxy, where he won the MLS Cup in 2011 and 2012. He also played for AC Milan in Italy, on loan, in 2009 and 2010. In March 2010, in Milan, he injured his Achilles tendon and missed the World Cup. He finished his career at Paris Saint-Germain, where he won the French league title before he retired.
Check you understand
115 is the number of matches.
In Spain.
His Achilles tendon.
Paris Saint-Germain.
- 59
- Real Madrid
- an injury
- in Paris
Expanding your vocabulary
Tap a card to see the French. Tap Listen to hear the word.
Vocabulary practice
Three lions on the shirt.
A cap = one match for the national team.
AC Milan, 2009 and 2010.
- the Three Lions
- 115 matches for his country
- on loan
Grammar
Achievements: present perfect or past simple?
The rule
Use the present perfect (have / has + past participle) for experiences and achievements in a life, without a date. Use the past simple when you give the date or the moment.
| present perfect (no date) | He has played in five countries. He has won many trophies. Victoria has received fashion awards. |
|---|---|
| past simple (with a date) | He won the Spanish league in 2007. He joined LA Galaxy in 2007. |
| irregular participles | win → won, be → been, go → gone, meet → met, make → made |
| questions | Have you ever been to London? Has he won the World Cup? No, he hasn't. |
Level 1 · Choose
An experience, no date.
With a date: past simple.
Present perfect question.
- has played
- joined
- Has
Level 2 · Complete
An achievement, no date.
With a date.
Irregular participle.
Negative present perfect.
- He has scored in three World Cups. (score)
- He scored against Greece in 2001. (score)
- David has won many trophies. (win)
- England hasn't won the World Cup with David. (not win)
Level 3 · Write
Possible answer
I have worked in a bakery. I have never been to England. Last summer, I went to the seaside with my family.
Speak: interview a football star
In pairs, one student is a journalist, one student is David. The journalist asks 4 questions with Have you ever…? and When did you…? David answers with real facts.
Sentence starters
- Have you ever played abroad? Yes, I have. I have played in…
- When did you join Real Madrid? I joined…
- Have you ever won the Ballon d'Or? No, I haven't, but…
- What was your biggest setback?
Possible answer
Have you ever played abroad? Yes, I have. I have played in Spain, the United States, Italy and France. When did you join Real Madrid? I joined Real Madrid in 2003. Have you ever won the Ballon d'Or? No, I haven't, but I came second in 1999. What was your biggest setback? The red card in 1998, but I bounced back.
Homework
Write 5 sentences about David's career: 3 with the present perfect and 2 with the past simple and a date.
Victoria's reinvention: from pop star to fashion designer
Goal: I can describe a job and a project with the present simple and the present continuous.
Recap
Recap of session 5: present perfect or past simple?
No date: present perfect.
With a date.
A cap = one match.
- has played
- joined
- 115 matches for England
Read
After the Spice Girls, many people did not take Victoria seriously as a designer. She worked very hard. In September 2008, she presented her first collection at New York Fashion Week: only ten dresses. Critics loved them.
Her label grew fast. At the British Fashion Awards, it won Designer Brand of the Year in 2011 and Brand of the Year in 2014, the year she opened her shop in Dover Street, in London. In 2017, she was made an OBE for services to the fashion industry.
In September 2018, for the tenth anniversary of her label, she showed her collection at London Fashion Week for the first time. On 30 September 2022, she presented her first show at Paris Fashion Week, at the Val-de-Grâce, a historic building in Paris. Her brand sells ready-to-wear clothes, shoes, bags and glasses all over the world.
Check you understand
September 2008.
A small collection.
Fashion prizes.
At the Val-de-Grâce.
- New York
- ten
- a British Fashion Award
- 2022
Watch
Watch the video. Then answer the questions.
Victoria Beckham | Official Trailer | Netflix. Netflix (official YouTube channel), 2025. Watch on YouTube
Something you really want.
"…I have ever done."
"I want my kids and David to be … of me."
- dream
- the biggest fashion show
- proud of her
Expanding your vocabulary
Tap a card to see the French. Tap Listen to hear the word.
Vocabulary practice
Prêt-à-porter.
In a fashion show.
From pop star to designer.
- ready-to-wear
- the catwalk
- to start a new life or career
Grammar
Present simple or present continuous?
The rule
Present simple: facts, jobs, habits (every day, usually, always). Present continuous (be + verb-ing): an action happening now or around now (now, right now, at the moment, look!). Some verbs are not used in the continuous: like, love, want, know.
| present simple: facts and habits | She designs ready-to-wear. Her brand sells clothes all over the world. |
|---|---|
| present continuous: now | Look! She is checking the dresses. The models are walking on the catwalk. |
| not in the continuous | She wants her family to be proud. (not: is wanting) |
| key words | every day, usually, always → simple. now, right now, at the moment, look! → continuous |
Level 1 · Choose
A job: present simple.
"Look!": now.
want: not in the continuous.
- designs
- are walking
- wants
Level 2 · Complete
A fact: present simple.
"Right now": present continuous.
A fact.
"At the moment".
- Victoria designs ready-to-wear. (design)
- Right now, she is preparing a fashion show. (prepare)
- Her brand sells clothes all over the world. (sell)
- At the moment, the team is working late in the atelier. (work)
Level 3 · Write
Possible answer
Usually, my tutor opens the shop at nine. Customers ask for advice. Right now, I am writing in English. My classmates are working in pairs.
Speak: present a fashion show
You are the voice of the fashion show. Present Victoria and describe what is happening on the catwalk.
Sentence starters
- Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to…
- Victoria Beckham designs…
- Look! The model is wearing…
- The collection is…
Possible answer
Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Paris Fashion Week. Victoria Beckham designs elegant ready-to-wear for women. Look! The model is wearing a long blue dress and black shoes. The audience is taking photos. The collection is simple and very elegant.
Homework
Write 6 sentences about Victoria's job: 3 with the present simple and 3 with the present continuous (imagine her day before a show).
Victoria Beckham Beauty and a family business
Goal: I can present a company and talk about future plans with will and going to.
Recap
Recap of session 6: present simple or present continuous?
"Look!": now.
Clothes sold in shops.
New York Fashion Week.
- is checking
- le prêt-à-porter
- New York
Read
In September 2019, Victoria launched Victoria Beckham Beauty, a make-up and skincare brand. Today, her company sells clothes, bags, shoes, glasses and beauty products, online and in shops.
Building a fashion business is difficult. In the trailer of her Netflix series (2025), we hear: "We were millions in the red." She did not give up. According to the company's accounts, filed at Companies House, Victoria Beckham Holdings made an operating profit for the first time in 2025: about 7.3 million pounds, with sales of about 130 million pounds. About 250 people worked for the company.
David is a businessman too. He is president and co-owner of Inter Miami, a football club in the United States. The club played its first MLS match on 1 March 2020. Lionel Messi arrived in 2023, and on 6 December 2025, Inter Miami won the MLS Cup, 3 to 1 against Vancouver Whitecaps.
Check you understand
Beauty products.
The opposite of making a profit.
According to its accounts.
He owns part of the club.
- make-up and skincare
- losing money
- 2025
- president and co-owner
Expanding your vocabulary
Tap a card to see the French. Tap Listen to hear the word.
Vocabulary practice
The opposite of a loss.
Skin + care.
About 250 people at Victoria's company.
- a profit
- les soins de la peau
- staff
Grammar
The future: going to, will and the present continuous
The rule
going to + verb: a plan or an intention. will + verb: a decision now, a promise or a prediction. Present continuous: an arrangement with a date and a place.
| going to: a plan | In the trailer, Victoria says: "I'm not gonna let it slip through my fingers again." (gonna = going to) |
|---|---|
| will: decision, promise, prediction | Don't worry, I will help you. I think my presentation will be good. |
| present continuous: an arrangement | I'm starting my work placement on Monday. |
| negative | I'm not going to give up. It won't be easy. |
Level 1 · Choose
A plan: going to.
A decision now.
An arrangement with a date.
- am going to
- will
- am starting
Level 2 · Complete
A plan: going to.
A prediction: will.
Promise, negative.
Present continuous.
- After my bac pro, I am going to look for a job. (plan)
- I think the new collection will be a success. (prediction)
- Don't worry, I won't be late. (promise, negative)
- We are meeting the manager tomorrow at 10. (arrangement)
Level 3 · Write
Possible answer
After my bac pro, I am going to work in a hotel. I am going to improve my English. I think I will travel to London one day. I am starting a new work placement next month.
Speak: present a company from your sector
Choose a company from your professional sector (a shop, a garage, a hotel, a hospital, a building firm). Present it in 6 sentences: what it does, its customers, its staff, and one future plan.
Sentence starters
- The company is called…
- It sells / It makes / It helps…
- Its customers are…
- About … people work there.
- Next year, it is going to…
- I think it will…
Possible answer
The company is called Decathlon. It sells sports clothes and equipment. Its customers are families and sports players. Many people work in each shop. The staff help customers every day. I think it will open new shops.
Homework
Present a company from your professional sector in 6 sentences, with one plan (going to) and one prediction (will).
A second royal family?
Goal: I can compare people and places and give my opinion in a debate.
Recap
Recap of session 7: the future.
A plan.
The opposite of a loss.
3 to 1 against Vancouver.
- am going to
- money you earn after your costs
- the MLS Cup
Read
On 4 July 1999, David and Victoria got married at Luttrellstown Castle, in Ireland. Newspapers published photos of the couple on two golden thrones. OK! magazine had the exclusive photos. The press called their house in Hertfordshire "Beckingham Palace", like Buckingham Palace, the King's official residence in London.
The couple went to two royal weddings: Prince William and Catherine at Westminster Abbey in 2011, and Prince Harry and Meghan at Windsor in 2018. In September 2022, David queued for about 12 hours to see the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II in Westminster Hall, like thousands of ordinary people.
On 4 November 2025, King Charles III knighted David at Windsor Castle. He said: "I grew up in a very humble background in the East End of London." Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world.
Check you understand
Like a king and a queen.
Beckham + Buckingham.
About 12 hours.
- golden thrones
- it sounds like Buckingham Palace
- he queued to see the Queen's coffin
Expanding your vocabulary
Tap a card to see the French. Tap Listen to hear the word.
Vocabulary practice
"Beckingham Palace" is a joke on this name.
William and Catherine, 2011.
David did it for about 12 hours.
- Buckingham Palace
- Westminster Abbey
- faire la queue
Grammar
Comparing: comparatives and superlatives
The rule
Short adjectives: -er than, the -est. Long adjectives: more … than, the most …. Equality: as … as. Irregular: good → better → the best; bad → worse → the worst.
| short adjectives | old → older than → the oldest; big → bigger than → the biggest |
|---|---|
| long adjectives | famous → more famous than → the most famous |
| equality | as popular as, not as rich as |
| irregular | good → better → the best; bad → worse → the worst |
Level 1 · Choose
Comparing two people.
Superlative.
as … as
- older
- the largest
- popular
Level 2 · Complete
Double the last letter.
Long adjective.
Superlative.
Irregular.
- Buckingham Palace is bigger than the Beckhams' house. (big)
- Are the Beckhams more famous than some royals? (famous)
- Windsor Castle is the oldest occupied castle in the world. (old)
- In 1999, Rivaldo did better than David in the Ballon d'Or vote. (good)
Level 3 · Write
Possible answer
The royal family is older than the Beckham family. The King is the most important person in the monarchy. The Beckhams are as famous as some royals.
Guided debate: Are the Beckhams a second royal family?
Two teams. Team A: "Yes, they are like a royal family." Team B: "No, the royals are born royal; the Beckhams became famous by working." Each person gives one argument and one example from the sequence.
Sentence starters
- In my opinion,…
- I think … because…
- I agree with … but…
- I disagree because…
- The Beckhams are more … than…
- The royal family is older / more traditional than…
Possible answer
Team A: In my opinion, they are like a royal family because the press follows them everywhere, and they sat on thrones at their wedding. Team B: I disagree because the royals are born royal. David was born in a humble family and he worked very hard. Now he is Sir David because of his work.
Homework
Write 5 sentences that compare the Beckhams and the royal family. Use 3 comparatives and 2 superlatives.
Honours and giving back
Goal: I can use the passive to talk about honours and events, and prepare my final task.
Recap
Recap of session 8: comparing.
Long adjective.
The King's castle near London.
Irregular.
- the most famous
- Windsor Castle
- better
Read
In the United Kingdom, the King gives honours to people for their work. David was made an OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) in 2003, and Victoria was made an OBE in 2017. On 4 November 2025, David was knighted by King Charles III "for services to sport and charity". Now he is Sir David Beckham, and Victoria is Lady Beckham. He wore a suit designed by Victoria.
Since January 2005, David has been a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador. UNICEF is the United Nations agency for children. In 2015, "7: The David Beckham UNICEF Fund" was launched to help children in danger. At Paris Saint-Germain, he gave all his salary to a children's charity. In 2024, he became an ambassador for the King's Foundation, a charity created by King Charles.
Check you understand
On 4 November 2025.
The United Nations agency for children.
Giving back.
- King Charles III
- children
- He gave it to a children's charity
Expanding your vocabulary
Tap a card to see the French. Tap Listen to hear the word.
Vocabulary practice
Sir David Beckham.
UNICEF, the King's Foundation.
For a charity.
- Sir
- a charity
- collecter des fonds
Grammar
The passive: was born, was knighted, was launched
The rule
Use the passive (be + past participle) when the action is more important than the person who does it. Past: was / were + past participle. Add by + the person if it is important.
| past passive | David was born in 1975. He was knighted in 2025. |
|---|---|
| with by | He was knighted by King Charles III. |
| plural | The photos were published by OK! magazine. |
| active or passive? | Active: King Charles knighted David. Passive: David was knighted by King Charles. |
Level 1 · Choose
Passive: was + past participle.
Plural: were.
Passive in the past.
- was born
- were published
- was launched
Level 2 · Complete
Passive: was + past participle.
Irregular participle: made.
Passive.
Plural, irregular: taken.
- David was knighted by King Charles III in 2025. (knight)
- Victoria was made an OBE in 2017. (make)
- The UNICEF fund was launched in 2015. (launch)
- The wedding photos were taken at Luttrellstown Castle. (take)
Level 3 · Write
Possible answer
(1) David was knighted by King Charles. (2) The suit was designed by Victoria. (3) A series about Victoria was made by Netflix.
Prepare your final task: My Role Model
Choose your role model: David, Victoria, or a person from your future job. Prepare your notes with the 5 steps below. Write key words, not full sentences.
Sentence starters
- 1. Childhood: He / She was born in… grew up in…
- 2. Work: He / She used to… trained… worked as…
- 3. A difficult moment: In…, he / she had a setback…
- 4. Success: He / She has won… was able to…
- 5. For my career: I admire him / her because… I am going to…
Possible answer
My role model is Victoria Beckham. She was born in 1974 and grew up in Hertfordshire. She used to be Posh Spice in the Spice Girls. Many people did not take her seriously as a designer, and her company lost money for years. But she was able to build a big fashion and beauty brand, and her label has won British Fashion Awards. I admire her because she never gave up, so I am going to work hard in my work placement too.
Homework
Finish your notes for the final task and practise your presentation at home. Time yourself: 2 minutes.
Cultural landmarks of the Beckham story
Goal: I can name and explain British cultural landmarks: the monarchy, football, places, pop culture and fashion.
The monarchy and honours
Charles III, King since 2022.
The King's official residence in London.
The oldest and largest occupied castle in the world. David was knighted there.
Royal weddings and coronations take place there.
Officer of the Order of the British Empire, an honour given by the King.
A man who is knighted becomes "Sir"; his wife becomes "Lady".
Football culture
The top English football league.
The national cup competition, organised by the Football Association.
Three big trophies in one season: Manchester United, 1999.
The emblem on the England shirt.
One match for the national team. David: 115 caps.
David wore the armband 59 times.
Places
A traditional working-class area of East London. David grew up in Leytonstone.
A county east of London. Victoria was born in Harlow, Essex.
A county north of London. Victoria grew up there.
Manchester United's stadium.
Pop culture
A British girl band: Posh, Ginger, Scary, Sporty and Baby Spice.
The message of the Spice Girls.
The 1990s, when British music, fashion and art were very popular.
The flag of the United Kingdom.
The British music awards.
Fashion and business
A big fashion event, twice a year.
Clothes made in standard sizes and sold in shops.
British fashion prizes. Victoria's label won in 2011 and 2014.
Victoria launched her label in 2008.
Expanding your vocabulary: cultural landmarks
The oldest occupied castle in the world.
The emblem on the shirt.
A county north of London.
Spice Girls, music, fashion.
Clothes sold in shops.
FA = Football Association.
- Windsor Castle
- the England football team
- Hertfordshire
- the 1990s
- le prêt-à-porter
- the FA Cup
Complete
Three = tri…
A big church.
Geri's dress.
David has 115.
- In 1999, Manchester United won the Treble: three trophies in one season.
- Royal weddings take place at Westminster Abbey.
- The flag of the United Kingdom is the Union Jack.
- One match for the national team is a cap.
Homework
Choose 6 cultural landmarks, one from each group. For each one, write one sentence in English to explain it.
All the grammar of the sequence
Goal: I can revise the grammar points of the 9 sessions and use them in my final task.
The grammar points, with examples from the Beckham story
Describing people: be, have got and the present simple
Victoria runs a company. They have got four children. He is ambitious.
The past simple, regular and irregular verbs
David was born in 1975. He grew up in Leytonstone. His mother worked as a hairdresser.
Past habits: used to and didn't use to
Victoria used to sing in a girl band. She didn't use to design clothes.
Abilities: can, could and was able to
He could cross the ball very well. In 1999, United were able to win the Treble.
Achievements: present perfect or past simple?
He has played in five countries. He joined Real Madrid in 2003.
Present simple or present continuous?
She designs ready-to-wear. Look! She is checking the dresses.
The future: going to, will and the present continuous
"I'm not gonna let it slip through my fingers again." I think it will be a success.
Comparing: comparatives and superlatives
King Charles is older than David. Windsor Castle is the oldest occupied castle in the world.
The passive: was born, was knighted, was launched
David was knighted by King Charles III. Victoria was made an OBE in 2017.
Mixed quiz
Ten questions, one for each grammar point.
they: have got
Irregular past.
Past habit.
One success.
Experience, no date.
With a date.
Now.
A plan.
Superlative.
Passive.
- have got
- grew
- used to
- were able to
- has played
- joined
- are walking
- am going to
- the oldest
- was knighted
Homework
Write a short text about your own life in 8 sentences. Use 8 different grammar points from the table.
My Role Model
Goal: I can present a person who inspires me and say what I learn for my career.
Option A (recommended): My Role Model, an oral presentation
Speak for 2 minutes. Present your role model: David, Victoria or a person from your future job. Talk about: childhood, work, a difficult moment, success, and what you learn from this person for your own career.
Use your notes from session 9: childhood, work, a difficult moment, success, what I learn.
Option B: a job interview role play
In pairs: one person is the manager, one person is the candidate. Talk about your skills, your qualities and your work placement.
Sales assistant wanted, fashion shop, London. Full-time. You are friendly and organised. You can talk to customers in English. You can work in a team. Experience in a shop is a plus. Send your CV and a short letter.
This job advert was written for this class. It is not a real advert.
Questions the manager can ask
- Can you introduce yourself?
- What are your qualities?
- What can you do? What are your skills?
- Tell me about your work placement. What have you learnt?
- What are you going to do after your bac pro?
- Why do you want this job?
Assessment grid
| A2 | A2+ | B1 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Content | I give some information about the person. | I talk about 4 or 5 steps of the life story. | I talk about all 5 steps and I explain what I learn for my career. |
| Grammar | I use simple sentences. Some mistakes. | I use the past simple, can / could and the present perfect. | I use 4 tenses or more (past simple, used to, present perfect, going to, passive) with few mistakes. |
| Cultural landmarks | I name 2 places or events. | I name 4 cultural landmarks from the sequence. | I name and explain 6 cultural landmarks correctly. |
| Speaking | I read my notes. | I look at my notes sometimes. | I speak with key words only, clearly, for 2 minutes. |
| Vocabulary | I use 3 words from the sequence. | I use 6 words from the sequence. | I use 10 words from the sequence correctly. |
Pour le professeur
Seconde bac pro · de A2 vers B1 · 9 séances
Ancrage dans le programme
Arrêté du 3 avril 2019, BO spécial n° 5 du 11 avril 2019, programme de langues vivantes de la voie professionnelle. La voie professionnelle n'a pas d'axes : la séquence s'appuie sur les contextes et sur les « Thèmes d'étude pour l'acquisition des repères culturels et savoirs lexicaux associés », cités mot pour mot.
Contextes
- « le contexte et les situations de la vie quotidienne, personnelle, sociale et civique ; »
- « le contexte et les situations de la vie professionnelle. »
Thèmes d'étude pour l'acquisition des repères culturels et savoirs lexicaux associés, vie quotidienne, personnelle, sociale et citoyenne
- « géographie et démographie (géographie physique, grandes villes, habitat, modes et réseaux de transport, découpage régional et administratif, population, langues parlées et zones linguistiques, etc.) ; » (séance 2 : East London, Essex, Hertfordshire)
- « emblèmes, drapeaux, hymnes ; » (séances 3 et 5 : l'Union Jack, les Three Lions)
- « grands événements historiques, dates marquantes ; » (séance 8 : les mariages royaux, les obsèques d'Elizabeth II)
- « personnages historiques et personnalités célèbres ; » (séances 1, 2, 3)
- « grandes manifestations, lieux symboliques, historiques et culturels, grands monuments ; » (séances 6 et 8 : London Fashion Week, Windsor Castle, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace)
- « lieux emblématiques du pouvoir, institutions et système politique, réformes institutionnelles en cours, partis politiques, syndicats, élections, etc. ; » (séances 8 et 9 : la monarchie, les distinctions)
- « grandes œuvres célèbres (littérature, musique, peinture, sculpture, cinéma, photographie) ; » (séances 1 et 3 : le tableau d'Elizabeth Peyton, « Wannabe »)
- « sports nationaux et équipes célèbres ; » (séances 4 et 5)
- « habitudes de consommation, grandes enseignes nationales, commerce en ligne, etc. ; » (séances 6 et 7)
- « médias (presse, radio, télévision), réseaux sociaux et internet (pratiques et enjeux) ; » (séances 1 et 8)
- « formes d'engagement humanitaire et citoyen propres au(x) pays dont on étudie la langue (O.N.G., bénévolat, associations, etc.) ; » (séance 9)
Thèmes d'étude, vie professionnelle
- « emploi, métiers, professions, carrières, compétences, qualifications, diplômes, égalité et parité femmes-hommes, organisation du temps de travail, etc. ; » (séances 3, 4, 6)
- « grandes marques, grands groupes nationaux ; » (séances 6 et 7)
- « secteurs d'activité, types et structures d'entreprises ; » (séance 7)
- « modalités de candidature et codes de l'entretien d'embauche ; » (tâche finale, option B)
Compétences visées, « À partir du niveau A2, jusqu'aux niveaux A2+/B1 »
- « exprimer et partager ses expériences, parler de ses compétences et réalisations ; »
- « repérer et identifier la thématique d'un document dont la nature et la complexité correspondent au niveau attendu (A2+) ou visé (B1) ; »
- « reconnaître, comprendre, nommer et commenter brièvement les grands traits civilisationnels et les caractéristiques géographiques, démographiques, culturelles, etc. du ou des pays de la langue étudiée ; »
- « rendre compte de l'état d'avancement de son activité, relater un fait, un événement ou une expérience ; »
- « présenter une entreprise, un service, un organisme, une association ; »
- « exposer ses expériences, ses compétences, ses qualités ; »
- « comprendre une offre d'emploi et y répondre en termes simples ; »
Déroulement
| Séance | Contenu | Grammaire |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Meet the Beckhams | Le tableau de Peyton, la bande-annonce BECKHAM, décrire des personnes | be, have got, présent simple |
| 2. Growing up | Leytonstone, Essex, Hertfordshire, l'extrait « Be Honest » | prétérit, verbes réguliers et irréguliers |
| 3. Girl Power | Les Spice Girls, « Wannabe » (1996), Cool Britannia, les Brit Awards 1997 | used to |
| 4. Manchester United | La Class of '92, le Triplé de 1999, le Ballon d'or 1999 (deuxième derrière Rivaldo) | can, could, was able to |
| 5. Captain of England | 1998, 2001, 115 sélections, capitaine 59 fois ; Real Madrid, LA Galaxy, AC Milan, PSG | present perfect ou prétérit |
| 6. Victoria's reinvention | New York 2008, British Fashion Awards 2011 et 2014, Londres 2018, Paris 2022, la bande-annonce Victoria Beckham | présent simple ou be + -ing |
| 7. Beauty and business | Victoria Beckham Beauty (2019), le premier bénéfice d'exploitation (2025), l'Inter Miami | le futur : going to, will, présent en be + -ing |
| 8. A second royal family? | Le mariage de 1999, « Beckingham Palace », les mariages royaux, l'adoubement à Windsor ; débat guidé | comparatifs et superlatifs |
| 9. Honours and giving back | OBE, titre de chevalier, UNICEF, King's Foundation ; préparation de la tâche finale | le passif |
| Cultural landmarks | Les repères culturels de la séquence en 5 groupes, avec exercices | à utiliser au fil des séances ou en révision |
| Grammar recap | Tableau des 9 points de grammaire et quiz mélangé | avant la tâche finale |
Chaque séance dure environ 55 minutes : Recap (5 min), document et compréhension (15 min), vocabulaire (10 min), grammaire en trois niveaux (15 min), tâche orale ou écrite (5 à 10 min), devoirs notés dans l'agenda avant la sonnerie. Selon la classe, la grammaire de niveau 3 peut passer en devoirs.
Points d'attention
- Bande-annonce BECKHAM (séance 1) : elle contient des injures (des supporters crient sur David en 1998, et deux jurons). À visionner avant le cours pour décider si on la projette en entier.
- Extrait « Be Honest » (séance 2) : la vidéo officielle porte le titre « Q&A Clip » sur la chaîne Still Watching Netflix. Les questions portent uniquement sur l'échange au sujet de la Rolls-Royce.
- Clip « Wannabe » (séance 3) : clip officiel de la chaîne SpiceGirlsVEVO, tourné au Midland Grand Hotel de St Pancras. Les cinq chanteuses dansent dans l'hôtel, sans nudité. Le refrain dit « If you wanna be my lover, you gotta get with my friends » : le message est l'amitié. À regarder avant le cours, comme tout document.
- Ballon d'or : David Beckham ne l'a jamais gagné. En 1999, il est deuxième derrière Rivaldo (219 points contre 154, France Football). La séquence le présente ainsi, honnêtement.
- Chiffres de l'entreprise de Victoria : ils viennent des comptes déposés à Companies House (exercice 2025 : chiffre d'affaires d'environ 130 millions de livres, premier bénéfice d'exploitation d'environ 7,3 millions).
- Tableau d'Elizabeth Peyton : œuvre protégée. Une demande d'autorisation est en cours auprès de la galerie qui représente l'artiste. Le tableau sera retiré si la réponse est négative.
- Les réponses sont masquées par défaut. Chaque bloc a son bouton ; le bouton ci-dessus affiche ou masque toutes les réponses.
- La version adaptée (dys) reprend exactement les mêmes exercices, avec une frise à la place des paragraphes, une consigne par étape, une police et des interlignes plus larges, et l'écoute des mots de vocabulaire.
Sources
- Christie's, lot 310, vente 9648, 17 mai 2001 : christies.com
- Netflix, bande-annonce BECKHAM : YouTube
- Still Watching Netflix, « Be Honest » : YouTube
- SpiceGirlsVEVO, « Wannabe », clip officiel : YouTube
- Netflix, bande-annonce Victoria Beckham : YouTube ; Netflix Tudum
- National Portrait Gallery, Spice Girls (« Wannabe », numéro un dans 53 pays) : npg.org.uk
- BBC, The Spice Girls at 25 (sortie le 8 juillet 1996, sept semaines numéro un, clip à St Pancras, Brit Awards 1997, JO de 2012) : bbc.com
- Official Charts, Wannabe at 30 : officialcharts.com
- France Football, Ballon d'or 1999, résultats (Rivaldo 219, Beckham 154) : RSSSF ; The Independent
- England Football, David Beckham (115 sélections, 17 buts, capitaine 59 fois, buts dans trois Coupes du monde) : englandfootball.com
- The Guardian, sa carrière en chiffres, à sa retraite : theguardian.com
- British Vogue, British Fashion Awards 2011 et 2014 : 2011 ; 2014
- BBC, premier défilé à la London Fashion Week, 16 septembre 2018 : bbc.co.uk
- WWD, premier défilé à Paris, 30 septembre 2022 : wwd.com
- Companies House, Victoria Beckham Holdings Limited : comptes déposés
- Inter Miami CF, finale de la MLS Cup, 6 décembre 2025 : intermiamicf.com
- Reuters, adoubement du 4 novembre 2025 : reuters.com ; Sky News : news.sky.com
- UNICEF, David Beckham, Goodwill Ambassador : unicef.org