Young people share their ideas with leaders

A high-energy, fun way for upper primary and secondary students to learn about current issues and events in their world. Each program is built around major news stories of the week.

BTN takes a closer look at the history of the Melbourne Cup and the horse racing debate going on in Australia. It’s been 30 years since the fall of the Berlin Wall. We find out more about that important historical event, the events that led up to it and its impact on the world. Find out why reality TV isn’t always as ‘real’ as it appears. We meet some kids in Tasmania who are learning a language that means a lot to them and their families - it’s called palawa kani. With esports booming around the world, some Aussie schools are starting to see video gaming as a serious sport.

Brexit Irish Border Brexit has been big in the news as the deadline for the UK's plan to leave the EU gets closer. This week we look at one of the biggest issues in the Brexit debate; the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. We find out why that's such a big deal by learning more about Ireland's complicated history. East Antarctic Marine Park This week scientists from around the world are in Hobart for a meeting about Antarctica. One of the things they'll be talking about is a plan - led by Australia - to set up a Marine Protected Area that would make more of the Antarctic ocean off-limits to fishing and mining. We find out more about the creatures that live in this icy deep and why some think they're worth protecting. Waste Solutions As you might have heard, Australia has been facing some waste management problems since overseas countries that used to process our recycling said they didn't want to do it anymore. Last week Victoria's government released a report outlining some possible solutions, including turning green waste into energy and giving households six recycling bins. We take a closer look at some of these plans. Letter Writing Class Leela meets a man who's on a mission to bring back letter writing! Richard Simpkin is the founder of World Letter Writing Day and he travels around the country teaching kids the value of picking up a pen and writing to someone they care about. Halloween History It's Halloween on Thursday, when many people around the world like to get dressed up, go trick or treating, and celebrate all things scary! Jack finds out more about the origins of Halloween and where some of its spookiest traditions began.