Our fully-resourced, adaptable lessons help learners aged 10-16 make sense of the world around them. They foster discussions that develop open minds, critical eyes and informed voices.
Our resources are co-created by experienced teachers with support from fact-checkers and journalists at The Economist. You can trust our content to be accurate, expert-led and objective.
How to use Topical Talk
Examples of how teachers fit Topical Talk into their week
The best way to teach Topical Talk is to find an hour per week for in-depth discussions. One primary school in London replaces their usual English Writing lesson with Topical Talk, safe in the knowledge that these lessons have positive outcomes on children's written work. If this isn't something you're able to do, you could try:
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By subject
"I look at the resource library and choose the topics that suit the subject I’m teaching. For the (UK) Geography curriculum the lessons on liveable cities and anti-tourism have been a perfect fit."
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By theme
"This term my curriculum has a strand about sustainability. I’ve chosen the lessons that cover this and I’ll move onto lessons about politics and democracy next term."
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By skill
"As literacy coordinator, my focus is on improving oracy and disciplinary literacy across all year groups. I’ve chosen a series of lessons that develop speaking and listening skills, and will assess student progress termly."
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By purpose
"I have two 30-minute form/tutor-time sessions each week. My students LOVE talking about what’s going on in their world, so I use each week’s Headline to spark the discussion and keep us focused. Plus – I don’t have to prep!"
Why sign up?
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A visible impact on your students
Topical Talk discussions give children the knowledge and skills to succeed at school and beyond. They make significant progress in communication skills so they become better listeners and more confident speakers. A focus on critical-thinking also helps their creativity and problem-solving. We use a research-backed universal skills framework to help you track your students' progress.
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Discuss complex issues with confidence
Topical Talk gives you the confidence to have discussions about complex and sensitive issues. Our teachers work with The Economist’s journalists to make sure facts are presented accurately. We have over a decade of teaching experience in creating lessons that are appropriate, accessible and inclusive for all learners.
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Build cultural capital from your classroom
Our resources open students’ eyes to matters of global importance and nurture their awareness of different perspectives. Through Topical Talk discussions, students develop open minds and informed voices. These lessons help them think for themselves about the stories that affect us all.