Looking for the Burnet New Club?

The Burnet News Club is now Topical Talk!

The same world-class teaching resources on the big issues in the news are now completely free, allowing you the flexibility to choose the resources that best suit your curriculum and classroom.

To download them, simply set up an account—it only takes a minute!


About Topical Talk

Topical Talk is a programme from The Economist Educational Foundation. It supports weekly discussions about the news.

We create free teaching resources for students aged 10 to 16. Headlines cover a different news story each week and Special Editions explore a news issue in depth over six lessons. These are designed by our team of experienced teachers working with journalists and fact-checkers at The Economist.


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 a decade of teaching experience in creating resources 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. Help them think for themselves about the stories that affect us all. 

Quite simply, the programme has been a revelation. Every week, new and interesting resources are produced, all of which go hand-in-hand with relevant and appropriate termly topics.

Michael Baker, Faringdon Community College

How do I get these resources?

Simply create a free account to download your resources straight away.

Get my free resources