Topical Talk support

Everything you need to feel confident to teach Topical Talk in your classroom

A teacher inspiring young students

Introduction to Topical Talk

Find out what Topical Talk is and learn why the lessons will work for you - including the critical-thinking and oracy skills your students will develop. Plus, find out how Topical Talk links to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, English curricula and media literacy.

Students proudly displaying their Topical Talk Festival certificates

How to prepare for a Topical Talk lesson

Follow the steps to get started with your first lesson (hint: it's very easy!). Find out how to decide which resources to choose each week and how you can fit them into your curriculum. Plus, a chance to see how other teachers do it.

Student confidently explaining their opinion to their teacher

How to teach tough topics

Topical Talk doesn't shy away from the big issues. See our tips for managing conversations about controversial or polarising topics, plus the supporting resources for your students which will help them to watch the news actively and identify what is trustworthy or not.

Confident teenage student in the classroom

How to get the most from the resources

Advice on how to fit the lessons into your timetable regularly and hear from our case study schools. We share what else Topical Talk can offer at different times of the year, plus how to build skills and develop a classroom full of critical-thinkers.

Two girls talking about current affairs in the classroom

Frequently asked questions

Your key queries about Topical Talk. We cover what programmes are on offer, how the lessons are made, what's free to download and which experts are featured in the lessons.