Current affairs in the classroom
We support teachers to empower children with the knowledge and skills to understand and have their say about our complex and polarised world.
Learn more about us
We’re an independent charity that combines deep educational knowledge with the journalistic expertise of The Economist newspaper.
124
Teachers in 124 countries use Topical Talk lessons in their classrooms
7x
Participating children make 7x expected progress in essential critical-thinking and communication skills
Learn more about the impact of our programme
Find out moreTopical Talk
Our innovative programme, Topical Talk, helps teachers to lead inspiring discussions about news that teach students to think critically, listen effectively, speak clearly and understand the world.
- Teaching resources for fun, in-depth classroom discussions about global news stories. A new resource for free every week
- Festival: the world’s biggest news festival for young people
- Prizes: competitions based on topical issues, supported by teaching resources
Our resources are produced by trained, experienced teachers, with guidance and support from Economist journalists. You can trust our content to be accurate, expert-led and objective.
Our impact
Children who regularly join Topical Talk discussions make up to 7x more progress than peers in creativity, problem-solving, listening with an open mind and speaking with confidence; skills linked to better outcomes from higher wages to improved wellbeing.
They learn to apply these skills to engage with the issues shaping their lives and communities, setting them up to succeed in future work and as citizens in the modern world.
Topical Talk Festival
Across seven activity-packed weeks, students have the chance to discuss what they’re learning in the classroom with other children across the world and engage with inspiring topic experts. Children work towards publishing their opinions in writing, audio journalism and film for the chance to win exciting awards.
Leadership for Change
Ready to empower the next generation of leaders? Our six-lesson curriculum helps students learn from inspiring leaders and develop the critical-thinking, creative problem-solving and communication skills they need to address challenges in their communities.
“Engaging students in meaningful dialogue can be a struggle. Topical Talk ensures students consistently engage in rich dialogue about relevant real-world topics.”
TEACHER, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
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