Topical Talk and Our Trust

The Economist Educational Foundation (TEEF) and the Trust have been working together since 2024 to grow awareness and engagement with Topical Talk across KCSP schools.

Together, we have supported hundreds of our pupils so far to access impactful discussions about the news which supports their academic progress, their essential skills development and their understanding of the world.

Topical Talk provides free lessons about the news to inspire students aged 10 to 16 and help develop essential critical-thinking and communication skills through informed and open-minded discussions about the biggest issues of our time.

The Economist's HQ Celebration

In June 2025, some of our talented teachers came together with Trust and Topical Talk colleagues at The Economist’s HQ in London, for a very special celebration event and to present the positive impact on pupils of the Topical Talk project to date.

Felicity Goldsmith from The Holy Family Primary in Maidstone, Beverley Simpson from St Joseph’s Primary in Aylesham, and Alison Cowley from St Peter’s Primary in Sittingbourne really enjoyed having the opportunity to talk about the project and all that has been achieved to date and were also keen to discuss all that we hope to go on to do next year.

Our Lady of Hartley 2025

At Our Lady of Hartley Primary School, empowering teachers and enriching pupil learning sits at the heart of everything they do. As part of a bespoke partnership with The Economist Educational Foundation, the school has embraced Topical Talk, an approach designed to build teacher confidence and help children engage thoughtfully with complex global issues. Through dedicated training, in‑person support, and participation in projects such as the Topical Talk Festival and the Summer Oracy Project, teachers gained new strategies for facilitating discussion, encouraging curiosity, and supporting student voice. This collaboration enabled over 300 pupils to explore challenging topics from social media to global conflict through safe, structured, and empathetic dialogue, while helping teachers feel more prepared, more confident, and more inspired in their practice. You can read about this case study here: Case Study | Our Lady of Hartley Primary School, KCSP - The Economist Educational Foundation

Impact report 2024 -2025

This year, our partnership with Kent Catholic Schools’ Partnership (KCSP) has strengthened teachers’ confidence and transformed how primary pupils engage with real‑world issues. Through bespoke training, in‑class action‑research projects, and participation in Topical Talk Festival and summer oracy activities, teachers embraced more complex topics while students developed empathy, critical thinking and a stronger voice. The programme created an inclusive space for all learners including those with SEND and from low‑income backgrounds to participate meaningfully and make substantial progress, particularly in speaking and listening.

You can read about the impact report here: TEEF Impact Report 2025

Felicity Goldsmith from The Holy Family Primary in Maidstone, Beverley Simpson from St Joseph’s
Primary in Aylesham, and Alison Cowley from St Peter’s Primary in Sittingbourne (pictured below with KCSP CEO Annemarie Whittle, and KCSP Director of Primary Education, Sarah McBennett at the celebration event in June 25)