Developing the skills of listening and talking within the classroom, whilst increasing an awareness of current affairs, seems only natural.
To be considered Global Citizens, I strongly believe that learners need to have an awareness and appreciation of what is going on around them, encouraging critical thinking. One way to extract their opinions is the use of current affairs within the news. Resources such as Newsround and The Daily What are excellent ways of engaging learners in dialogue about what is going on around them.
Through co-operative strategies – using listening/summarizing as a core focus – learners can give their opinions on current affairs, whilst learning to respect the differing opinions of others.
Want to extend the use of current affairs into writing? Why not teach learners how to write a critical response to a topic/statement, developing their research skills.
e.g- Nuclear Power is the energy resource of the future.
HIGHLAND LITERACY 
Thanks for that James! The Daily What is a great site- quick and easy to use and the kids love it. I really should use it more!
It’s a favourite of mine- current affairs being how we begin our day in the morning. For enjoyment some of the children spend their time reading the stories and searching the website for their favourite story. Some even post a story which interests them on our class blog to discuss the next day. Perhaps this is something I need to encourage all learners to do.