YOUNGSTERS at St Francis Primary School have had their 15 minutes of fame after PopUK spent the week teaching and recording songs with them.

The educational charity Music Plus Trust visited the school this week to teach the children six songs and dances which will be performed in concert and produced on CD.

“The songs have a really strong spiritual and moral agenda, which really feeds into our PSHE curriculum as well as our RE curriculum,” said Vicky Keane, a year three class teacher who has been leading the project.

“It’s a really good way to teach the children about these values and it’s also really good fun.”

It was the second time Joshua Keane, of Haydon End and Bethany Mead, of Moredon, both in year six and aged 10, have taken part; the first being as reception pupils.

“It’s really fun and energetic,” said Joshua.

“The concert is going to be really good and I think everyone has been enjoying it. Hopefully everyone will come along and enjoy it.

“I also really like Clare, who came in to teach us the songs. She’s nice and she made it all seem easy.”

“The concert will be the first time the whole school will all sing together,” said Bethany.

“The songs are all quite deep and meaningful, talking about love and friendship and how we should treat the world around us.”

Funds raised from concert ticket and CD sales will help to cover the costs spent on the project, which has been funded by St Francis’ PTA, Faith.

Curly Clare, of PopUK, who led the workshop, said: “The kids have got so much enthusiasm after taking part. “What’s really amazing is seeing children come out of themselves and using music as a tool to energise, inspire and encourage them.”

The children will celebrate what they have learned by hosting a school concert in front of parents next Wednesday, October 7.

The concert will take place at Isambard Community School, which has lent St Francis the hall for the evening for free.

A spokesman from Isambard said: “We’re happy to help St Francis and give their pupils the chance to perform in a larger venue.”

The CD will be available to buy for £6.50 following the concert next week from St Francis School.

To find out more about PopUK and see more details about workshops they offer, visit popuk.org.