Pupils at Warboys Community Primary School were treated to a different kind of lesson from folk band The Young’uns, as part of an initiative to spread knowledge of British values through song.

The school is one of many the award-winning band has visited with their Sounds of Identity workshop this year.

Different year groups explored various areas and figures of history, including John Ball and the peasant’s revolt of 1381, and Michael Marks, co-founder of Marks and Spencer, of the 1880s – all stories with the themes of democracy, equality and liberty.

The children also learned sea shanties that celebrate teamwork and fairness, as well as writing their own raps to link their literacy work with music. In their final assembly, the band and the pupils performed some of the songs and dances they had practiced throughout the day.

Sean Cooney, member of The Young’uns, explained the importance of the workshop, he said: “It’s so essential to celebrate diversity and values we all hold dear like democracy and equality, and not just by lecturing kids, but to do it through stories.

“We hope the kids remember the stories. It’s just about sharing our history and being proud of where we come from and inspiring the next generation to celebrate those values.”

Warboys head teacher, Angela Boxall, was delighted with how the pupils responded to the activities.

She said: “The children have been amazing and engaged throughout. They were quite surprised at the beginning and didn’t know what to expect, but they have grinned from ear to ear all day.”

The Young’uns – who hail from Teeside – are two-time winners of the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards Best Group award, and also received Best Album for their debut release, Strangers, this year.