PUPILS from Ramsey Spinning Infants School spent a day learning African drumming music, and they will be sending a recording of their performance to youngsters in Sierra Leone.

Youngsters from reception to Year 2 learnt some basic beats on traditional African drums, the djembe, doumdoum, Kaxis, Ghana bells and the banana gongs.

They then came together to perform three songs Africa, KyeKyeKule and Allunde, which were recorded and will be sent, along with photos from the day, to The David School in Sierra Leone.

The David School was set up by former Ramsey headteacher David Wallwork to help youngsters in the war-torn country, who otherwise faced a four-hour round hike to the nearest school.

African drumming enthusiast Jackie Manson, who led the drumming, said: “Music is so cross-curricular and it is not used to its full potential. It allows the children to have a go. It gives those less academic children a chance to shine. It is another way of getting the children interested and upbeat.”

Deputy headteacher Claire Sharples said: “It is about taking part and having fun. From a teacher’s point of view, the children are improving their concentration skills during the session as well.”