A MUSICIAN who has performed at concerts with stars including Connor Maynard and the Wanted helped a group of Weymouth students explore issues surrounding discrimination, radicalisation and British values.

Rich Cottell, a musician and songwriter from Devon, met with year eight, nine and 10 students at the Wey Valley School in Weymouth.

It was part of the school’s personal, social, health and economic course with more than 500 pupils taking part.

The session included opportunities to sing on stage with Mr Cottell.

Patricia Fisher, Head of PSHE at Wey Valley said: “The students really enjoyed the sessions with some great performances on stage.

“Our student’s knowledge on these important issues have been reinforced by the support of Mr Cottell, a really positive way of learning when it comes from a young person similar to themselves.”

“At the end of the performance our students were able to get his autograph and they all came out from the session buzzing about how good he was.”

Mr Cottell is a singer, songwriter from Devon and describes his music as feel-good indie pop, with a “life is wonderful vibe.”

Before becoming a musician, Rich was a music teacher in schools all over Devon but has gone on to support major artists including the Wanted and Conor Maynard.

Pupils also felt they took a lot away from the session.

Year eight pupils, Danny Jones, said: “His chat on discrimination was really good, I learnt a lot from it.”

Khara Champan, also in year eight, added: “I understood more about radicalisation coming from him because he is young like us.”

Sara Adams, acting principal at Wey Valley, said: “I would like to thank Mr Cottell for his visit to Wey Valley. The sessions were very informative but also creative and fun with many of our students taking part. We have a really good PSHE programme to ensure our students become well-rounded individuals with a broad understanding of current affairs and issues and today, our students have come away more knowledgeable on these important subjects.”