It was all to do with the Global Campaign for Education’s worldwide lesson, with millions across 120 countries taking the same class at the same time.

The main aim was for children and adults to have the same lesson – in class, or via the internet – to remind governments of their promises to end illiteracy and get every child into school.

Two primary schools got in touch with The Evening Telegraph to explain just what went on, and reveal how much fun the young children had.

Nene Valley Primary School, in Woodston, Peterborough, invited parents into class to take part in yesterday’s 9am lesson.

Organiser Sue Bell, who has just come back from a week-long educational visit to Malawi, said: “The children were really excited by the record attempt, but at first found it difficult to understand exactly how they were going to help other children.

“When I said that lots of people were taking part to make the Government listen, they knew what was going on and they really got into the lesson.

“We talked about what it would mean if you didn’t have the chance to go to school, and that lots of children in the world don’t have this opportunity at the moment.”

Reports have shown that education helps prevent poverty and the problems that go with it.

The lesson included lots of facts on illiteracy and under-education, including one that 750 million adults around the world cannot read and write.

There were similar scenes at Park Lane Primary School, in Whittlesey, where hundreds more pupils were taking part in the record attempt.

Year 6 teacher Craig Thompson said: “The whole school took part, from the nursery to Year 6, and it was all following the official lesson plan.

“Just by taking part in that lesson the children were making a difference, and we wanted to get this message across.”

Now the schools have to write down everyone’s name who took part and send it in to be counted.

Then, when all the entries are in, the pupils will find out if they have helped break a world record, as well as doing their bit for less fortunate children.