Ulster Scots & Ards Peninsula Schools

Ulster Scots & Ards Peninsula - I have been working in the Newtownards & Ards Peninsula area for almost a year. I took part in taster session at Londonderry Primary School - Ards Town, after school clubs at Castle Gardens Primary School - Ards Town, Ballyvester Primary School - Donaghadee, Portavogie Primary School and Carrowdore Primary School.

Since April / May 2009 I have been working 1 hour per week at Ballyvester Primary School, teaching tin whistle. The pupils of primary 6/7 have really enjoyed the whistle classes, where they learn traditional Ulster Scots Tunes and we also chat about aspects of local Ulster Scots History - it is surprising how little the pupils are aware of their local history! Nevertheless the pupils show great skill and enthusiasm for the music and they have took part at a number of school events, such as end of term concert / Christmas concert. The tin whistles have proved very popular with the parents also!

I started a class in Castle Gardens Primary School in October 2009, this time Lambeg Drum & Tin Whistle to p6. Like Ballyvester the children have embraced the music and culture of the Ulster Scots and they look forward to the classes each week. Keith Lyttle the Ulster Scots Agency Fiddle Tutor has also commenced work in the school and we look forward to developing a tin whistle and fiddle group with in the school.

I had been trying to develop projects in Post Primary Schools some successful - some not - like Glastry College - sadly no success, however with the help of Maynard Hanna, our Development Officer, who has been instrumental in many of these initiatives, we made a break through at Movilla High School, Ards Town - my old school! I will start work there in February - Fife & Lambeg Drum Class. Also I commence two further projects in 1/ Kirkistown Primary School - Cloughey 2/ Portavogie Primary School both lambeg drum and tin whistle classes in early February.

A lot of ground work has been prepared by Maynard, but also it shows an ever increasing interest in the Ulster Scots tradition and associated cultures with in the education sector, particularly around the Newtownards and Ards Peninsula area. I really can't wait to get started!

I will look forward to working with the school Principal's their dedicated staff and of course the children.

HMA