Lessons in cross cultural learning

The lessons have been designed to give pupils an opportunity to find out more about their own culture, as well as get an insight into other prominent traditions in Northern Ireland.

Pupils at Dromore High School, New-Bridge Integrated College and Banbridge High School were amongst the first to benefit from the lessons, which began last week and will be delivered to all remaining secondary schools later in the year when the new school term begins.

Council Good Relations Officer, Dolores Donnelly, explains why the Council is supporting this initiative as part of its ongoing work in the area of good relations. She said: “We ran a similar cross-cultural event for local school children as part of Good Relations Week in April this year. It was so successful that the schools asked the Council to consider delivering it to all pupils on school premises. The Council welcomed the opportunity to deliver the lesson to a much wider young audience.

“This initiative is helping us to break down barriers and build trust, mutual respect and understanding between the different communities residing within our council area.”

As part of the informative lesson, Education Officers from the Ulster Scots Agency and Ultach Trust gave an insight into the history of the Ulster Scots and Irish languages. Then musicians Mark Wilson, Brendan Monaghan, David Muldrew, Brian McAteer and Andrew Carlisle presented live demonstrations of both musical traditions, discussing their influence on music in Northern Ireland. They were accompanied by dancers, Kerry Jordon and Michele Johnston, who are both experts in Ulster Scots and Irish dancing.

Ultach Trust Development Officer, Gordon McCoy, complemented the Council on taking the lead in this initiative. He said: “This is a great educational opportunity for school children in the Banbridge District. I am delighted to be working with both the Council and the Ulster Scots Agency on this initiative.”

Adding to this, Ulster Scots Agency Director, Jim Millar, said: “We welcome this opportunity to showcase the history and traditions of the Ulster Scots. We believe that the Northern Ireland public increasingly recognises our shared traditions, and we wish Banbridge District Council every success in delivering this initiative.”

This initiative has been supported by the Office of First Minister and Deputy First Minister.