OCN Awards Parliament Buildings, Stormont

14 June 2018

Presentation of Open College Network (OCN) Certificates

On Thursday 7 June 2018, children throughout counties Antrim, Tyrone and Down arrived at Parliament Buildings, Stormont for the presentation of Open College Network (OCN) certificates in Lambeg Drumming. 

The Ulster-Scots Agency has a keen interest in promoting Ulster-Scots musical traditions, particularly amongst children. The Lambeg drum, an instrument indigenous to Ulster, has proved popular amongst students in the primary and post-primary sectors. 

The pupils worked very hard throughout the course which blended theory and practice and, as a result, a significant number of children from five different primary schools, Carr’s Glen, Kingsmill, Creavery, Greystone and Churchill passed and qualified for the OCN in Lambeg Drumming (Entry Level).

The presentation in Parliament Buildings, Stormont was a great success with children and parents attending the event which was hosted by Michelle McIlveen MLA who presented the certificates to the graduates. 

The event was also enthusiastically supported by the Lambeg Drumming community with drummers and fifers attending from Carrickfergus and Bannside Drumming Clubs. Visitors were treated to demonstrations in Lambeg drumming and fifing before and after the presentation.

Joining the Ulster Scots Flagship Programme is completely free. By registering to participate schools commit themselves to an eighteen month programme of work which, on completion, will lead to the award of Ulster-Scots Flagship School status. During this process, participating schools will be supported by staff from the Ulster-Scots Agency and other specialist tutors.

Schools can express their interest in the Flagship Scheme through the Agency’s website www.ulsterscotsagency.com

For further information, contact Gary Blair at the Ulster-Scots Agency on 028 9023 1113 or email gblair@ulsterscotsagency.org.uk