Debating

“Be Heard; be brief; be sincere”

RGS Headmaster E.R. Thomas offered these three cardinal rules of speaking in a lecture to the RGS Photographic and Debating Society in October 1923.

The origins of a Debating Society at RGS go back even further to 1886, when it was advertised in our student magazine Novo. It is our longest-running student society.

Its popularity has ebbed and flowed over the decades. Early in the 20th century efforts were made to maintain interest in the society by introducing “novelties...such as the ‘Mock Trial’ and the ‘Toast List’”. The first of these Mock Trials was held in 1909. Students chose to base the trial on a classic Sherlock Holmes story: The Boscombe Valley Mystery.

Debate topics could be serious or amusing. A debate syllabus from 1918-19 included:

“That this House views with alarm the growing power of the Press”
“That Modern English dress is artistic”
“That Schoolmasters are the dullest of all professional men”

The last one may have generated a few wry smiles from the teachers!

*Report on the Debating Society Mock Trial, June 1909. Novo Magazine. RGS Archives [ref: RGS/NOV/128]*

*Debating Society Minutes, September 1904. RGS Archives [ref: 81]*

100 years ago on 7th March 1924, a debate was held with the motion that “Shakespeare is grossly overrated”. A close call, the motion was defeated by 12 to 14.

The first debate of the 1981 year was “This House is glad to be back at school” - motion defeated 19 to 6!

Debating at RGS is still going strong in 2025, with an annual House Debate held in spring. Teams of two compete for the Hill House Debating Trophy, named after Sir Max Hill (ON 1972-82).

*Debating Society Syllabus, 1918-19. RGS Archives [ref: 379]*

*Duncan Pierce and Max Hill in a President's Debate, Spring 1982. RGS Archives [ref: 168]*

Old Novo Debaters

RGS students gained some invaluable skills from their involvement in Debating Society, some going on to have successful careers in fields including law, politics, journalism and international diplomacy.

One of the earliest known RGS debaters was Sir Josiah R. Crosby (1880-1958) (ON 1894-99) who was President of the Society in 1896. Crosby became a diplomat, serving as ambassador to Panama, Costa Rice and Thailand (then known as Siam).

*House Debating Final, 28 March 2025. ©RGS Newcastle*

Brian S. Shallcross (1937-2009) (ON 1950-57) was Chairman of Debating Society 1955-56. He became a journalist, regional political correspondent on TV and radio and was Chairman of the Parliamentary Press Gallery.

Jeremy Hugh Beecham, Baron Beecham (ON 1953-62) was Chairman 1961-62. He became a Labour MP, life peer until 2021 and was leader of Newcastle City Council.

Paul Haggie (ON 1960-67) was Chairman 1966-67. Writer and former diplomat with posts in Thailand, Pakistan and South Africa.

Sir Max B.R. Hill, KC (ON 1972-82) was Chairman 1981-82. Barrister who served as Director of Public Prosecutions 2018-2023.