A Season of Debate: RGS Pupils Excel at Cambridge and Oxford
RGS Worcester debaters have enjoyed an excellent Debating season, competing successfully at both regional and national level. Performances at the Cambridge Schools Debating Competition and the Oxford Schools Finals Day were particular highlights.
On Saturday 14 March, four pairs travelled to the Cambridge Schools regional round for a full day of British Parliamentary style debating against schools from across the region. Representing the School were Zac Johnson and Andrew Smith, Henry De Bono with Gabby Hailwood, Anya Wood with Gabby Benbow and Sienna Heath with Heidi Porter.
Across four rounds, students responded to complex and unfamiliar motions, showing quick thinking, clear structure and confident delivery. The standard was high throughout and all pairs performed strongly. A standout moment came early in the day when Anya Wood with Gabby Benbow secured two consecutive first-place finishes and gave the team a superb start.
The following weekend, RGS Worcester was represented at the Oxford Schools Debating Finals Day. From nearly 50 teams across 12 schools in the Midlands round, two of the five qualifying teams were from RGS Worcester, an outstanding achievement.
Hannah Agoston with Sasha Penlington, alongside Isabelle Jones with Joseph Kington, have played a key role in Debating at RGS in recent years. At Finals Day, they competed against 124 national and international teams and approached demanding motions with composure and clarity. Both pairs secured second-place finishes in individual debates. Hannah with Sasha also won a round and earned the opportunity to debate in the Oxford Union Chamber.
Beyond competition, these students have supported Debating across the School for many years. They have worked with younger Year groups and contributed to initiatives such as the School’s inaugural Model United Nations conference.
This has been an excellent year for Debating at RGS Worcester and one that reflects the hard work and enthusiasm of all involved. We congratulate all pupils for their Debating achievements.
