Double Success for RGS at Oxford Schools’ Regional Round

After their superb win at Nottingham Schools on Saturday 1 February, the RGS debaters experienced success again just two days later, with a fantastic performance at the Midlands Regional Round of the Oxford University Schools’ competition.

Unlike other competitions, which generally last a full day, the Regional Rounds of Oxford Schools’ are fast and furious – two debates in one evening. This year, four RGS teams battled it out with 32 other teams from across the Midlands. We had the home advantage with the round taking place in Perrins Hall and Main Block – but it was still going to be a huge challenge as only the top four teams would qualify for the prestigious Oxford Schools’ Finals Day.

In the first debate of the evening, students were asked to discuss whether the feminist movement should discourage traditional feminine traits (e.g. putting on make-up, wearing high heels etc.). The feedback about the RGS team from the judges was positive and it seemed as if they had a good chance. Then… ‘Assuming feasibility’, read the second motion, ‘This House would impose a cap on non-essential spending by families on each child before they turn 18’. At 7.00pm already, with only fifteen minutes of preparation time and no use of the internet allowed, this was even more of a test!

Nonetheless, when the dust settled on the debates and the judges had conferred, it was a wonderful result for RGS – Sixth Form students Hannah Agoston and Sasha Penlington qualified in first place while Society Presidents, Annabelle Howarth and K. McCabe qualified in third. Two RGS teams will now continue to Finals Day at the Oxford Union on Saturday 15 March, pitting their skills against teams across the UK and from overseas.

Mrs Jane Harrison, Head of History & Politics and Head of Debating