RGS debaters impress at regional final

RGS debaters impress at regional final

STUDENTS from RGS delivered a standout performance at the North East Regional Final of the prestigious English Speaking Union Schools’ Mace debating competition.

The team—Annabel Cochrane, Nancy Manners and Manya Rajeeva—competed against strong opposition, including Prince Henry’s Grammar School, debating the motion “This house would legalise recreational marijuana for adults.”

Arguing against the motion, the RGS students impressed judges with their clarity, confidence and depth of argument.

The event, held at St Peter’s School in York,, saw six schools competing for a single place in the national final in London, with the host school ultimately securing progression.

Despite narrowly missing out on qualification, the RGS team earned high praise from the judging panel, with Nancy Manners, who has been a driving force behind debating at RGS for the past four years, commended for her leadership and commitment.

Looking ahead, both Nancy and Annabel are set to continue their academic journeys at the University of Oxford this autumn, where they hope to pursue their passion for debating.

Meanwhile, the future of debating at RGS remains in strong hands. Manya, alongside Katy Thody, will take on leadership of the society next year and are keen to welcome new members to join the thriving extracurricular activity.