delSchool Societies
(1963-64)

"We are trying to present various facets of history to a group of people having a common interest in the subject. The Society tries to do this by varying both the subjects and the periods under discussion, by variations in the styles of presentation (for example using lectures, films or slides); and by inviting members of staff, boys, and parents to speak to us."

D. ALLEN, 2A (Junior History Society).

"The S.C.M.S. group exists to inform and to broaden the faith of Christians and to provide a forum where those who are uncommitted may enquire, argue, or protest... Mr. Ricketts spoke to us on 'The Anglo-Methodist Report', Mr. Goodman on 'Christianity and Politics', and the Rev. P. E. Brassel on the interesting question. 'Is Christianity a Dead Duck?' Our weekly lunch-time meetings have been devoted to a study of the provocative book, Honest to God, with the help of the study outline published by the S.C.M.S."

D. DODD, M6A (S.C.M.S.)

"Last year the Chess Club was revived and matches against neighbouring schools were resumed. In view of the fact that at the beginning of the year the club started from scratch, the results. were encouraging. A tournament was held to 'discover' any members of the school who had been hiding their chess-playing talents, and this was very worthily won by a junior, M. Orchard, although the tournament was open to the whole school."

S. MARGUTTI, U6 (Chess Club).

"Every three weeks in the library could be heard, at some time after 7.30 p.m. on a Monday evening, the gentle drone of enlightened discussion which told the wary visitor that the future Macaulays and Toynbees amongst us were again at the Senior History Society.

"During the year those with the inclination heard talks on a variety of topics ranging from Gordon of Khartoum to Kruschev and from Victorian Working Classes to China. When the supply of 'home-produced' talent was temporarily exhausted, outside speakers were introduced and proved a great success.

"We were particularly glad to welcome members of the Sixth Form of St. Mary's, who came to a number of meetings. Indeed, these joint meetings proved so successful that for the year beginning September, 1963, the society became the St. Nicholas and St. Mary History Society."

R. WILSON, U6 (Senior History Society).

"Meetings have continued to be held regularly through the year though the most active interest in the club seems to have been during the Christmas term when many presents were made by the members. Some of the items made were: copper bracelets and brooches, candlesticks, companion sets and model steam engines." 

P. KERSHAW, Misc. (Metalwork Club).

"The first debate was held at the school on the motion: 'This house deplores the state of modern music'. This lively debate developed into a discussion of pop music - despite the frantic efforts of the proposers (including the Head of the Music Department) to focus the debate on to 'musique concrète' and modern jazz. The opposition (under the leadership of a member of the Art Department) retaliated by pointing out that there was no difference between the lusty young squire in doublet and hose who serenaded his love on the lyre singing 'Hey nonny! Hey nonny! Hey nonny, Hey!" and the leather-suited individual (with a Beatle cut?) strumming his electrically amplified guitar and singing 'Yeah! Yeah! Yeah!' After this the debate warmed up considerably, and it was concluded that modern music was not so deplorable.

"At Rickmansworth Grammar School, we debated whether: 'This house likes the direction in which scientists are leading us'. With constant references to dictionaries the debate managed to plod slowly on its way in an informal atmosphere, but it was not surprising that seventy-five per cent of those present abstained from voting.

"This year, larger audiences and improved standards of debate (though our speakers still have much to learn) have suggested that the society has an important role to play in senior school activities." 

D. DODD, M6A (Debating Society.)