MEMORIES OF ECONOMICS AT RGS

In this piece, some Old Novos from across the decades, share their standout memories from their time studying the subject.

Nick Muse (60-70)

This photograph, taken on the terrace of the Houses of Parliament, is of the first (I believe) RGS Economics Tour to London. It first appeared, I recall, in the NOVO magazine under the caption “Jim Yarwood Mingles with the Mighty”. It was around 68 or 69, a time of flower power, The Beatles, and psychedelia — when this group of rather grey Lower Sixth young men set off on a whirlwind trip around the economic sights of London. The man hosting for the day –holding a note in his hand –was William Elliot, the local MP for Newcastle North. He was a rarity as one of the few MPs to represent Newcastle as a member of the Conservative Party. That day we were shown around Parliament and those that applied to their MP were able to sit in on a Select Committee and attend a debate in the Visitor’s Gallery. Other highlights of the trip were a visit to the Stock Exchange; lunch at the Bank of England; an evening trip to a Fleet Street newspaper being “put to bed”; and a tour round either the Ford car plant at Dagenham or the Wiggins Teape paper factory. It was all good fun and very informative but I don’t remember there being much socialising or secret drinking going on as we stayed in a school dormitory on the outskirts of London. We were all doing the “Arts” side of an Economics A Level. This consisted of Economic History (ie the Industrial Revolution), Political Theory (from Karl Marx to Edmund Burke) and the British Constitution. The “Science” side of the subject was more to do with Applied Economics and Maths. For those who can remember think Rash Hennessy (Staff 6273) v’s Frank Budden (Staff 62-80).

I think we all did reasonably well at the school’s first attempt at Economics A Levels. One or two even went on to study it and related subjects at University.

Ian Quickfall (55-65)

In the summer of 63, after some modest success at GCE O Level, I was ready to embark on my A Level career. At the time the policy was not to waste time taking exams in a lot of subjects and so the choice of which three A Levels to select was by no means straight forward. English was out. I had never liked the approach adopted by MG Robinson (Staff 34-72) and the thought of another two years was not inspiring. On the other hand I had enjoyed the History lessons of Fred Galbraith (Staff 30-31 & 49-68) and Alan Mitchell and was quite happy to continue with the Geography lessons of Colin Nichols. Not being a boxer or a potential first eleven cricketer or a trainspotter meant that I did not have much connection with either of the Meakin brothers.

A third subject was still needed. Word had reached us that Roger Hennessy was almost an even snappier dresser than the marvellous Macleod (what a contrast after Slinker Owen) and so Economics looked like a good third bet. Within a term it had become my lead subject and a fanatical cultish clique of economists had been born. We rushed to his lessons, eagerly lapping up the torrent of information and anecdotes that poured forth from the moustachioed marvel. Thus was the cult perpetuated. Results were excellent (I even won a prize) and a place to read Economics and Economic History at Durham duly followed. A PGCE at Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge led to me embark on a career teaching Economics, first at RGS Worcester and then at Malvern College. I drew heavily on the examples set by my teachers at RGS, in many cases to help me how NOT to do it but the gentle humour of Rashtash stood me in good stead though I am pleased that careers’ advice has improved considerably in the intervening years. Happy days indeed and I am pleased to see that his successors maintained the fine reputation that he helped to establish.

Ian Gardhouse (54-64)

I was one of the original Economics students in 62. I remember Roger Hennessey introducing himself to us on our very first session by saying he was RAS Hennessey “rather unfortunate initials, I’m afraid”. He later provided one of the best quotes on the British Constitution I have ever some across. Regarding election manifestoes he cited: “No-one but a fool would demand a promise. None but a knave would give one”. Despite many efforts I have never been able to source it, and I have been forced to wonder whether it was all his own work. Whichever, it deserves a wider currency. In fact he was always a stimulating and entertaining teacher with an urbane manner whose approach was to welcome us into a sophisticated and intelligent adult world. What could be higher praise for a teacher? He might have affected a borderline louche and almost cynical manner at times, but his enthusiasm for the subject never flagged. Nor did his mission to engage us. Largely thorough his inspiration I went on to read Politics and Philosophy at Bristol University. Although my direct involvement in the subjects sadly waned after those three years, I went on to Teach, Lecture and then became a Producer and Editor at BBC Radio. Hennessey later became a School Inspector, I encountered him again when I moved in to a house at the end of the terrace on which he lived in Gosforth. I was about to be married, and he asked about it. I professed that my wife-to-be and I would have been happy to dispense with the formal ceremonials, but he impressed upon me that the day did not really belong to us, but to our parents. More wise words more people could heed today. I have nothing but admiration, and fond memories of my whole period with him. One of the most influential people I met.

Manu Rangar (95-00)

I studied medicine post RGS Economics A Level; I was the only one in the set who didn’t apply to University to study Economics or social sciences, having been one of five pupils to get an A. It was all thanks to Geoff Riley (Staff 88-00).

Names on photo (left to right): ‘Pop’ Robson, unknown, Reevel Anderson, Alan Weir, Chris Owen, unknown, Alan Hansel, Norman Maitland, Hope, unknown, Tully Dewar, Jan Hesselberth, unknown, Al Hird, William Elliot MP, Mr Whitehead, Jim Yarwood, unknown (friend of teacher), Armstrong, Charles Smith, Robin Graham, Ian White, Edmondson, Pardoe, Richard Winter, Keith Cull, Townsend, Keith Proudfoot, Nick Muse

Word had reached us that Roger Hennessy was almost an even snappier dresser than the marvellous Macleod (what a contrast after Slinker Owen) and so Economics looked like a good third bet.”

Michael Smalley (85-95, Staff from 05)

I was so lucky to be taught by Jim Keefe (Staff 90-95) – a top man with high expectations and a wicked sense of humour –and to have Geoff Riley as a Tutor. Both were razor sharp, had an edge, but were well liked and respected because they were superb at their job, they weren’t soft touches and they expected you to deliver on your potential! Geoff left soon after me to become Head of Department at Eton and is something of a trailblazer with tutor2u.net. I owe both of them a huge debt of gratitude –I love what I do now, because of them.

Millie Robson (09-20)

Choosing A Level Economics was a gamble to say the least - having never studied it and not entirely knowing what to expect, I was at least slightly nervous. Walking out of that first lesson I knew I had made the correct decision. Mr Smalley welcomed Sohabib ‘Zibby’ Ghafoor (18-20) and I, the only novice economists, into the class as if we had been studying it as long as everyone else. He was amazing - available from early till late, kind and open to providing endless explanations to 1001 questions, no matter how seemingly stupid (apparently there is no such thing, unless I ask for a calculator in an exam to work out 10% of 100). The entire department was fantastic - having two different teachers in Sixth Form allowed me to benefit from varied teaching styles, always with the same level of encouragement and help when needed, as well as allowing me to make friends with people I’d never really spoken to before. The highlight (other than the American States Quiz) was the economics trip to London in 2020. The funniest part was being assured by an expert at HSBC that Covid-19 would not have a large impact on the UK economy –but the greatest opportunity was the Old Novo drinks at the House of Lords, meeting and talking to Max Hill (72-82)and Scarlett Milligan (09-11)was inspirational.

Even though I sadly did not go on to study Economics (I am reading Law at UCL), the subject gave me the most fantastic opportunities to study the world in a different way, as well as helping me with all my other subjects.

I cannot thank the RGS economics department enough, especially Mr Smalley. He certainly hit the brief.

Simon Evans(85-95)

I have many, many fond memories of studying GCSE and then A Level economics under the tutelage of Mr Keefe. Economics class was always the highlight and somehow blended teaching excellence in the topic with a riotous good time. I went on to do undergrad and postgrad economics and use it every day in my working life doing government procurement in Australia.

Peter Hutchinson (60-68)

I was in one of the first years to study Economics to A Level, in 1967. I have the impression that previously it was taught as an ancillary subject from the 4th form onwards. When I started we were taught by a young but very focussed master called David Whitehead, under the guidance of RAS Hennessy, an inspirational teacher. Roger Hennessy taught me politics/economics at S Level, and encouraged me to apply to Balliol, since “they are the only place that will put up with you”. Great advice for the first in his family to go to university! As a new subject in the school they had some challenges getting it taken seriously, but were excellent and created a first class department.

Philip Grindrod (71-78)

I did A Level Economics, in 78, taught by Trevor Regan (Staff 74-90) and Nigel Tree (Staff 72-82) if I remember rightly. Contrasting characters, who both communicated enthusiasm for and knowledge of their subject. I have a faint recollection that one day they got a don from (I think) Newcastle University to give a talk, and it gradually became clear that he had been perhaps over-exuberantly entertained beforehand. I went on to read Economics at Caius (and later Birkbeck), following hot on the heels of John Scaife (67-77) from the year above, and then joined the Government Economic Service. Subsequently I transferred to the administrative side and that’s what I’m still doing.

Richard Cahill (88-98)

I studied Economics GCSE and A Level, achieving As at both. I was taught by Geoff Riley for GCSE and then Roger Loxley (Staff from 1995) at A Level. It was by far my favourite subject at school. After my degree, I went on to get an MSc in Development Economics at the University of Manchester. After spending the first part of my career working in Corporate Tax for a variety of household names, I returned to Economics working for the Migration Advisory Committee, which advises the Home Secretary on migration issues. It’s a great place to do Economics as there is a real impact from our analysis. My review of the fiscal impacts of migration was discussed at Cabinet level which is a great honour. I remember the RGS Economics trip which was a great way to see the immense relevance of what we were studying and the teachers brought boundless energy to the trip, meaning it was filled with lots of great meetings. Ultimately, my career has ended up being directly influenced by those days spent learning the basics at RGS. Thanks for all the memories.

I cannot thank the RGS economics department enough, especially Mr Smalley. He certainly hit the brief.”

I remember the RGS Economics trip which was a great way to see the immense relevance of what we were studying and the teachers brought boundless energy to the trip, meaning it was filled with lots of great meetings.”