WD Haden was out to modernise the RGS and thought that a broader curriculum, geared to the (then) mid-20th century economy was called for, hence economics.”
FINDING ROGER BY DAVID GOLDWATER (51-62) The theme for this issue of ONA Magazine is Economics and one man is responsible for its foundation at the RGS, Roger Hennessey (Staff 62-73), 60 years ago. Fortunately, an enquiry through the Stephenson Locomotive Society led me to contact and subsequently interview this iconic and important School staff alumnus.
Roger Hennessey Picture by AJ MacManners (Staff 64-73)
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DFG: Roger, as the pioneer of Economics at the RGS, it’s excellent to have made contact. Tell us about your Education. RASH: After a ho-hum GCE O Level career at Epsom College, I took off in the Sixth Form largely because of the excellent teaching by two contrasting characters, teachers of history. Eventually off to National Service and then Downing College, Cambridge to read History. Tutors of some fame, included Geoffrey Elton and Dennis Brogan, but I owed much to Reggie White, my Supervisor at Downing College, a man with a great turn of phrase. My specialism was the British Economy 18701940, and within that, a study of the electricity industry (see below). This involved economics and therefore some acquaintance with its Tripos requirements. DFG: How did you arrive at RGS? RASH: During my post-graduate year (also at Cambridge) for the Certificate in Education (1961-62) I applied for various posts as a starter. WD Haden (Staff 60-72) of the RGS invited me up to Jesmond for a grilling, joined for part of the time by George Dean (Staff 24-67), Second Master. WD Haden was out to modernise the RGS and thought that a broader curriculum, geared to the (then) mid-20th century economy was called for, hence economics. But he envisaged it as a purely Sixth Form subject, not enough to justify a full member of staff by itself. The second string to my bow, History, fitted in with the school’s needs, so he took a punt and appointed me. Haden’s start was ‘controversial’ and some were to perceive me as an agent of the new order, but that phase soon passed and I slotted in, making many lifetime friends.
