William Bright, D.D. (1824-1901) was an English Church historian. He was was educated at Rugby School and University College, Oxford, ordained a priest in 1850, and for nine years was a theological tutor at Trinity College, Glenalmond. Returning to Oxford as tutor, he became in 1868 Canon of Christ Church and Regius Professor of Ecclesiastical History.

The present WBS met for the first time in September 2007. The Society aims to develop intellectual curiosity and wider awareness, seeking to expand horizons for high-achieving pupils through regular lectures, discussions (which are held in 5 cross-year groups) and extended reading.

Pupils join from the Third Form (S2 in Scotland) onwards: the membership list is reviewed termly in the light of the academic performance of all pupils in the College, so that there is a degree of elasticity. Some pupils may leave because the additional challenge is proving too much, whilst others may join as they find their confidence and standard of work rising. Currently, there are 100 boys and girls involved.

Programme 2007-2008

Michaelmas

Discussion topics:
The media – creating stories or reporting them?
Should the BBC allow extremist voices?
Immigration – issues of capacity, integration & expectations
Religion and the fanatical
Punishment & rehabilitation
Ethical education – dealing with a child prodigy
Lectures from:
Annabel Goldie, Leader, Scottish Conservatives
Nicol Stephen, Leader, Scottish Liberal Democrats
Roger Wright, Controller, Radio 3 & Director, BBC Proms

Lent

Discussion topics:
The right to life & mercy killing
Genetic engineering
Lectures from:
Rory Stewart, Chief Executive, Turquoise Mountain, Afghanistan
Robin Harper, Leader, Scottish Green Party
Michael Walker, Scottish business leader
Dr Richard Simpson, Scottish Labour MSP

Trinity

Discussion topics:
Strikes
The future for the Church and religion in the 21st century
Lectures from:
Maureen Watt, Minister for Schools & Skills
Mrs Pam Roberts "Interview presentational skills"
Colonel A K Miller "Israeli/Palestinian conflict"
John Hare "Across the Sahara"

Programme 2008-2009

Michaelmas

Lectures from:
Struan Stevenson, Conservative MEP
John Minch, CEO Boosey & Hawkes
Deborah Keith "Careers in the plant science industry"

Lent

Lectures from:
Dr Keith Thomson "Mercy ships"
Dr Henry Marsh, Poet
Alastair Munro, Professor of Radiation Oncology, Ninewells Hospital & Medical School
Dr Mona Siddiqui Professor of Islamic Studies & Public Understanding, University of Glasgow
Dame Mary Tanner, President, the World Council of Churches
Hamish Ritchie Former Chairman, Marsh Mclellan and Captain of the R & A

Trinity

Lectures from:
Harry Morgan, Head of Investment Management, Adam & Company
Rt Rev David Chillingworth, Bishop of St Andrews, Dunkeld & Dunblane

Programme 2009-2010

Michaelmas 2009

Lectures from:
Lord Wilson of Tillyorn KT, GCMG, PRSE, OG "Gladstone and Glenalmond"
Professor Peter Clarke, LittD, FBA Emeritus Professor of Modern British History and former Master of Trinity Hall, Cambridge "Gladstone the politician"
Jack Segal, Foreign Policy Advisor, Joint Force Command, Netherlands
Ed Curry, OG Institute of Stem Cell Research, University of Edinburgh
Dr Charles Russell OG, Carbon Management & Climate Change Leader, Glasgow Caledonian University with Stephen Hannay OG, Project Director Wind Power, Novera Energy
Miss Katie Curry OG, economic advisor at the Competition Commission

Lent 2010

Lectures from:
Andrew Lothian OG, "Life beyond the law – internet intellectual property"
EU debate – organised through Civitas
Brigadier Hughie Monro OG "The inspector calls – inspecting Scotland's prisons"
Dr Agnes Nairn, Professor of Marketing, EM-Lyon Business School "The Shopping Generation;Are you a Bland Victim or a Savvy Consumer?"

Trinity 2010

Lectures from:
Professor David Brown, School of Divinity, University of St Andrews "Beauty in architecture"                                                                                                          'Gap Year Diving in the Caribbean' with Byam Trotter and Thomas Eriksen (OGs) Professor Graeme Houston, OG, University of Dundee "Imaging in Medicine"               EU debate – organised through Civitas: Peter Adams (UKIP) and John Brand (European Movement in Scotland)