I don’t think any punishment system is going to be able to cater for it completely, but I would not want the assumption made that you can’t do this to boys or girls because they are that sex. I’m personally wary of Doc’s bete noire-if it’s good for girls, then it must be good for […]

the only time I got caned was bending over for 4 strokes-not that painful. Around the same time ie 1967-8, at sec mods, 4 girls I knew got dealt with for the same thing, one who was only 13 got off with 3 of the slipper & no big deal. One of the others got […]

  A boy who misbehaves is no more or less guilty than a girl who, independently, does exactly the same thing. One might be more aware than the other that the action was “wrong” but it won’t necessarily be the girl who is more aware. That factor should be taken into account when determining the […]

All individuals are different and I have no objection to recognizing that fact. What I do object to is the presumption that all girls are the same as each other (and that all boys are the same as each other) thus denying their individuality. At any given age, not all girls will be at the […]

Fundamental would be: A) Recognition of different age groups. Infants, Juniors & Seniors is not enough-did you know that it isn’t until age 12 that most kids understand kerb drill, and once kids understand something, there’s a far better chance they’ll do it. B) Sorry, Jenny, but recognition that boys & girls ARE different and […]

I haven’t given my detailed views on any of these . If the thread takes off obviously I will. Why start this thread? well because I’ve found you can’t discuss corporal punishment in isolation. You have to put it in the social context. that means understanding other approaches and commenting on them . Interestingly The […]

Most of these types of punishment are characterized by the imposition and negative reinforcement of the power relation between the teacher and student. A relationship which should be founded on trust but is in this case founded upon distance and brute power and control. Foucault identifies this as the most corrosive of the psychological powers […]

All detentions, but silent ones in particular have special problems for some groups eg Hyperactive, ADD ADHD, ODD etc .lines , either alone or done in a detention have similar challenges and pose a hazard for other special groups such as the dyslexic, and some ‘special needs’ students. They also have a demonstrably negative outcome […]

To me the arguments here are both practical and ethical. the aim of a school to teach , to exclude should only be done to protect others, you should not withdraw the compulsory functions of a school as punishment. this effects end performance. This is far more serious when loss of time is severe, ie […]

For example in my old school the current system under trial ( a trial which I personally sponsor) allows one to build up points for good work and conduct, but as you accumulate points towards a substantial prize, negative behavior loses you a percentage of the benefits accumulated, so you can if you use deferred […]