Boys were allowed to walk through the quadrangle but not stop or linger. I never saw any girl showing an overt interest in the canings. Nor did I witness any girl ask a boy about caning. Such questions were probably asked in private.
The library stairs were opposite the principal’s office so they provided a useful reason for passing by if you wished to see who was queued outside. There was much interest among those waiting in observing the demeanor of those exiting the office.
Status did increase with the number of canings received but only up to a certain uncertain point. If you were caned too often you were likely to be seen as stupid rather than brave.