In the 1970s there was no written policy in relation to discipline, which was approached much as it had been in earlier years and was mainly based on responding to boys’ unacceptable behaviour such as homework not done, disobedience or misbehaviour in the yard. Penals were held twice a week after school, and the strap – only ever used by male staff – was gradually being used less. Peter Hawkins, who was appointed to attend to disciplinary matters, began at Kostka in 1971.