I think some of the teachers whacked a bit harder when we were older and at least one used a bigger, heavier slipper. But generally more severe punishments were given by increasing the number of whacks.

I believe 6 was the highest number of strokes of the cane that form masters could give. I don’t know if there was a maximum for the headmaster. I never heard of anyone getting more than 8. One had to do something pretty idiotic to get sent to the headmaster. I only managed it twice.