Whole Class Punisment51

Sometimes the teacher would have the class remain seated while he walked up and down the rows between the desks strapping pupil’s hands as they were held out for punishment. Other reasons for “whole class beltings” included an inability to sing together in unison, poor general levels of attainment in class tests and failure to bring textbooks or homework. It could seldom be said to be a fair punishment as it was most unlikely that all pupils present were guilty of the offence in question. One or two strokes per pupil given on the outstretched hands was the normal punishment, but up to six strokes each was not unheard of. The belt used was usually a Lochgelly tawse. Class sizes were generally in the range 20 to 35 so quite a bit of work was involved in strapping the lot of them!