I was standing at the back outside lane of the queue when all of a sudden, wham! “Be quiet”, our new English teacher, Mr Hewitt yelled. He smacked me hard around my right ear. It echoed with pain. 'What have I done,' I reflected. Nothing!

This action carried out on my first day of secondary school, Carshalton High School for boys sent chills down my spine. It was September 1971 and I’d just turned eleven. I couldn’t fathom it out, and neither tried, but scared of this strict teacher, for sure!

Those were the days when if a student stepped out of order or was naughty the Head Master would lash him on the bottom up to six times in one go with a cane. I’m not proud of my mischievous dealings or for taking a total of eighteen lashings in all. It was painful, but to a certain degree it had its impact on my future, and in many ways for the good.

Was it necessary? Was the teacher’s action necessary, I couldn’t tell you, but perhaps his abuse on me affected my attitude? I will never know for certain, as I’m sure many reading this will have similar stories to share. Even if it isn’t directly related to oneself then maybe a brother, sister, cousin, or friend will most likely have their own story, which you could tell.

Disciplinary action has changed a lot since I left school, and many say the teachers don’t have the same control as before because they are restricted from dishing out punishments.

Let me know what your views and attitude is towards the corrective system.