These school rules date from around the turn of the century. Certain indicators make it clear they were in force before the school relocated to Rusholme, and therefore are pre-1931 (“No boy is allowed…to enter Victoria or Exchange stations in the dinner interval”). They provide a fascinating insight into the everyday workings of the school, from the timings of the school day through to punishments, homework and illness.
Even at this stage, it is clear that boys were travelling long distances to attend the school. The rules state that any boy who would have to leave before 8am to arrive for the stipulated start time of 9.05am is excused morning prayers and can arrive up to 9.20am. This “late pass” system continued into the 1960s but ceased at some point in the early 1970s.
The foibles of boys of the time are apparent by the rules in place; smoking, bartering, eating ice cream, littering, possession of weapons, disorderly conduct, untidiness, vandalism and graffiti are all forbidden. Clearly the nature of the teenage boy has not changed much.
As expected, corporal punishment is listed as an option, but interestingly only for “grave offences”. Whether in reality the cane was used so sparingly is uncertain. Punishment books from the time appear to support this, but it is unclear whether all instances were recorded formally in the way the rules stipulate.
In general the rules seem fair and logical, albeit of their time. There is flexibility and fairness apparent. Aside from corporal punishment, the only rule that seems really draconian is the prohibition of “ices in the dinner interval”. Mr. Sivori’s ice creams were not a treat for the Paton era boy!
Rachel Kneale
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