Friction generates heat

Strict ‘streaming’ was in force at this time with children in each year placed according to perceived ability in either the ‘A’, ‘B’ or ‘C’ classes.  The brightest kids were placed in the ‘A’ and the least able in the ‘C’ stream.  ‘B’ seemed to contain all those they couldn't quite pigeonhole.  This is where I was placed.  You would think that even over 50 years ago it would have been common knowledge that children thrive on encouragement. To be selected for a B grade at eight was not a helpful start!

As I look back on my early school life, I realised that teachers in the early 1950s had a relatively cushy existence.  Well-behaved children from largely middle-class backgrounds were used to a discipline within their own home environment that today would be considered very repressive and cruel.  Physical punishment was commonplace and this authoritarian approach was reflected in the classroom.  One rarely stepped out of line unless one could be sure to remain undetected.