In our school no one moved or talked in lessons, and we all stood up if a lady entered the classroom. We called our Masters “Sir” and worked hard under an iron disclipine, and played hard. We accepted the odd bit of torture or corporal punishment as fair, and just. And later as Old Boys became friendly, equal and grateful to our Masters who had enabled us to achieve and grow in confidence.

If there were women at our school they were usually Matrons, Mistress of the Wardrobe, Master’s wives, Maids, Cooks, Art Mistress or the Headmasters Secretary.

These stereotypes have now gone, but as the time we regarded woman as having separate subservient roles. Thngs have changed and women now have power, leadership roles and even teach Maths and Sport! This is progress, but in many ways the male professional, including teachers, operate in a softer, more socialised world that is not neccessaruly in the best interest of boys in education – who respond best to strong male role models, regmentation, just disclipine, competition and fellowship.