Interviews and Project Findings:
Schools in Darlington

"In past years schools were very strict and highly disciplined places. In the last century free education for all became available, before then only the wealthy could afford an education. During the past 50 years teaching in schools across the country has influenced students to bring out their best potential in life.

Punishment in schools could range from lines, detention or the cane. This was where a piece of cane or stick was used to administer a beating to the hand or lower back, the amount of times you were hit depended on what you had done. The offence was written in a book which was to be kept in the headmaster's office, the teacher was to write in what the pupil had done and what punishment they thought was suitable for you."


"Teachers were stricter and sometimes used the cane. There were no computers or calculators then. When you finished primary school you had to take a test called the Eleven Plus to see if you should go to grammar school or normal secondary school. If you passed you went to grammar school."


"Many smaller schools have closed and children moved to larger schools which may be for better educating."


"There are a lot of schools in Darlington, infant, primary, secondary, sixth form and a college. I asked a university student what he thought had changed in Darlington's schools.
Q: Which schools did you go to and how have they changed since you left?
A: I went to St. Augustine's and then Carmel R.C. l haven't been back to St. Augustine's since l left but l saw Carmel a month ago. It's a lot different with the new science block, sixth form area and the new status of a Technology College.
Q: Do you think that the education standard now is as good as when you went to school?
A: The discipline in schools has got worse but l think that the results and work produced is a higher standard than before.
Q: Do you have any other thoughts on schools now?
A: Yes, l think that bullying in school has got worse and the number of children from school who smoke has increased a lot since l was at school."


"An increase of school around the town of Darlington has introduced a higher standard of education. Mrs G., a teacher at Cockerton Primary School, said, 'As I have ventured into many of the schools in Darlington I have seen many different standards but I have been fortunate to see the majority of the children happy'."