If recalling accurately, during my second year of schooling, the metric system was introduced. What that meant, other than mathematical confusion, in the course of encouraging scholarly neatness in writing with the alphabet, meant presenting the palm of one's hand to a flat ruler :o) of which the resulting sting seemed quite equal to the former, despite its altered calibration. Holding a pen with paining fingers does not immediately improve ones action and ability as much as the instilled fear of the next incident.

This instrument soon gave way to a cane rod. It had no calibration as such, only some irregularities. It came in variety of diameter and length, both affecting flexibility - sometimes one was extended the privilege of choice :o) The application of which required a bend over posture and presenting bottoms up. Its resulting sting was rather more ferocious... pre-teen a show of ones resilience amongst ilk, for the growing teenager greater embarrassment.
Some 'educators' disliked long hair -- in the era when it was fashionable -- one math teacher, I recall, was not only an eager cane operator but (erroneously) believed he had aptitude as hair stylist.

Pink Floyd liberated :-) a measure of reflection upon 'the disciplined generation':
Very neat handwriting & good spelling
Still can't recite multiplication tables, dislike of subject... (when it comes to counting $ ALL people manage quite well)
Horror history lessons - who needs to parrot dates, dictators & fascists when taught by the cane of a sadist supremo, in real time ?
Matriculated :-) with distinction in English (my instructors were wonderful people)

Thereafter, the regime made men out of boys and allowed any military hairstyle. Not much math required to weigh the options: 2yrs compulsory VS 4years imprisonment...

No therapy required - self medicated & marijuana is legalized :-D



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01-Dec-18 15:49 by hendrik dirker.