The R-13 school is called Craigmore Christian School, situated north of Adelaide. The school was established 25 years ago, and has used Corporal Discipline right from the beginning.
| During our research,
we came across a school in Adelaide that still practices Corporal Discipline. We
were fortunate enough to be able to interview the Principal and gain an incite
into the real reasons why corporal punishment still works today. The following
information comes directly from our meeting with the principal as of 6.6.2005. The R-13 school is called Craigmore Christian School, situated north of Adelaide. The school was established 25 years ago, and has used Corporal Discipline right from the beginning. |
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According to the principal, Mr Seers, the main reason Craigmore Christian College uses corporal discipline is because of their Christian faith. As defined elsewhere in this site, the Bible offers many scriptures regarding discipline and correction of children. Hence, “if the school wants God’s blessing”, they must adhere to His instruction.
The other reason that Mr Seers says the school still uses physical punishment of students as a behaviour management technique is because “students appreciate the finality of corporal punishment”. Students feel a “sense of justice” for not only the victim (if the case may be bullying or harassment) but also for the misbehaving student. Instead of expelling or withdrawing extremely disruptive students, corporal punishment is seen as a final and complete punishment that is administered promptly. Students are encouraged to learn from the experience and move on. According to the school, many students are thankful and satisfied after being administered with corporal punishment, which simply proves that corporal discipline is perceived far worse than it really is.
There are five main actions that may constitute corporal punishment.
1. Swearing and bad language
2. Fighting or bullying
3. Disrespect for staff
4. Wilful damage of property (vandalism)
5. Dishonesty or cheating
Students are aware of the consequences of the above behaviours, and, as Mr Seers explains, the “majority of students would never encounter it”.
The school uses corporal punishment whenever it required, and all staff and parents are aware of these policies before enrolling in the school.
Parents are required to sign a form declaring they are aware of the school’s disciplinary policies and must agree before their child may attend the school. View a sample Parent Agreement Sheet
By Who? Corporal punishment is administered by a senior member of staff, for example, the principal or a female senior staff member. A male student will be punished by a male teacher, and visa versa.
With What? The school uses a small, white wooden paddle to smack the student once or twice on the bottom.
Where? Corporal punishment is never administered in front of other students. It is done in the appropriate teacher’s office. If students are upset or embarrassed, they can take as long as needed to go back to their class.
The important factor that Mr Seers stresses is that corporal punishment is only administered in a loving manner, not in a fit of rage or anger, and only by the submission of the student. The senior staff member and student have a calm and rational conversation about the incident, and punishment will only be administered when the student is ready to accept it. This retains the sense of dignity and justice for both student and teacher.
We would like to extend our special thanks to Craigmore Christian School for giving us their time and thoughts about this topic.