Contemporary press reports generally emphasised the disciplinary question.
Some referred initially to the cane.
Others referred specifically to the strap, which appears to have been a more typical method of corporal punishment within Newcastle schools.
Later reporting concerning Newcastle education policy also referred to the introduction of a heavier disciplinary strap, popularly nicknamed the “Super Strap.”
One newspaper letter purportedly written by Heaton fifth-form girls even complained that journalists had incorrectly described the disciplinary implement as a cane rather than a strap.
This provides an excellent example of the difficulties involved in reconstructing social history.
Contemporary newspapers may have got details wrong.
Former pupils remembering an event 40 or 50 years later may also get details wrong.
Neither source should automatically be treated as infallible.
