Carolyn Atkinson from the State Records Office joined Harvey Deegan on Remember When to delve into their collection of old school records.

The State Archives holds student admission registers and cards which can be found by searching their online catalogue at www.sro.wa.gov.au. Once you locate the record you can request to view them.

The Archives also hold school journals, inspector reports, teachers record of service cards, attendance files and even punishment books. There were regulations at the time that insisted that punishments in schools be recorded. These books included the students details, reason for the punishment and the method or rather “instrument” used. The regulations also state that “boxing of children’s ears is strictly forbidden and girls 12 years and over” were not allowed to be caned.

Image: State Records Office

Download this podcast here