How discipline has been managed in Victorian government schools
In the past, some punishments were used that may feel upsetting to read about today. It is important to understand this history so we can learn and continue to improve.
There are 3 types of serious punishments that have been in use in Victorian government schools:
- Corporal punishment — physical punishment (this is no longer in use)
- Suspension — when a student is asked to stay away from school for a short time
- Expulsion — when a student is no longer allowed to attend their enrolled school.
Corporal punishment
Corporal punishment is no longer allowed in Victorian government schools.
Corporal punishment involved physically hurting a student as a punishment. This mostly affected male students in the past, as girls were not meant to receive this type of punishment. Some teachers once believed that the threat of physical punishment helped keep order.
A leather strap was commonly used. The strap was usually around 3–4 cm wide and varied in length. Students were hit across the hand, and the force could vary.
To manage its use, only the head teacher and approved assistants could strap children. Schools recorded each incident in a book called the Register of Corporal Punishment.
In 1880, some restrictions were placed on the use of corporal punishment. At the time, the Minister also reminded teachers that strapping girls was forbidden and that schools needed to keep records of these punishments in the Register of Corporal Punishment.
Many teachers thought these rules would limit school discipline, and they wanted to remove all restrictions on corporal punishment. This reflected the views of other parts of society also used physical punishment, including prisons and the navy.
Community views slowly changed. By the 1970s, support for corporal punishment was beginning to lessen, and parents, teachers, and community groups began speaking out. They shared concerns that corporal punishment was harmful and could be misused. Campaigns for change grew stronger.
At the annual conference of the Technical Teachers Association of Victoria in 1973, a teacher spoke passionately about how corporal punishment was being abused by some of her colleagues. She spoke of students at some technical schools being “sadistically and maliciously” beaten for misbehaving. She won the support of the conference, and there was a call for a ban on corporal punishment.
By the early 1980s, there was an intense campaign by parent groups and teacher unions to have the strap banned from Victorian schools.
In 1983, the Victorian government banned corporal punishment in all government schools. This was a major step toward safer and more supportive behaviour management.
Today, the Education Training and Reform Act 2006 (Vic) prohibits the use of corporal punishment in any Victorian government school and this must be explicitly stated in relevant school policies that address discipline (for example Student Engagement Policy).
Before moving to a disciplinary response, schools should consider whether more effective and appropriate strategies can be put in place for the student, such as wellbeing, engagement and mental health supports. Consequences for behaviour should always be proportionate to the nature of the behaviour and are most effective when they identify and address the causes and triggers of the behaviour, and are implemented as a part of a whole-school approach to behaviour support.
More information on the history and end of corporal punishment in Victoria is available in a 2005 article from The Age newspaper: How the cane was canned.
Corporal punishment records
Registers of Corporal Punishment are now classified as permanent records and are managed by the Public Records Office Victoria (PROV). They include information about:
- who was allowed to carry out corporal punishment
- the reason for the punishment
- the date of the punishment and the student(s) involved.
The files at PROV also include records of teachers being punished for misusing physical punishment of children. Examples include:
- Special Case File No. 792 from 1882, which includes reference to 'legal proceedings against (Head Teacher) on charge of excessive punishment'.
- Special Case File No. 982 from 1894, which includes 'complaints of corporal punishment of girls by (Head Teacher)…'.
To access these records at PROV, use reference VPRS 892/P0. For more information, visit: How to get records from the Public Record Office Victoria.
Suspension
Suspension is when a student is asked not to attend school for a short period. This still exists today, but with clear rules to keep students safe and ensure fair treatment.
Suspension in the past
Since the 1880s, principals or head teachers have had the authority to suspend students, but they needed to report the suspension to the Minister and the Board of Advice, and seek approval through an inquiry.
In the 1950s, the department would hold the inquiry. When suspending a student, a principal or head teacher had to immediately notify the:
- Education Department
- School Committee or Advisory Council
- parent or guardian of the pupil.
Suspension records
Suspension records have always been kept for short periods — some as little as 2 years. Today, records of suspensions are kept for 7 years after the date of the suspension, unless the suspension results in an expulsion. These records are completely confidential.
If the record still exists, a student or their representative can request access to these records through the school.
Current policy
Suspension is a serious disciplinary measure and only used when necessary. Only a principal has the authority to make the decision to suspend a student, and alternative interventions and supports must be considered before proceeded to suspension as the appropriate action.
There are detailed guidelines to support both the students and families.
For the current policy on suspensions, including recordkeeping requirements, visit: Policy and Advisory Library: Suspensions Policy.
Expulsion
Expulsion is when a student must leave their enrolled school and cannot return. It has always been considered a very serious action.
In the past
In the 1880s, only the Minister could approve a student's expulsion.
The rules around expulsion became clearer in the Education Act 1941, which required an order by the Director of Education, with the Minister's approval. This rule stayed in place until 1993.
In 1993, principals were given the power to expel students through the Education (Amendment) Act (PDF). This change came as more decision-making responsibilities were being passed from the Department to schools. Rules were included to ensure fair process.
Expulsion records
Since 1941, all versions of the Education Act have stated that all records of the expulsion of a student from a government school should be destroyed at whichever point is later within:
- 12 months of the pupil reaching school leaving age
- 12 months of the expulsion.
Current policy
Expulsion is a serious disciplinary measure and only used as a last resort when the student’s behaviour is of such magnitude that, having regard to the need of the student to receive an education compared to the need to maintain the health, safety and wellbeing of other students and staff at the school and the need to maintain the effectiveness of the school's educational programs, expulsion is the only available mechanism.
Only a principal has the authority to make the decision to expel a student.
There are detailed guidelines to support both the students and families.
No child will be excluded from the government school system – if a student is expelled from their enrolled school they will be supported to transition to a new education setting
For the current policy on expulsions, including recordkeeping requirements, visit: Policy and Advisory Library: Expulsions Policy.
Looking ahead
Today, Victorian government schools focus on:
- respect
- safety
- support
- restorative practices
- helping students stay connected to education.
Understanding the past helps us build better policies to protect student wellbeing and give every student the chance to grow and succeed.
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