[farrelle25]

I'm early 50s and went to school in the Republic of Ireland - late 70s, 80s. I really feel the same as the OP here. It felt like a daily prison, combined with huge amounts of memorisation for exams. (promptly forgotten)

Maybe a child could put up with the incarceration if it wasn't for the bullying on top of that too. No escape.

Aside: In the 70s the Headmaster had a cane that was used occasionally but at least that died out later.

But on a more optimistic note, I think there's some 'alternative schools' becoming more popular in Ireland now, like 'Forest School Ireland' etc... sounds more healthy anyway!