DS2 has now been at his (state, partially selective, single sex) secondary school for a term and a half and very happy; has settled well and not experienced any bullying or ostracism, despite being tiny, having Aspergers and being more than a bit quirky.
However, he is puzzled by the hierarchy behaviour shown by the students. Y12 & Y13 consider themselves too mature to take part, but from Y11 down to Y7, there seems to be a strict hierarchy according to year group, with older students expecting to go through doors first, be served first in the canteen despite the queue, and even shoving younger students aside in the corridors.
DS1 has also observed this phenomenon, but seems to accept it as part of the culture of the school.
When I was at school, the Y11s tended to dominate the back seat of the coach, but I don't remember any other hierarchy behaviour.
Is this something that happens in many secondary schools?
Is it a feature of boys' schools (I attended a girls' school and DH went to a mixed school so we wouldn't know).
Or is it specific to this school?