During the war years, 1940-1945, I was taught basic grammar at 'Elementary School' - about 4 hours tuition per week. This included the writing of 'compositions' and
frequent 'spelling Bs.'
At secondary Technical School, 1946 - 1949, English grammar lessons were continued at a more advanced level, perforce. In those days the cane was a constant incentive to learning. albeit in some cases, by rote.
The finer points of grammar and English usage, eg.
metaphore, metonomy, simile, personification, etc.
were hammered home, with lasting effect.
I left school, still aged only 14, literate to the point of
being able to produce freelance work for publication.
Do I advocate similar treatment for today's youngsters ?
You bet.....