The increasing expense of uniforms can be the cause of complaints by pupils and parents. In response to this, school uniform that is appropriate, well designed and well made will last well and can be “recycled” when it becomes too small. Schools can buy and sell articles of uniform to help reduce the overall cost. In schools where there is no dress code students are often found to be extremely competitive in their dress. They worry endlessly about their appearance and about their clothes and about them selves. In this bran-conscious society pupils who do not wear designer garments which are often expensive, can be singled out and subjected to bullying. It is for these reasons alone that many parents prefer school uniform. It is not only to protect their children from being bullies but also from being bullied. In the end school uniform is not only cheaper but lasts longer than many designer items that children demand these days.
Many students avoid wearing school uniform when travelling to and from school because they can be identified for inter-school rivalry or even bullying. On the other hand school uniform does help create a sense of ethos and a sense of identity and pride in a particular community. Other practical benefits include greater inclination to be more considerate whilst travelling to and from school since students are identifiable to the public and more likely to be aware of their actions and behaviour. Students wearing uniform can be recognised and kept together more easily and safely by teachers on school trips. Teachers in schools where there is no dress code are constantly faced with predicament of both boys and girls wearing clothes that are totally inappropriate, revealing, provocative or in adequate. In this situation teachers and the school are virtually powerless to intervene. However in a uniformed school this problem does not exist. Of course teachers have to be vigilant when pupils are trying to individualise the school uniform, but a minimum standard of dress can readily be achieved.
There i8s an argument that suggests the wearing of school uniform is out of step with the outside world where increasingly adults in the workplace can choose to accept what they wear according to the weather, personal preference or the demands of the job. Whilst the relaxation on dress code may be occurring in some areas of the work place, there are many areas of the business world that do have a corporate dress code. Further more school uniform undoubtedly helps towards a clear understanding of appropriate dress both in and out of the workplace.
There may be some legitimacy in the complaints by students wearing uniforms when they find it too cold in winter and too hot in summer. It is usually the girls who find the dictation of school uniform most harsh and inappropriate, for example the wearing of a skirt with no choice in the matter; neither do some uniforms take account of the cultural differences in dress. Clearly, these complaints are capable of being addressed. In a northern climate like Britain where there are marked seasonal changes, a summer weight and a winter weight uniform could introduced, perhaps even a choice of a skirt or trousers during autumn and winter months.
There is one aspect of school uniform, which though is difficult to prove conclusively is worth serious consideration. Not only can the wearing of school uniform create a sense of discipline and pride, but also there is also likely to be a positive attitude to the school and education and a high standard of academic achievement. Since the latter must be the main central issue in every educational establishment, then it would be wise for all schools to examine the correlation between uniform and academic standards. If one were to look at the government’s league table of schools it would indicate that schools which have a uniform policy are amongst the leaders in the league tables. Certainly many parents save hard and make sacrifices in order that their children can attend fee-paying schools with uniform codes. These parents are rarely opposed to the buying or wearing of school uniform and are clearly concerned with the academic achievement of their children.
Despite the strength and often outspoken argument against school uniform, only a few points which are worth considering. There are still some schools that have not adopted school uniform. This is surprising when the evidence of uniformed schools clearly resulting improvements in discipline, pupil responsibility and academic standards. The case for school uniform is clear and essentially unquestionably. School uniform is a major element in the consideration of appropriate and effective education.
989 words Jennifer Dickson
