The Debate Over School Uniforms

The Debate Over School Uniforms

Context

In some countries, e.g. Britain and many Caribbean states, it is

common for school pupils to have to wear distinctive uniforms

identifying them with a particular institution, especially to the end

of compulsory education at 16. In others, e.g. France, the USA, it is

rare for uniforms to be worn, although some private schools may retain

them. In both situations the desirability of school uniforms remains

controversial among students, parents and educationalists. As a result

of this some schools have abandoned uniform at the same time as others

have adopted it.

pros

Uniform helps to create a strong sense school ethos and a sense of

belonging to a particular community. As such itit promotes discipline

and helps to drive up academic standards, which is why a uniform is

often adopted by sschools which are being reopened with a fresh start

after being classified as failing.

cons

Uniform suppresses individualism and treats students en masse rather

than encouraging teachers to recognise their different characters and

abilities, and students to accept responsibility for aspects of their

own lives. Uniform was better suited to an age of rote learning and

military-style discipline than to the more exploratory and creative

values of modern education - values which are increasingly important

to the wider economy. Many schools, indeed many countries, manage to

maintain high school standards of discipline, community and academic

performance without adopting uniform

pros

Uniform acts as a social leveller, under which all students are equal

in the eyes of the school and of each ...

... middle of paper ...

...performing scientific experiments, etc.

cons

Often it is uniform that is inappropriate, being too cold in winter or

too hot in summer, largely because it is badly designed and

cheaply-produced in small quantities for a captive market. Girls in

particular complain at being forced to wear skirts even in the coldest

months, when many would generally wear trousers from choice and some,

e.g. Muslims, for cultural reasons. Students will always attempt to

subvert any dress code, strict or lenient, requiring staff vigilance

in any case.

motions

This House would introduce school uniform

This House would create a stronger school ethos

This House believes successful education rests upon firm discipline

http://www.angelfire.com/ca/bygranite/uniforms/args.html

http://www.debatabase.org/details.asp?topicID=59