School uniforms

[Undesired Walrus]

I've noticed a big dividing line between the US and UK (Not sure about anywhere else) is school uniforms being prevalent in the state schools of the latter but not the former.

I've been waiting for the day when Glenn Beck decries school uniforms as a symbol of the socialist menance, sapping individuality and introducing collectivism.

So what is your view? Is it a bad idea to discourage that brand of individuality at such a young age, or is it wise to show children that they are all equal in the school system, with no one pupil beating the other in terms of dress (I know that isn't the only reason they exist, but I like that idea nonetheless)?

 

[lionking]

Most schools here, public and private, have uniforms. I support them. The thought of kitting out a 13 year old girl in designer clothes each day is terrifying.

 

[PhantomWolf]

Most schools here, public and private, have uniforms. I support them. The thought of kitting out a 13 year old girl in designer clothes each day is terrifying.

I don't know, have you seen the prices of uniforms? Designer clothes are likely cheaper.

 

[Zep]

If you are thinking of private schools, you could be right. Public schools here, not so much. Price is a very definite factor when schools and parents decide uniforms. Most public school uniforms are similar, simple and flexible, so the components are readily available from even local thrift stores.

Mind you, some designs are so hideous and impractical, the kids will do all they can to NOT wear them.

 

[Professor Yaffle]

I don't know, have you seen the prices of uniforms? Designer clothes are likely cheaper.

My son's primary school has a uniform, but it is certainly not expensive. All the supermarkets and M&S etc sell uniform items really cheaply. You don't have to wear items with the school logo as long as they are the correct colour and if you do want the school ones they are sold from the school at a fairly reasonable price.

 

[Shrike]

Does this really make a difference for the children involved?
Can people who have had to wear them give some insight?
I grew up without those, but as I started watching BBC, saw them on Grange Hill (IIRC). As I never really cared about my type of clothing (as long as it was black) all these fashion things passed me by.
Won't the same thing apply, the rich kids having a good fitting and clean one everyday with expensive shoes and the poor kids wearing the same old dirty ones all week?

 

[Undesired Walrus]

Won't the same thing apply, the rich kids having a good fitting and clean one everyday with expensive shoes and the poor kids wearing the same old dirty ones all week?

But the differences would certainly be less.

I hated my uniform, but at least everyone else looked as silly as me.

 

[PhantomWolf]

Here's some of the list from the local girls' high....

Junior Skirt 56cm – 107cm $85.00
Senior Skirt 56cm – 107cm $90.00
Short/Long Sleeve Blouse 8 – 24 $60.00
Navy Jersey 82cm – 122cm $80.00
Red Jersey 82cm – 122cm $65.00

So based on 5 Blouses, a jersey of each colour, and 2 skirts, that's $590, not including stockings and shoes, which could be another $90-$150, or the uniform for Phys Ed which is another $200+ for 2 polos, trackpants and shorts.

 

[Zep]

Does this really make a difference for the children involved? Can people who have had to wear them give some insight?

Yes I can. Kids like to "fit in". Since they have to wear the same clothes, essentially, they do to a certain extent. So there is no competition who has the most expensive clothes, or the most fashionable, or for some, the most revealing.

I grew up without those, but as I started watching BBC, saw them on Grange Hill (IIRC). As I never really cared about my type of clothing (as long as it was black) all these fashion things passed me by.

Yep, the individualist was not entirely encouraged. However that didn't stop the usual rebellion. In my day (that sounds so OLD!) for boys it was the long hair, the kicker boots, hipster trousers, half-tied tie and the shirt out - stubble if you had it! Proto-groovers! The girls went for the shortest skirt look, etc. (hmmmm! Flashbacks! ).

Won't the same thing apply, the rich kids having a good fitting and clean one everyday with expensive shoes and the poor kids wearing the same old dirty ones all week?

Not really. Shoe polish was not that expensive.

 

[Zep]

Here's some of the list from the local girls' high....

Junior Skirt 56cm – 107cm $85.00
Senior Skirt 56cm – 107cm $90.00
Short/Long Sleeve Blouse 8 – 24 $60.00
Navy Jersey 82cm – 122cm $80.00
Red Jersey 82cm – 122cm $65.00

So based on 5 Blouses, a jersey of each colour, and 2 skirts, that's $590, not including stockings and shoes, which could be another $90-$150, or the uniform for Phys Ed which is another $200+ for 2 polos, trackpants and shorts.

Private school or public school?

 

[bit_pattern]

Here's some of the list from the local girls' high....

Junior Skirt 56cm – 107cm $85.00
Senior Skirt 56cm – 107cm $90.00
Short/Long Sleeve Blouse 8 – 24 $60.00
Navy Jersey 82cm – 122cm $80.00
Red Jersey 82cm – 122cm $65.00

So based on 5 Blouses, a jersey of each colour, and 2 skirts, that's $590, not including stockings and shoes, which could be another $90-$150, or the uniform for Phys Ed which is another $200+ for 2 polos, trackpants and shorts.

Girls High, that's your problem tight there, send the kids to a co-ed public school and I bet you won't be spending that much on clothes.

 

[Professor Yaffle]

I've heard the argument that it is more about fostering a sense of community and pride within the school. Its not something I care about that deeply, but I do find it easier as a parent to have a uniform for my kids. And I can't say I notice much difference between the kids as they come out of school in the afternoon.

 

[Professor Yaffle]

http://direct.asda.com/george/school-uniform/010,default,sc.html?cm_mmc=Google-_-George-_-Home%20Page-_-asda%20school%20uniformB

 

[uk_dave]

I would have hated it when i was at school....but now, the little bastards can bloody well do as they're told.

 

[PhantomWolf]

Girls High, that's your problem tight there, send the kids to a co-ed public school and I bet you won't be spending that much on clothes.

Actually 4 of the 5 high schools here single sex, and the only co-ed is similar in pricing for the girl's uniform.

 

[welshdean]

I wore one, black or grey shoes, trousers and jumper, white shirt, relevant 'house' tie and a rather fetching green blazer with gold piping (exactly like the S.A. Rugby Rugby team blazer). Both jumper and blazer had to carry the school badge.
I didn't care too much, we stretched the rules as far we could but if there was a clampdown those De La Salle brothers were pretty ruthless and very adept with a cane.
Apparently not only did it level us all in terms of familial incomes, it helped identify you if caught being naughty off the school premises. At least once a week we'd have an identity parade in front of a disgruntled shopkeeper or nearby resident.

 

[Zep]

I would have hated it when i was at school....but now, the little bastards can bloody well do as they're told.

By any chance have some of them been on your lawn lately??

 

[PhantomWolf]

By any chance have some of them been on your lawn lately??

Nominated for Pithiness.

 

[leon_heller]

Another benefit of a uniform is that it makes it easier for kids to be identified if they are bunking off school, or getting into mischief going to and from school. At my grammar school we wore a distinctive green blazer and cap. Some school uniforms here in the UK are very strange, such as that worn by pupils at Christ's Hospital school:

http://www.christs-hospital.org.uk/

and Etonians still wear tail coats, with top hats on special occasions.

 

[Shrike]

I hated my uniform, but at least everyone else looked as silly as me.

True that.

Yes I can. Kids like to "fit in". Since they have to wear the same clothes, essentially, they do to a certain extent. So there is no competition who has the most expensive clothes, or the most fashionable, or for some, the most revealing.

Yep, the individualist was not entirely encouraged. However that didn't stop the usual rebellion. In my day (that sounds so OLD!) for boys it was the long hair, the kicker boots, hipster trousers, half-tied tie and the shirt out - stubble if you had it! Proto-groovers! The girls went for the shortest skirt look, etc. (hmmmm! Flashbacks! ).

Not really. Shoe polish was not that expensive.

OK, so differences where possible, but only in a lesser way. Correct?