loopyloulaura

When I was a teenager (and perhaps even earlier based on the excitement of my own little ones) the highlight of the term was non uniform day. Here’s me back in 1997 in my school uniform:

This week the school where I invigilate exams has decided it is too hot for uniform and the children have been allowed to wear whatever they want.

I am not convinced this is a good idea.

There is an awful lot of flesh on display and I’m not sure teens can be trusted to apply sun cream to protect themselves as they bask outdoors during break times.

The girls have also interpreted non uniform to mean wear as much make up as possible. I don’t know how they can do that in this heat! But they do. It is impossible to tell the age of many of the girls and they certainly look way older than 14 or 15.

Next up: boys and girls in shorts. Their thighs sticking to chairs in this ridiculously hot weather. I know from my own experience that it isn’t pleasant!

Finally is the pressure to be fashionably ‘cool’ and I certainly remember this from my own school days. The fear of wearing the same outfit as someone else. The wrong trend, the wrong length, the wrong colour, the wrong slogan, the wrong brand. PRESSURE!

I actually think that school uniform is a great idea. No lengthy decisions each day on what to wear. No spoiling of good clothes with paint etc.

Yes, children will always subvert the rules in some way, by tying their tie in a particular way or rolling their skirt up. But the general rules will be followed and it makes them all equal. It also clearly identifies them as part of the school and unites them with an identity.

As a member of staff at a school, it is also a relief to know that you won’t be dressed the same as a student and would probably be a relief to the kids as well (can you imagine the horror and shame of wearing the same outfit as a teacher???)

Has your school relaxed the uniform rules in this hot weather? Have you ever worn the same outfit as someone else?