VOX POPVLI :

VOX POPVLI :



Latin: /'vɒks pɒpjʉliː/ VOICE OF THE PEOPLE



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Wednesday, September 15, 2010

"Education vs Uniform" by Sasha Tinelli

Does it really matter what colour socks you are wearing when learning the chemical properties of phosphorus?

Many believe that it makes no difference what you are wearing when you learn something.
In many schools today it is compulsory to wear a certain uniform or if the uniform is not worn correctly the student is in some way prosecuted. But school uniforms also create the very opportunity for such prosecution: a tie and button shirt -students aren't very comfortable and decide to make themselves comfortable, but this is when the trouble starts.

Teachers believe that it is disrespectful for students to dress in their own style. Students, although, feel more comfortable learning in their own clothing. Is a uniform not then a way to make money and simply publicise the "neat" student who represents the school?

Others, however, argue that without a uniform learners are uncontrollable and too relaxed -which is not what school is about. School is about learning and unformity and responsibility.

Whether students are dressed the same, or in their own version of what is fashionable, teachers will still teach the same lessons with the same curriculum; so why does the information not sink in? Because, some say, a student dressed in a way that expresses their individuality will, as a result, act out disrespectfully. If this is true then wearing a uniform is a better policy for a school.
But surely a line should be drawn at the details: handing out detention to students for not wearing a belt or the right socks when the rest of their uniform is correct may be taking it too far. Does a different belt or a more comfortable pair of socks spell loss of control? And of whose?

4 comments:

  1. Very good article, something to make us stop and think about. :)

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  2. key issue, and a good article. Just Mabye consider making your intro clearer. I hope this makes people think...

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  3. I understand both sides of the argument, but I definitely think that a more liberal uniform would be good.

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  4. Hmm a "liberal uniform"? What is more liberal than shorts and the 'sandals' which you can wear if you would like to? Or the cotton slip-button dress that the girls wear in Summer? The only thing really constrictive about our uniform is the tie in winter. And that's only for No. 1s anyway so is what we are expected to wear really THAT bad? Or is it the vague lure of "choice" that makes people think that if only they could choose WHICH of a range of uniforms to wear, they would feel better about the situation?

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