Do you support a return to a stricter dress code in Bristol schools?
Hundreds of Bristol youngsters will have to learn how to fasten a tie over the next few days as their schools return to formal uniforms.
The popularity of shirts and ties and, often, blazers has increased in the last few years and several more schools are adopting the look this September.
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They include the new Orchard School Bristol, which replaces Monks Park School in Horfield, and the two new academies in South Gloucestershire in the Ridings' Federation. Older students at the Bridge Learning Campus in Hartcliffe will also start wearing ties. More than half the state schools in Bristol now have a shirt and collar uniform rather than polo shirts and sweatshirts.
This is partly due to the switch to academy status by several schools. A change of uniform when Bristol Brunel Academy replaced the former Speedwell Technology College two years ago was one of the major symbols of change for people in the area.
Merchants' Academy in Withywood, sponsored by the Society of Merchant Venturers, and the two Oasis academies, sponsored by the Christian charity Oasis, which all opened a year ago, insisted on pupils wearing formal uniforms for similar reasons.
The change was funded by the Government through its academies unit.
Stephen Kings, principal at Merchants' Academy, said the uniform was part of a successful change in ethos.
He said: "Standards of behaviour and dress are excellent and the uniform has been accepted. There is so much for our students, parents, teachers and the whole community to be proud of."
Pupil Bradley Thomas, 16, admitted the clothing took some getting used to.
He said: "We didn't like the uniform at first, but now it gives us a sense of belonging and makes us feel more mature.
"I believe having such a great school with amazing facilities has improved our attitudes and, in turn, our grades."
Pupil Kirsty Bourne, 16, added: "Wearing school uniform has made a huge difference to how people perceive us. We look smarter and therefore are treated accordingly."
In many cases, the new uniforms include ties in house colours as schools return to a traditional house system.
Paradoxically, it seems that it is schools that have a fairly relaxed uniform code that seem to have the most trouble when they try to enforce rules such as no trainers or no black jeans..
What do you think? Is a formal school uniform a good idea? Write to Open Lines, Evening Post, Temple Way, Bristol BS99 7HD.
20 Comments
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by Dan, Bedminster
Thursday, September 03 2009, 10:37PM
“Yet another article by the EP where they¿ve applied the old maxim ¿don¿t let the facts get in the way of a good story¿. Yes, they may have dressed it up as a vox pop piece, but, let¿s face it, we all know where they¿re going with it ¿ they¿re playing to the gallery of intolerant, conservative and intellectually lacking readers to get the answer they want. Then, of course, it¿s followed up by these very readers¿ comments based entirely on anecdote, at best, and showing no awareness of the idea of scientific rigour or provable facts.
For the record, there is a small but statistically significant body of research in this area which clearly shows that, despite what Stephen Kings and his like would wish to believe, they¿re barking up the wrong tree here.
With only one exception (a study which many other commentators have said is flawed) all the extant research categorically states that having ¿smarter¿ uniforms does NOT have a positive effect on pupils¿ achievement, behaviour or attendance. More worryingly, several of the major studies have suggested that the reverse is actually the case. Of course, Mr Kings and the rest of the academy Mafiosi choose to ignore the evidence when it doesn¿t suit their preconceptions.”
by Hannah, Bristol
Wednesday, September 02 2009, 4:18PM
“I think that once again, schools and LEAs are missing the point. The problems in our schools are nothing to do with uniform, teachers, children, buildings, resources etc, they are to do with PARENTS!!! When will someone realise this???
Indeed, if parents were doing their 'jobs' properly, they would send their children to school dressed appropriately, uniform or no uniform. My son starts Reception next week and I have purchased (yes, with my OWN money) a full and correct uniform, which he will wear in full every day.”
by Saxo, Bristoe
Wednesday, September 02 2009, 12:07PM
“Yes, and bring back the cane!”
by Katie, Bristol
Wednesday, September 02 2009, 8:20AM
“I don't like uniforms at all, and my experience as a parent has made me loathe them even more. If we do have to have them, and it seems we do (do prisoners still have to wear them?) they might as well be cheap and neat. I applaud the initiative Bristol Brunel took a couple of years ago. White shirt, black blazer & trousers. They made it the cheapest alternative. They gave out free uniforma to everyone and after that it was easy to get look-alike stuff at Asda.
Meanwhile, my child at another school had to wear a very expensive and progressively shabbier polo shirt. I was embarrassed how he looked but you can't keep spending £15 on shirts for school.
Discipline has to do with self respect and self discipline, not wearing needlessly expensive and bizzare uniforms.”
by Teacher, Bash Street School
Tuesday, September 01 2009, 6:17PM
“Since when did school children become 'students'?”
by Laura, Whitchurch
Tuesday, September 01 2009, 5:57PM
“This is a good idea and shouldn't only be for students but teachers as well.
At my childrens school the teachers wear casual clothes I think it should be suits like when I was at school.”
by Peter Frampton, Show Me The Way
Tuesday, September 01 2009, 5:29PM
“You impersonate someone on a website you obviously don't like, and you call HIM a loser?
Have a word with yourself, you muppet.”
by PH, redland
Tuesday, September 01 2009, 5:00PM
“oh the hilarious mike ford rears his sanctimonius head yet again!”
by Mike Ford, Borstal
Tuesday, September 01 2009, 4:41PM
“I am a loser and a bed wetter.”
by derek, Nuremburg
Tuesday, September 01 2009, 4:31PM
“Sorry sir,I do now and again make mistakes,not being perfect like yourself.Must try harder!”