Uniforms in school, these teachers who teach in the United Kingdom mainly see the advantages in it

OLI SCARF / AFP

A classroom in England where students wear uniforms.

Education – “I’m really in favor of the uniform, and yet I lived in France for 25 years. » Maria has been a teacher of French and Spanish for 15 years in Ealing, a suburb of London, England. For her, just like other teachers across the channel HuffPost Research shows that school uniforms have more advantages than disadvantages.

Desired by Elizabeth Bourne’s government, an experiment around a unique dress at school was announced by Gabriel Attall last Monday, December 11, for the start of the 2024 school year or from spring in some voluntary organizations.

The objective? To assess the real effectiveness of this action, some politicians claim several attributes: reduction of inequalities, struggle against harassment, respect “Secularism” or the “Dignity”A. To use the words of the President Interview was given Hugo Decrypts Last September.

If Maria did her schooling in France, our two speakers only know institutions where students wear uniforms. For them, this unique dress “Normal” And not always “Question” across the channel. And apparently, they agree to some extent with the arguments put forward by the government.

Fight against inequality

“At my school the students all dress the same, it’s very cosmopolitan. They cannot distinguish whether they are rich or poor. For me it’s a great leveling tool.”Today, Andrew has been a professor of politics and history for 30 years at an institution in Southampton, in the south of the country.

In the United Kingdom, rules vary from one school to another and can be very strict: jewelry, visible marks on shoes, even makeup are sometimes prohibited. Sports uniforms, a complete kit and a bag may be required for all students alike.

Ultimately, according to Andrew, there are very few elements of difference between them “Nobody really flaunts their wealth”. “At my school, the code was the only way to distinguish them. But once they crossed the threshold of the establishment, they had to carry it in their hands.He explains.

Sophia*, a music teacher in south London, is meticulous. If uniforms really help “Reducing Inequality”, is there “Other ways for students to express themselves.” For example, Maria says that wealth disparities emerge when some students are unable to participate in school trips or trips.

Social differences can also be seen depending on the school the student attends. “If the uniform reinforces a sense of belonging to the school, it is a double-edged sword. Students attending schools with bad reputations prefer anonymity. Migrant explains.

What about harassment?

School uniforms liberate families on many levels. According to these three authors, not only will you save time in the morning having to pick out your clothes, but you’ll also save money.

“Buying latest fashion clothes and variety of clothes takes the burden off the family”, says Sophia. Andrew concludes: “Most schools have used stores. Some may donate uniforms to families in need. »

On the other hand, Sofia and Andrew agree on another point, which goes against the arguments heard in France: uniforms don’t really help fight school bullying. “It’s one less subject that students struggle withSophia assures. But there are many reasons why a student may experience bullying. » On the other hand, wearing a uniform can destroy it “The Stress of Those Who Fear Being Judged by What They Wear”.

This is not Maria’s view that uniforms help in the fight against harassment. A comment he drew from his personal history: “I had no marks in my schooling. The children did not hesitate with me. I was very resilient and didn’t die from it, but I imagine it affects other kids. »

Another relationship with clothes

What about secularism? The situation in the United Kingdom is not comparable to France, as students sometimes wear veils or turbans to school. “It’s not a problem”According to Andrew.

However, high schools can be more strict about other dress codes when students are not in uniform, such as on field trips, school trips, or special days. Crop tops and other short clothing are generally prohibited. “Some students come with inappropriate clothes. I have a feeling that some people dress like this every day without a uniform.”Sophia explains.

“But one of the goals of the school is to teach them about dress codes and understand the differences between public and professional environments.”, she continues. Maria also mentions: “After high school, they dress more freely. It’s a freedom they don’t have in school. »

According to the interviewed teachers, although their students seem to be against the uniform and prefer to wear their own clothes, they do not question the uniform, which is widespread in the UK. Le Figaro First… 16th century.

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