Arguing against the article ‘What’s the point in school uniform?’ (your argument is that uniform is not good)

Para No.

You suggest that…/You state that... / An interesting idea that you raise is...

Show that you think that their idea is a nice one

connective to show that you disagree

Your argument(examples given: use this and / or write your own)

1 Uniform shows pride in the school and is worn as a“badge of pride”

Commendable that they feel proud of their school

but/however/yet Pride: can’t be enforced. Wear it to avoid punishment, not due to pride Give students the choice? Team shirts not compulsory at football matches but many fans

choose to - this is a true demonstration of pride.

2 Uniform = united

Shows school is a community

Includes everyone

Hugely positive to be in an inclusive and close community at school

but I wonder if uniform is confusing the issue. Establishing community is vital but is uniform really the way to achieve this?

Community = more than just looking the same. Could be the opposite: recognising and respecting difference. Schools are meant to teach us about how to be a part of society

– society includes difference. Need to learn to relate to others Uniform doesn’t teach many other vital values: trust, courtesy…

3 Uniforms prepare us for adulthood

Appropriate dress is important.

People judge on appearance

Need to dress for respect.

However, learning is all about making mistakes? Experimenting? As adults we’ll have to decide what’s appropriate – need to

learn to make those decisions now can be smart without having a uniform.... hoodie is not smart?

Maybe it is different in their school as it could depend on the uniform but...hoodie is not adult...?

4 Uniform can remove distractions

agree that a classroom should have an atmosphere of calm and focus

Clothing could be distracting: provocative or just a point of discussion…

But / nevertheless / despite this discussion of this is

important.

Compromise? No uniform, just guidelines: more like real world Encourage common sense? Educate both sexes not to judge the other by appearance Uniform can still be made inappropriate - roll up skirts, wear

tight trousers... encourages rebellion e.g. hair dye, piercings, heavy make-up.

Top performing schools in Oxfordshire have no uniform…

5 Reduces peer pressure and bullying over clothing choices

Bullying about clothing is obviously horrible and completely unacceptable.

Yet I am not convinced…

Bullying may still take place even if uniform is worn Deeper issue than this Bullying may still occur based on hair / jewellery / size / accent

/ background – many issues beyond clothing Have to teach tolerance not try to enforce it

6 Financially - less expensive as you don’t have to buy the latest trend

There will be some who will also be striving to have the most up-to-date clothing or phone or shoes..

Yet it cannot see how, as a general rule, uniform is going to save money…

Uniform in addition to ordinary clothing – additional cost Extras such as coats especially expensive Need to teach money management Parents to be stronger in saying no?