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Volume 1 (1999/2000)
Issue
1 (March 1999)
Issue
2 (Nov. 1999)
Issue 3 (Dec. 1999)
Issue 4 (Feb. 2000)
Issue 5 (March 2000)
Issue 6 (April 2000)
Issue
7 (May 2000)
Volume 2 (2000/2001)
Issue 1 (Sept. 2000)
Issue 2 (Oct. 2000)
Issue 3 (Jan. 2001)
Issue 4 (March 2001)
Issue 5 (April 2001)
Issue 6 (May 2001)
Volume 3 (2001)
Issue 1 (Sept. 2001)
Issue 2 (Nov. 2001)
Categories
Sport: 1
2 3
Lifestyles: 1 2
3
Commentary: 1 2
3
Review: 1 2
3
Writing: 1 2
3
Event: 1 2
3
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Justine Clare
King's Hospital
Justine Clare, King's Hospital, speaks
her mind about the school uniform
Think about it Hitler wanted one race, a uniform society - isn't that
just like what we have in schools? Sure it's a huge exaggeration but the
fact remains that the enforcement of uniforms has become a huge priority
in schools, and in the 21st century where I thought self-expression and
initiative was to be promoted. I guess the whole idea of uniform is to
be dull, boring and exactly the same as everybody else. After six years
of school, this is what I have to complain about. The thing is, I don't
actually mind wearing a uniform, it's just that there's this rule somewhere
that states that the uniform must be the most uncomfortable use of clothing
and put the wearer through torture. It seems Hitler lives on in tyrant
headmasters and mistresses.
What's gone wrong with the world that teenagers have another heavy brick
placed on their shoulders in the form of teachers screaming down their
necks, because they're not wearing a shirt from Marks and Spencers?. It's
not enough to wear the uniform prescribed but we are now being told where
to buy it!. I can understand the original idea for having a uniform and
it is all very well, but when you are approaching adulthood it's quite
offending to be told what to look like. If you were a big girl and the
only way to make yourself feel a bit more comfortable in the uniform (because
let's face it they're not exactly flattering) was to sew down the pleats
a little, you'd do it. It's not an act of rebellion, it's using your own
initiative to make yourself look nicer and thus feel nicer. It's not a
crime and does not effect the grades you are going to get - after all,
you sit the leaving and Junior certificates in casuals. A line must be
drawn. Is it really about our welfare or the appearance of the school
and the pride of Headmasters and Mistresses? I wonder. It seems nowadays
with league tables and the like, appearance plays a huge role in the education
system. The enforcement of it is such a trial, why bother when there are
much bigger problems to be worrying about?
It's all very well for the younger end of the school, but for us sixth
years who, believe it or not, are under an insane amount of pressure,
it's enough to make you scream! And they then wonder about rebellion.
It would drive anyone to drink and smoke to relieve the pressure. We are
not little children anymore, we are about to step out of the shell of
adolescence and into the adult world, we deserve not to be treated in
such a patronising way. It's a shame so many feel this way about school,
afterall school years are supposed to be the best years of your life.
I can't argue with that because I haven't lived all that long, but I don't
want to know the rest if this is meant to have been the best. Don't get
me wrong, I have enjoyed life at school and there are some moments that
will stay with me forever but I will not be sorry to leave.
Apparently it's meant to prepare you for life ahead but I can see no
comparison between the life of school and that of university. Sixth formers
are a stones throw away from first year in college and yet a million miles
away. Bridging that gap should be an issue to schools. Give us a bit of
respect and responsibility no matter what you think of us, at the end
of the day we're not in school forever, and we could make life a lot easier
for all concerned.
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