Primary and secondary schools without school uniforms?
I have never thought of this until I saw the prompt of this week, and it's funny and not funny to imagine. From what I found out, there are schools already operating without school uniforms, where the pupils attend school dressed casually, in mufti—like that of the tertiary institution. I can't just imagine the kind of lifestyle and studies the pupils are experiencing there.
Well, it's happening already, and in a few years, it's going to be the norm in society due to the skyrocketing nature of lifestyles these days, adopting anything adoptable to live life.
What are my thoughts?
Back then, in primary and secondary school, the school uniform was a significant aspect, and one would get flogged very badly if he or she did not adhere to the appropriate dress code—not to mention attending school in mufti, which is a complete opposite of the school uniform. Without uniforms, the schools would lack the discipline associated with that stage of education; they would be operating along the lines of tertiary institutions where students are largely out of reach of teachers except when they are in class. In fact, even in class, the lack of control over students will be visible because the students would have no easy way to differentiate between themselves and the teachers. Normally, it is the uniform that establishes a clear distinction between teachers and students, giving the students a sense of respect for the teachers who appear different in their midst.
Schools currently operating in this manner might try to justify that the laws of discipline and respect between teachers and students governing the school are still intact, but I would say a big no to that.
The fun of primary and secondary school won't be there: to the pupils, they may not take note of this, but the vibes and fun that come with the uniform saga would be missed greatly.
Wait, if such a school is going for an inter-school sporting event, how are they going to represent their school? It wouldn’t be nice if they go to such events dressed differently, like people on the street, or perhaps they would end up making customized wear for all the students. I'm just thinking aloud.
Pixabay
Back then, in primary and secondary school, although we were stubborn about wearing the complete uniform, the school uniform was something we defended fiercely and derived joy from, especially when we were among other students and, most notably, at inter-school sporting events.
It's going to pose a sense of insecurity:
Even now, once a child is seen outside the school premises at an odd hour in a school uniform, the uniform provides clear identification of the child’s affiliation, and in a situation where the child is in danger, people could easily help out. However, in the case of no uniform, one wouldn’t know if the child is a student or not. I hope this is relatable.
Thanks!