Uniform vs. casual dressing (Uniform has nothing to do with performance)

I won’t waste time trying to refer to Western schools when we have our very own. Take Ecole Belge De Kigali and Ecole Francaise for example. They are comprehensive with a talent for supporting their students and involving the community. They breed all around students who not only perform well and compete for top university positions but also do well in national debates and co-curricular activities. The world today isn’t looking for book worms but rather an all round and competitive individual – and you will definitely find such a person in these schools. So I think the debate on uniform equals discipline and performance should be laid to rest. Uniforms are made by the school. But you see, besides comfort, it is imperative that a student feels good about themselves and hideous looking uniforms will never accomplish that. All you will get is a bunch of miserable students who resent school because of how awful they look in the uniform. People are different – we should stop imposing one thing on everybody. If we really want kids to learn whole heartedly and not because they are supposed to, we must add some fun to it. You’ll be amazed at how excited they are to go to school when administrations stop running the campus like a barracks! Also, respect and loyalty to the school shouldn’t be portrayed through the uniform but rather the culture that the school teaches them to admire. Years after graduating from high school, it’s not the uniform that bonds former students to their school but rather the culture. So uniforms are just a formality but they actually don’t build a lot. Personally, I loathed them! Sure uniforms may make the students look more organised but some schools can’t be bothered with the material or even the style of the uniform. And this is why students hate them. If you are going to insist on uniform, honestly, there are great designs our there and material that doesn’t make one what to scratch their skin off because it is so itchy! David Baker, head of Anthony Gell, a school in the United Kingdom said that when he took over five years ago, the school was already non-uniform. He surveyed parents, staff, governors and pupils on the subject, aware of how contentious it can be. “It’s an issue that divides people. There are very strong views on both sides.” However, he decided Anthony Gell should remain non-uniform. “As long as students come appropriately dressed, clothing isn’t a major factor in their learning. I believe in treating children as individuals with rights and responsibilities.