School Uniforms
In our school we do not have a uniform. This is a deliberate policy which has been in place for many years and is based on the following reasons:
- The New Curriculum promotes the importance of making due allowance for individual difference. In KNS we celebrate the uniqueness of each individual child. We encourage each child to develop their talents by providing them with as wide an experience of education as possible. Part of this involves accepting and even encouraging differences. A uniform seems to be forcing children to be the same.
- The idea of a uniform seems to promote sameness. Every child in a class will look the same. Individuality in some way seems devalued. In KNS we promote creativity, encourage a spontaneous and open personality, develop and encourage an inquisitive mind and foster independence from an early age in the hope that we will help our pupils to be independent thinkers who will stand by their principles. We encourage them to question. Does a uniform fit in with these ideals?
- Our school is a country school and has endeavoured to remain so and to maintain its ethos and individuality as it has grown over the past few years. We preserve a family atmosphere within the school. Uniforms were first introduced in towns and cities among second level students to make them more visible in crowds and to make the pupils easily distinguishable from those of other schools. Is this necessary in KNS?
- Uniforms are often promoted on the basis that they are cheap. The uniform is quite a specialised garment and, as a result, can be quite expensive. Every child will need at least two uniforms to allow for washing, accidents etc. It would also be necessary to have track suits and appropriate gear for PE and games. Children will also need ordinary clothes for non-school times. There are those that argue that a uniform can actually add to the expense of clothing their child(ren).
- If a school has a uniform, then every child must wear it and regular checks will need to be made to ensure that the uniform is worn by every child. This is an extra job for parents and teachers alike and will invade teaching time.
The following points are put forward as advantages to having a uniform:
- A uniform would help to remove any element of pressure, if this exists, between children, with regard to clothing. Brand names would not be an issue. The wearing of a uniform would promote equity in so far as all children would be dressed equally.
- It might be cheaper for families to clothe their children if they had a school uniform. It would be necessary, however, to have more than one uniform per child to allow for washing, accidents etc.
- If all children had a uniform, it would make it easier to see an imposter on the school grounds. It is much easier, however, to supervise a school yard if the children look different than if they all look the same. On school outings a uniform would make it easier to identify the children from our school. On the other hand, while away from school, a uniform highlights school children for those who have bad intentions and may wish to target these children.
- A school uniform removes the need to choose clothes each day. The uniform must be worn and neither parents nor children have any choice.
- Some people suggest that the wearing of a school uniform increases the students pride in their school. All students are dressed well and nobody lets down the school by dressing badly. (This definitely isn’t an issue in our school)
I have outlined some of the reasons why we have never had a uniform in our school. I have also put forward arguments that favour having a uniform.
The Board of Management wants to know what you, as parents, think. Consequently they are inviting you to vote for or against the introduction of a uniform. I would urge you to think carefully about the issue, as any change would have considerable consequences in a number of ways. Please vote on the detachable slip below, sign the slip and return to the school by Monday, 16 November. Each family has just one vote, regardless of the number of children that attend the school.
Yours sincerely,
_________________
Michael Browne,
School Principal
______________________________________________________________________________
I think that we should introduce a school uniform to Killeeneen NS
I think that we should not introduce a school uniform to Killeeneen NS
Signed ______________________________