Oldfield School pupils opt for a formal look
It's not perhaps the answer you'd expect from teenagers asked to design their own school uniform.
But youngsters at a Bath secondary school have opted for more formal garb as they start a new academic year.
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Blazers and ties will now be worn at Oldfield School in Kelston Road after a uniform shake-up which coincides with the first boys being taught there.
The school, which became an academy a year ago, asked pupils to come up with ideas for the new uniform.
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They were first of all asked whether they wanted to replace the existing sweatshirt/polo shirt with a more formal regime. Head teacher Kim Sparling said: "Fairly early on, the majority of students indicated that they wanted to move to a more formal uniform, so this meant that when our open evening was held last September, we were able to tell potential parents of the plans for the new uniform."
Student representatives from the school council then looked at different designs and colours and eventually came up with two alternative uniforms which were made up by a supplier to be modelled in a school assembly.
Younger students then voted on the issue, choosing a navy blue jacket with white braiding, navy trousers or skirt, a navy and white striped tie and a grey v-necked sweater.
Mrs Sparling added: "Everyone who has seen the new uniform has said how smart the students look.
"I'm extremely impressed with the design which students have chosen."
The uniform is compulsory for students in Year 7 but many older pupils are also choosing to wear the new clothing.
The students have also designed a new PE kit to accompany the completion of the school's new sports hall.
Comments
by Bathtime
Wednesday, September 19 2012, 12:15PM
“You can call me prudish if you like, but some of what passes as uniforms at Oldfield School amazes me. Some of the girls wear trousers and knee length skirts, but there are as many who take short skirts to a new level (a very short level). What do the parents think about their daughters looking like they are about to sell themselves on the street? I think uniforms are a good thing as they act as a level playing field but surely some standards with the older pupils need to be enforced?”
by jezer
Saturday, September 15 2012, 8:25PM
“It seems to be the trend to return to formal uniforms, vey smart I think.”
by BathResident
Saturday, September 15 2012, 8:09PM
“It is true that the uniform was available from only one (online) supplier but it was not extraordinarily expensive but, similar in price to an off the peg uniform from M&S. The biggest problem was that the specialist school uniform supplier selected by the school could not supply the uniform in the time given, parts of the uniform have 10-12 week lead time and the parents get a 7 week time slot in which to order their child uniform. probably the reason for the photo above being waist up.”
by clarysage50
Saturday, September 15 2012, 6:34PM
“Agreed Dave! Although I have to say that St Mary's Catholic Primary schoolchildren are always smartly dressed in their uniform which includes collar and tie - parents seem to be able to manage this expense and I believe that there is a second hand facility at the school which is of use. Start them as they mean to go on...none of this sloppy sweatshirt 'uniform' for this school!”
by Dave_Weston
Saturday, September 15 2012, 4:33PM
“I wouldn't worry - they clearly don't enforce it, given what parades through Weston on school mornings! That of course is the dilemma - if they send them home for non compliance with the uniform their attendance stats go down.”
by Otterina
Saturday, September 15 2012, 3:01PM
“From what I can gather, this uniform is only available from a supplier via mail order, and is extraordinarily expensive - especially for a state school.
Nice bit of selection by stealth there, Ms Sparling.”