Uniform in closed schools in england. What you need to know about the school uniform of students in British schools. School uniforms in Malaysia are the most conservative
The uniform for schoolchildren and students is mandatory in only one country - this is Cuba. In all the rest, its presence is a matter of traditions, which are often part of the brand of a particular school / university. Despite the general similarity, the details of the "corporate" style of educational institutions, especially the eminent ones, differ markedly. What is the difference - a subject worthy of a separate article.
At the beginning of the 19th century, a student at one of the most famous educational institutions in the world wore a top hat with a cane and a tailcoat, which was replaced by a short black jacket in the 1920s. A number of British colleges dress in a similar style today, and Eton is no exception. A tailcoat, a distinctive raincoat and a white shirt with a turn-down collar - this is the dress code adopted on the campus. The only indulgence concerns senior students who are allowed a white butterfly. Young people "come off" on holidays, when they can wear everything - from vests with ladybug colors to colored socks.
Appearance requirements for Oxford students are fairly simple. Young men are prescribed to wear a suit and dark-colored shoes with a white shirt and a bow tie. Girls should come to class in a white blouse, skirt and black stockings or dark trousers. An obligatory part of the outfit is a ribbon around the neck. Since last summer, these rules have undergone one significant change: now young people can wear skirts, and young ladies can wear men's suits. This modernization is the result of a struggle for the rights of transsexuals, transvestites and other members of the transgender community.
At Cambridge, students' physical appearance is taken very seriously. All possible situations are spelled out in the requirements in detail: from everyday outings to being at the graduation party, presenting a diploma and awarding degrees and awards. The rules are so strict that a "wrong" suit can leave a graduate without a diploma (at least, they will definitely not be allowed to attend the issuance ceremony). At formal events, dark suits, skirts, white shirts and blouses are appropriate, a minimum of jewelry, no hats. The only "festive" detail is the patent leather shoes. Those who are still far from graduation are allowed to wear suits, skirts, sweaters, sweatshirts, sweaters, capri pants of different colors - green, blue, yellow. On Friday, students can drop their uniforms until next week, as long as the freestyle is "clean and tidy."
The college, founded in the middle of the 19th century, is considered a springboard for subsequent admission to Oxbridge (Oxford and Cambridge), so schoolchildren here are taught to be reserved from an early age. Brighton students can be recognized by their classic blazers, dark trousers and skirts in blue, white and black plaid or blue stripes.
The British autocrat Henry VIII was remembered not only for his quarrel with the Papacy and a stormy personal life, but also for the establishment of a uniform for students. The debut took place at the school at the Hospital of Christ in the 16th century, and since then this prestigious institution has kept its brand, without changing the decision once made. Boys wear long frock coats, special white ties, yellow socks and breeches; skirts prevail in girls' wardrobe. A feature of the form is the cuffs on the sleeves and large metal buttons, similar to old engravings.
Today it is difficult to imagine even one school where students would be allowed to come to classes in ordinary clothes. Any educational institution seeks to accustom children to strict discipline, and school uniforms are the best helper for this.
In some countries, a school uniform is not just clothes, but a whole reflection of the cultural traditions of a particular state. In this regard, in many places it has common features and, of course, very noticeable and interesting differences.
History of creation
The school uniform in England as an official dress code appeared under King Henry VIII. The uniform of the military was taken as a basis. Initially, it was just a long cloak-coat of an exceptionally dark blue color. This shade was chosen for a reason. First, it was believed that it was the dark blue tone that would teach children humility. Secondly, blue paint was the cheapest and most readily available at that time. Christ's Hospital became the first educational institution in the history of England, where a decision was made to introduce a school uniform.
Since the decree was issued in 1870 on free primary education for all children, the need for school uniforms in England increased dramatically. And after the Christ Hospital, all educational institutions in the country decided to introduce strict uniforms for their students.
Quite interesting is the fact that the school uniform was created specifically for the poor. After that, private educational institutions began to appear, considering her a special pride. They used special clothes not to equalize all students, but, on the contrary, to show their attitude towards more privileged strata of society. It was during this period that the uniform became a "feature" of elite schools.
But this is not the end of it. Many students, trying to look even better, began to button up their jackets with a certain number of buttons, put on school caps with a certain slope, lace up boots in a variety of ways for which only imagination was enough, and carried bags over the shoulder or just by the handle.
School uniform in England: description
At that time, the form was trying to "adjust" to the age characteristics of the students. The costumes of the boys who studied in primary school consisted of mostly dark gray shorts and blazers (jackets). Knee-highs have always been worn with shorts. They were also gray. A shirt of the same color was always worn under the jacket. On holidays or some special events, students came in white. Regular long trousers were approved for teenagers. On their feet, the students wore classic black boots. With the onset of cold weather, each student put on a pullover shirt with a triangle cutout on the chest.
The school uniform for girls included a regular blouse, dress and apron. A little later, around the turn of the 20th century, girls began to wear sundress dresses.
English school uniforms continued to transform and change until the 1950s. It was during this period that reforms took place in the country, and secondary education became generally available. Then the idea was born to make one standard of strict dress for all educational institutions. So there was a division of the form into "summer" and "winter". In fact, it was noticeably larger for girls. Indeed, in the warm season, they wore simple dresses to study, and with the onset of cold weather they changed into warmed sundresses.
And, of course, the highlight of the English school uniform is the logo. All students proudly wore the insignia of their educational institution. Most often it was embroidered on a tie or jacket. Much less often it was placed on special uniform caps.
Features of England
England is a very conservative country. And she follows her traditions very closely. And the school uniform has become one of them. Therefore, to this day, each educational institution provides all its students with a form. And not only a suit, but also outerwear, as well as small details of the wardrobe: socks, a tie, and so on. Moreover, school uniforms in England are available in any size and are issued to each student completely free of charge.
One Elizabeth Garrett School in London has a very attractive tradition. There, any student can personally participate in the process of creating his future form. Of course, everything happens within a certain framework, but individual wishes will be taken into account.
England continues to abide by traditions and adhere to the established rules. Every self-respecting educational institution has a strict dress code. What it will be, the institution decides on its own, but based on established standards. In some cities in England, for example, the appearance of clothing still depends on the age of the students who wear it. The tradition of seasonal school uniforms for girls has also been preserved.
In the modern form, there is a much greater variety of colors. Now you don't have to go exclusively in dark and blue colors. It became allowed to use brighter shades. For example, red or burgundy. Girls can afford checked shirts, replacing them with regular blouses. And in addition to caps, school berets appeared.
Finally
The school uniform is really necessary in any educational institution. She teaches children to discipline and order. Also, with the help of it, you can exclude competition among students. After all, it would never occur to anyone to arrange a beauty contest where there are rules prescribing the wearing of a special school uniform.
It serves as a reflection of the country's cultural traditions. Therefore, it is not surprising that the clothes of schoolchildren in different countries are so different.
1. The school uniform in England is the most orthodox
The style of the British school uniform is classic. It's simple and prim: high school students must wear Western-style orthodox school uniforms. Boys are dressed in classic suits, leather boots and must wear a tie. Girls also wear Western-style clothing and classic shoes. Psychologists believe that this classic style of dress subconsciously influences the temperament of students in England. School uniform colors may vary from school to school.
2. The school uniform in Korea is the most gentlemanly
Those who have seen the movie Mean Girl probably remember the school uniform in which the heroine was wearing. This type of clothing is the most common type of school uniform in Korea. Boys wear white shirts and western-style trousers. Girls wear white shirts, dark skirts and jackets and ties.
3. School uniforms in Japan are the most nautical
For students in Japan, the school uniform is not only a symbol of the school, but also a symbol of modern fashion trends, and even more, a decisive factor in choosing a school. The Japanese school uniform for girls uses nautical motifs. Therefore, it is also often referred to as a sailor suit or sailor uniform. Anime elements are also used in the uniform. The Japanese school uniform for boys is in a classic dark color with a stand-up collar and looks like Chinese tunics.
4. School uniforms in Thailand are the sexiest
All students in Thailand are required to wear school uniforms from elementary school to college. As a rule, this is the classic "light top - dark bottom".
5. School uniforms in Malaysia are the most conservative
All students in Malaysia are subject to fairly strict rules. Girls' dresses should be long enough to cover the knees, and shirt sleeves should cover the elbows. Compared to Thai students, Malay students are much more conservative.
6. School uniforms in Australia are the most unified
Students in Australia (both boys and girls) are required to wear black leather shoes and white socks. They wear school uniforms all the time, except for physical education lessons, for which they need to wear sports uniforms.
7. The school uniform in Oman is the most ethnic
School uniforms in Oman are believed to have some of the world's most distinctive ethnic characteristics. Pupils and students wear traditional clothes and female students wear veils.
8. School uniforms in Bhutan are the most practical
Students in Bhutan do not carry bags or briefcases. They carry all school supplies and they carry books right in their clothes.
9. School uniforms in the United States are the freest
Students in the United States are not limited in their clothing choices. It is up to them to decide whether to wear a school uniform.
10. School uniforms in China are the most athletic
School uniforms in most schools in China differ only in size. Moreover, there are almost no differences between the uniforms of boys and girls - they wear loose tracksuits.
Since September 1, 2013, a uniform school uniform has reappeared in Russian schools. In some regions, schools follow the recommendations of local authorities, in others they set the requirements for students' clothing themselves.
From the history of school uniforms
Few people know that the fashion for school uniforms came to Russia from England in 1834 !!! First for boys, and then, when women's gymnasiums began to appear, and for girls. The boys sported in caps with the emblem of the gymnasium, tunics, greatcoats, jackets, trousers, black boots and with an indispensable knapsack on their backs. The girls' uniforms were also strict: brown dresses with aprons, however, made of high quality fabric and with graceful cut, which made the girl's silhouette slim.
However, already in those days, gymnasium students treated the form ambiguously. On the one hand, they were proud, because the children of wealthy parents studied at the gymnasiums, and the uniform emphasized their belonging to the upper class. On the other hand, they did not like it, because they were obliged to wear the uniform after school. If gymnasium students in uniform were met in the wrong places: in the theater, at the hippodrome, in a cafe, they had a hard time. On the days of Russian celebrations, high school students dressed in festive uniforms, close to those of adults: a military-style suit for a boy and a dark dress with a pleated knee-length skirt for a girl.
After the revolution, the form was not thought of until 1949. In 1962, the boys were dressed in gray woolen suits, and in 1973 - in suits of blue wool blend, with an emblem and aluminum buttons. In 1976, girls also began to dress in new uniforms. From then on, girls began to wear dark brown dresses, and boys - in blue suits. In the mid-80s, the last reform of the uniform took place: blue jackets were sewn for boys and girls.
And only in 1992, the school uniform was canceled, excluding the corresponding line from the law "On Education". Brown dresses and blue suits have replaced "boiled jeans", bell-bottomed trousers and girly outfits in the spirit of "who in that way." In modern Russia there was no uniform school uniform, as it was in the USSR, but many lyceums and gymnasiums, especially the most prestigious ones, as well as some schools had their own form, emphasizing the belonging of students to one or another educational institution.
School uniforms in different countries (some facts)
Modern students of conservative England still love the school uniform, which is part of the history of their institution. For example, in one of the old English schools for boys, students from the 17th century to this day, wear uniform ties and vests and, by the way, take pride in the fact that their clothes emphasize their corporate identity. The largest European country with a school uniform is the United Kingdom. In many of its former colonies, the form was not abolished after independence, for example in India, Ireland, Australia, Singapore and South Africa.
In France, a uniform school uniform existed in the years 1927-1968. In Poland - until 1988.
There is no uniform school uniform in Germany, although there is debate about its introduction. Some schools have introduced uniform school clothing, which is not a uniform, since students can participate in its design. Tellingly, even during the Third Reich, schoolchildren did not have a uniform uniform - they came to classes in casual clothes, in the form of the Hitler Youth (or other children's public organizations).
In Japan, uniforms are compulsory for most middle and high schools. Each school has its own, but in fact there are not so many options. Usually it is a white shirt and dark jacket and trousers for boys, and a white shirt and dark jacket and skirt for girls, or sailor fuku - “sailor suit”. A large bag or briefcase is usually given to the form. Primary school students usually dress in normal children's clothing.
In India, school uniforms are compulsory and consist of a light shirt and navy blue trousers for boys, white blouses with dark skirts for girls. In some schools, the school uniform may have a uniform color and cut sarees.
School uniforms in Africa are striking in variety and color schemes. In Africa, you can find schoolchildren not only in blue or blue clothes, but also in yellow, pink, purple, orange and green.
In Jamaica, the uniform is compulsory for students in schools. This rule applies in most of the Caribbean. Many schools have a mandatory color of shoes and socks, the permissible heel height. Jewelry (except for stud earrings) is usually prohibited, and some schools have their own requirements for students' hairstyles. The school uniform for boys in Jamaica is most often khaki and consists of a short-sleeved shirt and trousers. School uniforms for girls vary significantly from school to school. A common option is a light shirt with short sleeves and a skirt or sundress below the knees. The uniform is often supplemented with patches, emblems, shoulder straps in order to distinguish between schools.
In regular schools in Cyprus, boys wear gray trousers with a white shirt and girls wear a gray skirt or trousers also with a white shirt. Some schools may have different student uniforms. For example, the color of trousers and skirts is changed to blue. Or a special color for the holiday uniform is added.
In Turkey, school uniforms differ at different levels of education. For example, in elementary school, students wear blue uniforms. In middle and high school, boys wear dark gray pants, white or blue shirts, jackets, and ties. Girls wear skirts and shirts the same color as boys, and also ties. Most private schools have introduced their own school uniforms.
In schools of Muslim countries, a headscarf is a mandatory attribute of a female school uniform. When girls turn 12, they wear a hijab. However, even up to the age of 12, starting from the first grade, they wear school uniforms, which are also Muslim clothing and are in many ways similar to the hijab.
In Myanmar, younger boys wear pants and older boys wear long skirts.
Laos women's school uniform is distinguished by a beautiful long wrap skirt and original ornaments.
In Japan, uniforms are compulsory for most middle and high schools. Most often it is a white shirt and dark jacket and trousers for boys, the uniform is called "gakuran", and a white blouse, dark jacket and skirt for girls, or "sailor fuku" - "sailor suit", with a distinctively bright tie. Detail of a Japanese schoolgirl's wardrobe - knee-highs or socks. A large bag or briefcase is usually attached to the form. Primary school students usually dress in normal children's clothing.
In the USA and Canada, there are school uniforms in many private schools. There is no uniform uniform in public schools, although some schools have a dress code.
"Dress code" - the word is relatively new, but has already become fashionable, at least for those who work in the office. Literally means "clothing code", that is, a system of identification marks, color combinations and shapes that indicate a person's belonging to a particular corporation. The employer can set his own rules: for example, women cannot come to work in trousers, or - they can only wear business suits, or skirts must be up to the knee - neither shorter nor longer, free form on Fridays, etc. etc. Many adult Russians have already joined the corporate spirit, but their children still go to school “in whatever it is”.
“- Children should learn from childhood that a suit is more than just clothes. It is a means of communication. How you look depends on how others will communicate with you, - says fashion designer Vyacheslav Zaitsev. Perhaps a school dress code can be of great service to boost your self-esteem, as it allows you to dress stylishly, albeit strictly. "
1 Schoolgirls Great Britain
2 A new uniform on the first day of the school year, London, Burlington Danes School.
3 Another school in London- Elizabeth Garrett Andersen. Here, students walk in uniforms that they themselves have designed. The teachers say that this way the children will not feel discomfort and will happily go to classes in it.
4 College students Eton I greet Queen Elizabeth II on her visit to this institution.
5 School pupils uniform Harrow differs in straw hats, otherwise it is a regular jacket and trousers.
6 Traditional school uniforms in England at first graders.
7 School at Hospital of Christ and her students, dressed in a uniform that has not changed for 450 years.
8 Schoolchildren New Zealand and their school uniform 
I also bring to your attention a selection of photographs of schoolchildren from around the world in school uniforms.
9 Schoolgirls from Colombia, who rush home after class.
10 Schoolgirls from India are also apparently heading home. 
11 Schoolgirls from China discussing a school project 
12 Students from Jamaica
13 Very conservative school uniforms for students from Malaysia
14 Form in Brazilian school. 
15 School in Burundi, her students and teacher. 
16 Several students and their teacher from Ghana
17 Indonesian schoolboy 
18 Nigerian schoolchildren at recess 
19 Schoolboy from Pakistan in a beautiful shape 
20 The striking shape of the school's students Sari
21 Japanese schoolgirls 
22 And another photo of schoolgirls from Japan
23 Schoolgirls in Vietnam... Specially sewn uniform for the holidays. 
24 Students of one of the schools Nepal
25 Schoolgirls in South Africa
26 Little students from Burma
27 A little more India
Illustration: svoboda.org
School friends? I had no time to be friends: in addition to the regular school, I also attended a music school, located half an hour away. Running from one school to another 4 times a week, from the first grade to the seventh. In the evenings - lessons and preparation for the next test, in the holidays - reading school literature and intensive musical practice.
Teachers? There were few really worthy people - those who supported the students and aroused their interest in their subject. And the teachers, as a rule, did not differ in respect for their wards. A condescending tone, mockery and even shouting are, alas, not uncommon among Russian teachers.
In general, my memories of school years are what I would like with all my heart to avoid for my own child. In many ways, our decision to stay in the UK was fueled by the dream of a decent education for our son.
Today I will briefly tell you how the English school works: what an approximate daily routine looks like, what a school uniform is and about other important nuances of an English school life.
Comprehensive development within the school itself
Lesson at an English school. Photo: dailymail.co.uk
In all English schools, both private and public, great importance is attached to the comprehensive development of children. In addition to compulsory academic subjects such as mathematics, English and science, English schools include dance, singing, physical education, fine arts, computer science, foreign languages and other subjects aimed at developing practical skills and unlocking the child's talents in their curriculum.
English schools offer students a range of extracurricular clubs and hobby groups
In addition to the main program, any English school offers a number of extracurricular clubs and circles. The range of activities in private schools is especially wide: among them - playing musical instruments, from the piano to the flute; various sports - football, tennis, rugby, fencing, cricket, swimming, frisbee - and much, much more.
Please note that all of the above is offered within the boundaries of the school territory - the child does not need to travel to distant lands, as I had to do.
School uniform
Almost every school in England has its own school uniform.
In most English schools it is customary to wear a special uniform. The idea of the uniform is to discipline students and remove the element of competition in the way they dress.
It is usually inexpensive, because such clothes should be available to everyone.
As a rule, the uniform of each school is designed in a certain color scheme - for example, in blue or green tones. The required elements of the form can be different: usually public schools are more democratic in this regard.
A typical uniform for boys looks like this: sweatshirt, cardigan or sweater combined with trousers and plain boots without embellishment. Girls usually wear dresses or skirts with the same tops as boys, and again with formal shoes.
In the summer season, trousers can be replaced by shorts, and sweaters by T-shirts and polo shirts. For physical education, a separate uniform is provided - usually schoolchildren take it with them.
In private schools, there are often such cute accessories as hats for girls and ties for boys. Often, these schools also regulate other wardrobe items, including jackets and even socks.
School timetable and vacations
The start and end times of classes can vary greatly from school to school. On average, English school starts at 9 am and ends at 3:30 pm, Monday through Friday. The school day is divided into lessons, with 15 minute breaks in between and a large lunch break. Private schools tend to have a longer school day than public schools, plus some have classes on Saturdays. However, in private schools, the holidays are longer: if in public Easter and Christmas holidays are on average 2 weeks, in private they can last for 3 weeks or more.
Our clients are often surprised when they find out that English students study even in summer. Indeed, summer vacations in English schools begin no earlier than mid-July and end in early September. However, the good news is that, in addition to the long holidays for Easter and Christmas, there are also short weekly holidays (half-term) in the middle of each trimester.
As you might guess, academic year in England divided into only 3 academic terms:
Autumn, from September to December,
Winter, from January to March, and
Summer, from April to July.
Schools in England organize healthy and tasty meals for children.
In the middle of the school day, each school has a lunch break. Students can bring packed lunches with them or dine in the school cafeteria if the school has its own kitchen. Each school cares about the health of its students and therefore provides the most balanced nutrition. Traditionally, the school menu contains options for vegetarians and dishes suitable for all religions. Nice little thing: for all Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 students attending state schools, school lunches are absolutely free. And the youngest children from Reception, in addition to meals, also receive free fruit and milk.
School meetings
In England, there are no general school meetings adopted in Russia. A child's progress is strictly confidential information that should not be available to anyone other than his parents. Typically, schools organize a tete-a-tete parent-teacher meeting once every trimester. Generally speaking, English schools attach great importance to communication with parents: any parent can seek help and advice from the teacher or make an appointment with the headmaster.
School marks
The concept of "cool magazine" does not exist in England. Grades on a scale from A to E in England begin only at the age of 7, but I do not observe such an obsession with them, as in Russia. In general, English education is a "carrot" system, not a "stick": here people are rewarded for achievements, but not scolded for failures.
It is unacceptable to ridicule or shame a child, and even in public, in England. Raising a self-confident, harmonious personality - this is what English teachers see as their most important task. And I see the result of such a policy with my own eyes: a child keen on studying, rushing to school every morning.
Our experts in the field of English education are happy to assist in the placement of children in schools in the UK.Contact us today at the following contacts: