Surely there are more important things that hair colour ?

[jean]

There's a good point there, though.

I once taught at a school which, consciously or unconsciously, excluded the poorest by requiring the uniform (a shade of blue slightly but noticably different from the standard navy) to be bought at a particular very expensive outfitters'.

When I pointed out the effect of this, the deputy head told me that poorer parents could easily supply themselves at the school's second-hand uniform sales.

She could never understand that it's the confident middle classes who do that sort of thing.

[Beef Oven!]

enough said, methinks.

Crikey! That's not like you!

[MrGongGong]

There's a good point there, though.

I once taught at a school which, consciously or unconsciously, excluded the poorest by requiring the uniform (a shade of blue slightly but noticably different from the standard navy) to be bought at a particular very expensive outfitters'.

When I pointed out the effect of this, the deputy head told me that poorer parents could easily supply themselves at the school's second-hand uniform sales.

She could never understand that it's the confident middle classes who do that sort of thing.

Good point
I've also come across this kind of nonsense and not just when I was at school

(I think we've done the "teenagers at university interviews in suits" thing before)

I think (like the modelling of computer OS on Offices) there is an easy to read narrative about what constitutes "work" and what clothing is deemed to be "appropriate".
Here are some of the most intelligent scientists in the world

http://www.independent.co.uk/migration_catalog/article5095638.ece/alternates/w620/Pg-06-Cern-AP.jpeg

spot the tie.... (spot the woman ?)

[jean]

On school uniform in general, anyopne who went to school in the 50s will remember that it was a preserve of the grammar and private schools - no uniform fro the sec mods.

So naturally, any comprehensive that wanted to be regarded as a 'good' school gave itself a uniform, too. As nearly all of them still do.

And to some extent its observation becomes a game between authorities and pupils, who see how far they can push it before being sanctioned.

It's not unreasonable for the school in this case not to want the entire school turning out in pink wigs as a default position. And the child in question could have had a beautiful flamboyant wig in a more natural colour to wear in school - but that should have been quietly negotiated behind the scenes. The child should never have been told to take the wig off in the classroom.

[teamsaint]

There's a good point there, though.

I once taught at a school which, consciously or unconsciously, excluded the poorest by requiring the uniform (a shade of blue slightly but noticably different from the standard navy) to be bought at a particular very expensive outfitters'.

When I pointed out the effect of this, the deputy head told me that poorer parents could easily supply themselves at the school's second-hand uniform sales.

She could never understand that it's the confident middle classes who do that sort of thing.

I used to do that sort of thing. I'm middle class , but not very confident. <confused smileything>

Luckily my kids never grew fast, so uniform was relatively cheap for us, as it didn't need replacing very often.

[Beef Oven!]

There's a good point there, though.

I once taught at a school which, consciously or unconsciously, excluded the poorest by requiring the uniform (a shade of blue slightly but noticably different from the standard navy) to be bought at a particular very expensive outfitters'.

When I pointed out the effect of this, the deputy head told me that poorer parents could easily supply themselves at the school's second-hand uniform sales.

She could never understand that it's the confident middle classes who do that sort of thing.

I must confess that I had no idea that this sort of thing happened, at least in state schools.

The outfitters for our local schools sold very cheap blazers and other items. There was some variance in quality, but not much.

My experience was that the uniform was a great leveller. I was very pleased with it, and thankful.

[MrGongGong]

My experience was that the uniform was a great leveller. .

Other myths are available
but just keep repeating it and people will believe you

and anyway your "anecdotes" don't count :wink:

[jean]

The school's story:

http://www.midsussextimes.co.uk/news/local/video-mother-of-terminally-ill-girl-reach-compromise-with-burgess-hill-school-over-wig-1-6398697

[jean]

Other myths are available

Such as?

[Beef Oven!]

Other myths are available
but just keep repeating it and people will believe you

and anyway your "anecdotes" don't count :wink:

No myth, it was a bloody relief for me, and my parents not to have to worry about clothes for most of the week. And that was the same for most of the people I knew, back then.

And then punk came along and all you needed was a black t-shirt, some safety pins, and Bob's yer mum's brother!

[P. G. Tipps]

Good point
I've also come across this kind of nonsense and not just when I was at school

(I think we've done the "teenagers at university interviews in suits" thing before)

I think (like the modelling of computer OS on Offices) there is an easy to read narrative about what constitutes "work" and what clothing is deemed to be "appropriate".
Here are some of the most intelligent scientists in the world

http://www.independent.co.uk/migration_catalog/article5095638.ece/alternates/w620/Pg-06-Cern-AP.jpeg

spot the tie.... (spot the woman ?)

Yes, but they only look like your usual scruffy European scientists ... and the woman is near the top RHS just behind the big scruffy scientist in the light blue shirt?

Edit: Think I've just spotted another woman but I'm not telling!!

[Beef Oven!]

The school's story:

http://www.midsussextimes.co.uk/news...-wig-1-6398697

Plenty of kids 'rebel' by dying their hair 'outrageous' colours, and get sent home by the school - and are allowed back when they've got something sensible going on, on their bonce. Why didn't the school do the same with her? Or maybe that's what they did do, in effect.

[MrGongGong]

The school's story:

http://www.midsussextimes.co.uk/news...-wig-1-6398697

different school

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leeds-29929566

[Beef Oven!]

different school

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leeds-29929566

"Miss Hickey said she was not prepared to change her daughter's footwear as she has been wearing the same shoes to school for the past two years."

I hope she means the same type of shoes! Off to Robben Island with her, if not.

The trouble is, some adults never got over their child-hood battles with 'school', so they carry the battle on with through their children. And so on.

Recognise that phenomenon, MrGG? <whistlethingy>

[Flosshilde]

different school

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leeds-29929566

I wonder what the uniform for headmistresses is? Surely a gown & mortarboard would be appropriate?