10 Things I like about school uniform

We all have our personal lists - of the zaniest/quirkiest/
funniest/ craziest/smartest ... We devote this page to them.

This week, James Connold is a Year 5 pupil at Horizon School, Dubai, lists ...

Gives a worry-free start to the day: You just put on your uniform without your mum imposing what she wants you to wear ... like she does when you are going out during the weekend.

Is cool and comfortable: A uniform is really comfortable to wear, especially in the scorching heat of Dubai. It creates a conducive learning environment.

Fosters pride and sense of belonging: It gives you an identity and brings students together thus fostering the communal spirit. For instance, when you go out on field trips or inter-school events it's easy to identify fellow schoolmates.

Helps eliminate economic barriers: Encourages equality. Some kids can be really cruel and make fun of others' clothes. However, when you're in uniform everyone is dressed the same way and there is no room for showing off and making fun of others.

Get good grades: You concentrate on your studies and get better grades because you aren't distracted by what your neighbour is wearing. You also spend more time studying than trying to keep up with the Joneses.

Upholds modesty standards: You get to wear something really smart and decent and people think you are well-behaved if you are a student of a particular school which has a good reputation. Left to their own devices some students would turn up for classes in Batman or Spiderman costumes!

You can save your clothes: If you wear your clothes to school every day they may eventually show signs of wear and tear. Having a uniform helps save your best clothes for weekends and special occasions.

Encourages neatness: In uniform you are required to maintain certain standards of neatness and it encourages pupils to be well-groomed.

You don't get emotionally attached: If your shirt gets torn or shorts get stained while playing in the school playground you don't feel sad because you don't have to convince your parents to buy you a replacement.

But the same cannot be said about one's favourite T-shirt. Uniforms are readily available; imagine hunting for your T-shirt and being told it's out of stock, surely that would break your heart.

Play freely: Parents don't seem to mind if you get your uniform dirty because it is easy to launder and is not as expensive as some cool, branded casual clothes.