to think strict doesn’t automatically equals good when it comes to school?

[Merryoldgoat]

I have several friends who’s children have just started high school. These are some of the rules:

No talking in corridors
Single file in corridors
Detention for lateness (even if 1 minute)
No brands of any kind
Bizarrely prescriptive rules about shoes
No artificially coloured hair

It feels like every single time a child tries to express themselves they get punished.

Is this what every school is like now? My DC are younger and I’ve not experienced this but I’m dreading it to be frank.

If you teach in a school like this how do you feel about it? It feels so draconian.

It makes sense. No talking in corridors as other classes are having lessons. Single file to make room for others coming from the opposite direction. Detention for lateness disrupts the class and teacher, maybe they won't be late next time. No brands or rules about shoes, it's school not a fashion parade. Quite frankly I don't want a school that accepts lateness as a way to express themselves 😠

All of those rules sound normal and reasonable

Is it an outwood academy by any chance?

I agree with you. My son goes to a school like this and it causes a lot of anxiety. I don't see how having a sweaty blazer on and your top button always done up helps you learn.
Most of the schools near us are like this now though.

I think the lateness and the single file is fair enough. I don’t personally care about hair but lots of schools do have that rule so that’s okay.

I don’t really see why they can’t talk in the corridors, though.

It's too strict and doesn't achieve anything more than more sensible schools do

The clothes and hair rules are ridiculous. I think lateness and no talking in corridors are okay.

@Whatelsecouldibecalled

Is it an outwood academy by any chance?

It’s several schools around here - all academies.

@Plumbear2 obviously I’m not suggesting lateness is encouraged but is a detention really necessary if you’re 1 minute late?

Obviously I’m unreasonable then. It just feels so joyless.

I hate this sort of stuff in schools.

Kids should be treated like human beings. Overly harsh and restrictive environments are damaging.

I wore what amounted to a tracksuit and red Fila trainers to high school (giving away my age there). I felt comfy and happy and like ‘me’.

Strict definitely doesn’t equal good. Punitive discipline doesn’t make for good relationships and relationships are key for great teaching and learning.

I think it depends on the child. Lots of children need it and lots of children thrive from
Rules.
Some don’t and you chose a different school.

I removed my son from a 'strict' school due to the impact on his mental health.
He has no problem with rules, but all the rules, rigidly upheld, led to an increase in his anxiety and impacted on his ability to learn.
It would be interesting to know what impact these rules have on behaviour.

No, it’s not. I’d avoid them like the plague. Good schools don’t need to be run like prisons and good teachers don’t need to be authoritarian to get respect.

@Merryoldgoat

I wore what amounted to a tracksuit and red Fila trainers to high school (giving away my age there). I felt comfy and happy and like ‘me’.

Absolutely! The anxiety a PP mentioned is the antithesis of what educational research tells us is optimum state of mind for learning. Of course rules are needed, and they should be clear, fair and reasonable in order to have the respect and buy-in of the pupils. But when it becomes about "control" then how is that good preparation for adult life? Draconian disciplinarian models do not teach young people to regulate their own behaviour. Who would want to be part of a workplace where you are not allowed to speak to colleagues whilst moving around the building? Or have to walk in single file, eyes down? t's rather sinister I feel and makes some young people tense and resentful (and so hostile to the whole environment).

There are some rules in schools that work. Listen when the teacher talks, no shouting etc. But I couldn't give a fig if a student has brightly coloured hair or is wearing a uniform. I'd rather a happy and comfortable child - they tend to learn better.

The first three I have no issue with. Corridors are crowded at lesson turnover times and measures to help have a smooth sensible change are always good.

Lateness is disruptive for the whole class so a no leeway rule makes sense. Encourages pupils to leave enough time to be early.

The uniform type ones are less clear cut but personally they wouldn’t bother me too much.

No talking in corridors... quieter and calmer environment for pupils with sensory issues

Single file, no running etc... safety

Blazers... generally unnecessary anyway. Brands... theft, showing off, distraction.
Kickers shoes... I honestly think the Kickers red and green bits are silly and the company should be more discreet.

Lateness... maybe a bit of leeway for genuine reasons, but should generally be discouraged. Being on time is a good habit.

It provides structure, routine and firm boundaries that does suit the majority of children. It also makes "managing" large classes and year groups easier.

For some children though, it makes school practically impossible.

Ok, more diverse opinions now.

I feels so… blunt? I honestly don’t know anyone who responds to being in such an oppressive environment.

My son has ASD and rules assist him but the hard lines some senior schools have would leave him unhappy and likely refusing school.

Most of the rules are fine, it also depends how they are enforced. Detention for lateness when dwardling in is fine, different if the school bus broke down and is running late. In yr 7 they are all scared in case they accidentally break a rule, after a while they learn that most rules are there for a reason and are enforced sympathetically. No brands is only reasonable when there are decent non branded items, for example one of mine has branded footwear and branded bag, but that is after days of hunting for items which will accommodate their physical disabilities. If there were equivalent non branded items I would be happy to buy them but there isn't. Fortunately their schools are strict but sensible. Detention for being 1 min late would be 1 min 10 Min late, 10 min Detention. Petty but it gets the message across.

Your son might surprise you. Having clear and defined boundaries applied to everyone can be useful. Just do what you can to support him to not wear brands, be on time etc. He might like a quiet and well behaved corridor.

He might like a quiet and well behaved corridor.

You’ve not met my son.

And if a child has genuine reasons to struggle with the rules then school can work with parents to make reasonable adjustments. That’s not a reason to not have them though!

Some children will love the structure, most will survive and it won't suit some. Equally, a more chaotic, empowered environment won't suit many children and will disadvantage many children with ASD and sensory issues who cannot manage with the uncertainty and noise. IME, some adults often forget the nature of some teenagers with respect to uniform and behaviour. I recall how wilfully disruptive some NT children can be and IME, the teachers who didn't enforce rules and who wanted to be friends with the class often were the ones with the most disrupted classes back in the day that impacted on learning. Perhaps teenagers now are more kind and self-disciplined....