Video | Beginner Resource

Topic
That we should ban school uniform

Breakdown
Actor – We (the government/education department)
Mechanism - ban
Subject – school uniform

Reasonable basis statement
Both teams want kids to be able to be comfortable, safe and happy - the question is which policy is best for schools in the short and long term.

What to prove - Affirmative
— Why there is a need for students to express themselves through their image at school
— How schools become better places (for learning and welfare) when uniform is banned
— How wearing less uniform is the best way to achieve that expression

What to prove – Negative
— Why uniforms are necessary/important for schools
— Why uniforms are necessary/important for students
— How uniform provides the best balance for expression and welfare

Common mistakes
— Too many arguments about comfort
— A huge focus on cost - for parents and the school
— Not enough about the mentality of uniforms (either as a good or a bad thing)

Conclusion
— A great topic – commonly seen in primary school debating but also great for high school students
— Good for learning to characterise and use more reasoning (though it can get overly descriptive!)
— Clear stakeholders and outcomes for debate

Banning School Uniform