Dear Editor, I was reading your most informative educational supplement (March 5th) when I came across an article entitled "Exam uniform issue will rise again". I, being a 17 year old Leaving Certificate student, felt the urge to state my opinion and the opinion of some of my fellow students on this matter.
We have, as I am sure you are aware of, three months to our all important exams and frankly we do not care whether or not we have to wear our uniforms to sit these exams. We have enough pressure and stress to do well in these exams without teachers, parents committees etc, etc, adding to our worries over this petty little argument.
My school has come up with the simple solution - leave it up to the student. Inform them that they can wear their uniforms or ordinary clothes - whichever makes them feel more comfortable. Granted, uniforms add a sense of normality to the proceedings but many, as in my school, will not be in a fit state to wear after the last week of school (uniforms, I mean).
So there we have it, a simple solution to a mindless argument. Students do not intend to undermine teachers' authority by wearing their ordinary clothes - the deciding whether or not they should be allowed to sit their exams because of this issue is senseless. Are students going to corrupt the minds of other students who are wearing their uniforms? Finally, it is left to for me to say to these people to "get a life" - haven't we enough problems in this society without adults dragging up minor little items just for the sake of disagreement and to show their position of power.
Yours, Coolowen, Blarney, Co Cork.
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