PS/SS Observations (WAS: So, I've been watching PS/SS again, and...)

[Ali]

> > Dar (Darlene) wrote:
  
At the reptile house, there are some (presumably) students in 
uniforms leaving the building.  What school are they from?  I just 
can't believe it never really caught my eye before.
 
> erisedstraeh2002 added:  
> > I had noticed that, also, and thought it was strange since 
presumably the Dursleys wouldn't pull Dudley out of school to go to 
the zoo also, if it was a school day, they wouldn't have had the 
problem of what to do with Harry).  I don't know what school they're 
from.

Heidi responded:-

> I actually just assumed that they were there from a boarding school,
> where weekend trips might still require the wearing of uniforms. So 
it never struck me as weird - I just grabbed for an explanation and 
sat with it.

I agree:-

Wearing of uniforms is almost universal in British secondary schools, 
and to a more limited extent in our primary schools. Schools expect  
their pupils to look smart when on school trips as they are seen to 
be almost ambassadors for the school's good name. (well, so the 
teachers delude themselves). As such, it would not be unheard of for 
children to be expected to wear their uniforms whatever day of the 
week it was, if they were on a school trip. I can certainly remember 
going on one Saturday trip when we were expected to wear our 
uniforms. I thought it very unfair and have nursed a hatred of school 
uniforms ever since!

Ali

(who bought her daughter her first ever school uniform today and 
found it an emotional experience!)