Many top 100 companies now adopt casual dress codes and I know that when they leave us, few of our students will find themselves in a workplace where they are obliged to wear a suit. That said, just like any place of work, we encourage them to be mindful of their environment, the multi-cultural society in which we exist, and to be respectful not only of their teachers but their peers and our community as a whole. It is in that spirit of respect, that we consulted the students on the dress code, and I am happy that we have with their help brought the language and the spirit of the guidance more up-to-date.
It is important that we have such discussions. After all, we want to empower students to learn, to question and to make their own decisions – and to involve them in the policies that help us to work together as a school. Challenging boundaries helps students to develop their voice and opinions in the safe and structured environment of school. I relish these conversations and enjoy the cut and thrust of the debate.