Figure 1.-- Many uiforms items are worn by both boys and girls, including blazers, ties, and sweaters. Other items are gender specific such as the headwear, shirts, trousers/skirts, and footwear. There is some variation from school to school, but the gender conventions are fairly standard at the various schools. |
Many uiforms items are worn by both boys and girls, including blazers, ties, and sweaters. Other items are gender specific such as the headwear, shirts, trousers/skirts, and footwear. There is some variation from school to school, but the gender conventions are fairly standard at the various schools.
Uniform regulations vary widely from school to school, but a typical daily uniform for most intermediate and high school boys is normally a jersey (sweater), grey or blue colored shirt, grey or blue shorts, black or brown shoes, and grey or blue knee socks with school colors at the top. Some boys complained about having to wear shorts and indicated they would prefer long trousers, especially during the winter. Shorts are still required, however, at most secondary schools, at least for the younger boys. The once common school boy cap has virtually disappeared. During the summer, especially on North Island, the jerseys are usually not needed and at many schools the boys wear light-weight summer shorts and sandals without socks. At some secondary schools the younger boys mostly wear jerseys and open neck shirts and the senior boys wear ties and blazers. Frequently the senior secondary students (form 6-7) are given the option of wearing adult shorts with light colored knee socks or slacks. Some schools require the boys desiring longs to wear ties and blazers with them. This was an on going problem at several schools where boys wearing longs to school had to be constantly reminded that they also had to wear their ties. Many of the older boys seem to like wearing their blazers on which they can show the various awards and school colors which that had earned. On formal school occasions the boys dress up with blazers, white shirt, tie, and shorts with knee socks or long trousers. During the summer months the boys wear lighter-weight shorts and sandals without socks.
Girls typically wear jumpers or kilts and skirts with white blouses or shirts. Some schools use polo shirts during the summer. A few schools permit culottes. Jerseys are common during the winter months. A few schools require ties. Girls generally wear white socks or tights. For formal occasions the girls at many schools wear blazers and ties with their ordinary jumpers and kilts/skirts. Some schools allow the senior girls to dispense the school uniform and select their own clothes. This appear a particularly popular option at the schools permitting it. During the summer months the girls often wear light-weight jumpers rather than kilts or skirts and sandals without socks.
Many coeducational schools have a variety of uniform items that are worn by both boys and girls. These items can include anoraks, jerseys (sweaters), blazers, brown or black shoes (sandals during the summer), school ties, and scarves.
