Fairfax School shoes policy: Students at Fairfax Academy say a new uniform policy covering footwear at the school is a ‘step in the right direction’ towards driving up standards.
Student leaders at the Sutton Coldfield school have been helping their fellow pupils understand the importance of the policy, which saw trainers banned in favour of smart shoes at the start of January.
The policy is part of new headteacher Sean Castle’s ambition to encourage more pride and respect within the school, and he says he is ‘proud’ of how students have responded.
Mr Castle said: “Looking smart is very important, because smartness commands respect among the students, inside the school, with each other and out in the community too, where anyone wearing the Fairfax uniform is representing our school.
“I’ve been very proud to see how the students have responded to the changes, and how the student leadership team in particular has helped explain them and support it.
“These senior students can make a real difference in communicating with the broader student body, and they’re also helping spread the anti-bullying message and supporting new students as they get used to life at Fairfax.”
Fairfax Academy shoes policy is ‘about equity’
Mr Castle explained that the change to shoes from trainers was also about supporting parents during the cost of living crisis.
He said: “The shoe policy is really about equity too, and reducing the costs of footwear at a time when energy bills are going up and the cost of living is a concern for parents.
“Before the changes students were often wearing expensive trainers, which some parents simply can’t afford.
“Now the students look smart. Don’t get me wrong, we have had some push back from a small number of students who are very attached to their Nike Airforce trainers, and from a very small minority of families, but the majority of the student body have been really compliant and supportive.
“They can see the value in what we’re trying to achieve.”
The push to improve uniform standards follows Fairfax’s ARKS values – which encourage the children to be Ambitious, show Respect, be Kind and stay Safe. Rewards and recognition are awarded under the four values, with students working towards ARKS badges which they wear proudly on their uniform.
And key to the success of ARKS are the student leaders who work with staff to provide support, organise clubs and societies, and are currently running a survey into student views on life at the school.
Nikeil Dhariwal, Deputy Head Boy, said: “I think the changes to the rules for shoes is really good – it’s a step in the right direction.
“At the start I didn’t think it would be a good idea, but ever since I’ve worn them I’ve noticed that the general etiquette around school has been better.
“Also, when the students were wearing trainers I think it could have caused some bullying – because not everyone could afford the most expensive trainers – so what Mr Castle has done by standardising shoes has removed a reason for bullying.”
Head Girl Anna Riley said: “Standards are very important, and the student leadership team has been having monthly meetings talking about standards and what could be improved.
“We’ve put out a survey to find out what the students think of the changes, and we’ve started a club every Monday, Wednesday and Friday lunchtime where children can talk to us about anything.
“It’s just somewhere where they can play ball games and can talk to us about any problems they have. The club is student-led and for the youngest children in Years 7,8 and 9.
“when the students were wearing trainers I think it could have caused some bullying – because not everyone could afford the most
expensive trainers,”
– Nikeil Dhariwal, Deputy Head Boy
“They find it easier sometimes to talk to another student, because we remember what it was like to be their age, and can relate to what they are going through.”
Mr Castle added: “It’s very important that the students feel they are part of this journey to improve standards, which is why we are doing surveys with them, as well as staff surveys on behaviour and wellbeing.
“I’ve always believed that if you can address any issues over the culture of the school – things like uniform and behaviour – then it becomes easier to really focus on teaching and learning.
“It’s is the first step into ensuring that Fairfax is a school of excellence in all that we do.”