Tavistock College to consult on new uniform and logo

TAVISTOCK College students are working with professional designers to create a new logo and uniform for the school.

The college currently has a crest and several different logos, so students started to produce ideas for a single version during the last school year.

Personal development lead teacher Eva Pearson said: “Student councils have been talking about changing the uniform for four years. The process started a year and a half ago as students began to put forward good reasons and ideas for the change. It is part of the work with Creative Partnerships - a flagship creative learning programme designed to develop the skills of young people - which started in late 2007.

“We are listening to what the Senate and School Councils are saying. They are telling us that students find the current uniform uncomfortable and unflattering and don’t feel it allows them to express who they are.

“This is the 50th year since Tavistock College became a comprehensive so now is a really good time to consult with students, staff, parents, governors, the primary schools and the wider community.”

Mrs Pearson said the uniform and logo consultation would not be a quick process. It would be at least a year and more likely 18 months before any decision was taken. Current Year 5s are the first year group which may wear a new uniform and the whole process will be phased in.

Speaking to students in an assembly about the design process, Mrs Pearson explained: “No one person will design the new uniform; it is and it has to be a group effort. It needs to be practical, financially viable and durable.

“You will leave a legacy if you are part of the change and development of college uniform.”

All students have been offered the chance to apply for a place on a design team working with a professional designer in order to generate ideas and create prototypes. The panels will give students excellent experience of working in a team and provide them with an insight into how clothes are designed – providing a real boost to any student hoping to pursue a career in fashion or design.

The consultation will be an ongoing process and Tavistock College will inform staff, parents, governors, the primary schools and the wider community of all progress and ask for comments, suggestions and votes when the students have produced a series of ideas.