By way of the grapevine, I have come into possession of the DND 1997 promo video of the Duke of York’s School, produced for the information of parents in the Armed Services who are looking for a residential school in which to enrol their child or children. The video is well-produced, cut and presented. I recommend Its viewing to all ex-Dukies, but particularly those of some generations back who knew as a military institution. The reason is that the changes that have taken place with the addition of buildings, amenities for co-educational tutoring, and a curriculum to prepare students for university are remarkable.
A viewing makes anyone proud to have been associated with the School. Some, who might yearn for the good old days, will not be impressed. This will be especially so for those who view the video with a sense of wistfulness for the way things were during their time. Parents of the present generation of potential students will be impressed because the Duke of York’s has been transformed into the very model of a modern public school, one that compares favourably with the finest co-educational teaching institution in the country.
Following an impressive series or aerial shots, Headmaster Gordon Wilson has a few interesting comments. Scenes of a typical day in a student’s life, of the first-rate catering, sports, accommodation, and extra-curricular activities are well-balanced for interesting viewing. The commentaries of some students, boys and girls, follow a voice-over narration during which, regrettably, there is excessive reference to ‘facilities’ that makes one’s toes curl. The remarks offered by members of staff are well-chosen and worth hearing.
The school uniform for boys and girls is smart, attractive and casual. Blue blazer, grey flannel trousers for the boys and blue skirts for the girls, and casually-worn school scarves, trim white shirts and school ties are in sharp contrast with the coarse khaki uniforms, short trousers and ammunition boots of the past. The change is a welcome sight to this former student.
This excellent video shows a school that will create a much greater all round self-confidence in the pupils never achieved in the past. The adjustments previous generations had to make when they left the closeted existence of what was a military kindergarten were traumatic and harrowing. The school is no longer a military institution, nor is it any more royal than Eton, Harrow, Wellington or any other public school. It is therefore fitting that it be renamed the Duke of York’s Academy.