Is The Doon on the cusp of a change?

The leadership of all-boys boarding school is examining the possibility of embracing co-ed model, but a large number of alumni are strident in their opposition to changing the legacy of their alma mater

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The Doon School, arguably India's most prestigious all-boys boarding school, has long been known for its commitment to producing leaders with integrity, intellect, and a strong sense of camaraderie. For nearly a century, the school has followed a single-gender model which many believe has played a vital role in shaping its unique educational ethos. Of late, an idea of transforming the institution into a coeducational model has been floated, sparking an intense debate among alumni, faculty and students. The idea is being explored in detail by the school's leadership.

RATIONALE BEHIND THE PROPOSAL

In this age of transformation in education and societal changes in the backdrop of rapid advancements in technology, many leading institutions are moving towards co-education to provide students with an environment that mirrors the real world. At The Doon School, the proposal of a transition to co-education was brought forth by the School's Senior Management Team (SMT), led by the Headmaster Dr.

Jagpreet Singh. The idea was rooted in the belief that the world was evolving, and that co-education could provide a more balanced, inclusive, and diverse learning environment.

The SMT, after thorough discussions, arrived at the conclusion that co-education could offer several benefits, such as fostering gender equality, improving social dynamics and better preparing students for the professional world where both genders work together. According to Singh, the leadership believed that co-education would help address the issue of "toxic masculinity," a topic that has been widely discussed in educational circles as a result of an all-boys environment. The leadership suggested that mixing genders could promote more balanced emotional growth and better interpersonal dynamics among students.