- A painting of teenage schoolboys fills the screen, and we hear the noises of a muffled voices and movement.
- The camera pans down to an adolescent boy in a school cap and jacket.
- His mother lovingly adjusts his tie and reminds him to keep his shoulders back.
- Yup: it's that time again. The first day of school.
- Another older student opens a case and begins to assemble bagpipes while the new boys get their photographs taken.
- We see a candle being lit and bagpipes sounding; a ceremony begins. Older students march into a church filled with young students, holding banners with the four pillars of the school: "Tradition," "Discipline," "Honor" and "Excellence."
- Heavy stuff.
- As the procession ends, the new students hold candles representing the "light of knowledge," and headmaster Nolan takes his place at the altar to welcome the students.
- We see, in the crowd, Neil Perry and his father, both looking serious.
- Headmaster Nolan is also very serious. Learning is no joking matter at this school.
- He emphasizes the four pillars and the excellent reputation of the school, and does his best to intimidate the new students.
- He also announces a new teacher of English, Mr. Keating, who stands.
- The students and parents murmur and crane their necks to get a look at him.