Several Singapore schools have adjusted timetables and organised watch parties ahead of the FIFA World Cup final between Argentina and Spain.
PETALING JAYA: Held once every four years, the FIFA World Cup is one of the world’s most highly anticipated sporting events, with football enthusiasts of all ages setting aside time to watch their favourite teams compete for national pride and glory.
Spanning more than a month, the tournament sees fans gathering around television screens at home and in public venues to support their favourite teams, often resulting in late nights. This year, several schools in Singapore have decided to accommodate students by allowing lessons to start later and even hosting watch parties ahead of the World Cup final next Monday (July 20).
The Straits Times reported that one of the schools, St Joseph’s Institution (SJI), has allowed students to report an hour later at 8.30 am on July 20. The school has also postponed a one-hour lesson, originally scheduled for 7.50 am that day, to Wednesday (July 22).
An SJI spokesperson reportedly said the school acknowledged that many students would want to watch the World Cup final with their families and had made adjustments to ensure they received sufficient rest before attending classes, creating a more conducive learning environment.
The spokesperson added that the school viewed the occasion as an opportunity for students to learn and appreciate values such as “teamwork, perseverance, resilience and respect”, which align with the institution’s values.
Meanwhile, Anglo-Chinese School (Independent) will also begin lessons an hour later at 8.30 am on July 20, with its chapel session rescheduled to July 22. Students are expected to report to school at 7.45 am on that day.
The school’s principal, Kevin Pang, reportedly said the move was intended to support students in creating meaningful memories with their families while giving them adequate time to rest after the final.
Another school, Hwa Chong Institution, has also allowed students to report at 9.30 am on July 20, nearly two hours later than its usual start time.
Meanwhile, two other schools will host events to mark the World Cup final, with Victoria School and Singapore Sports School (SSP) screening the match, according to Lianhe Zaobao.
Victoria School’s watch party will involve 350 students, who will report to school between 9.30 pm and 10.30 pm before sleeping in the school hall. They will then attend a pre-match briefing at 2.30 am before watching the live broadcast of the final in the auditorium at 3 am.
After the match concludes at around 5 am, participating students will rest in the hall and freshen up using the school’s facilities before lessons begin as scheduled at 7.30 am.
Victoria School principal Low Chun Meng said the watch party was proposed by several students, who saw it as an opportunity to foster a stronger sense of belonging and strengthen friendships within the school.
SSP, meanwhile, will screen the match live at 3 am in the school hall for its student-athletes, parents and teaching staff. Lessons will begin two hours later at 10 am to ensure students are well rested after the match.
The Straits Times added that SSP’s watch party would also feature half-time activities to “keep energy levels high”.
The World Cup final will see football giants Spain and Argentina battle for the sport’s biggest prize in the United States. Argentina will be aiming to secure its third World Cup title, while Spain will be playing in its first final since lifting the trophy in 2010.
