Schools delay class start for students to watch World Cup final

Several Singaporean schools are adjusting their schedules, including delaying class starts by one to two hours, on the morning of 20/7 to allow students to comfortably watch the World Cup final.

On 20/7, many schools in Singapore adjusted their morning schedules to enable students to watch the World Cup final, which was broadcast at 3 AM Singapore time. St Joseph’s Institution (SJI) and Anglo-Chinese School (Independent) were among those that delayed their start times by one hour, with classes beginning at 8:30 AM.

Any missed lessons or early morning prayers will be rescheduled for subsequent days.

An SJI representative stated the school understood many students wished to watch the final with their families. This adjustment provided students with additional rest time before class, ensuring their studies remained unaffected. The school also viewed it as an opportunity to instill core values, including teamwork, perseverance, resilience, and respect. "Schools play a crucial role not just academically, but also in helping young people meaningfully connect with important moments outside the classroom," the representative added.

The principal of Anglo-Chinese School (Independent) shared a similar perspective. In a letter to students and parents, he recounted a cherished childhood memory of staying up late to watch a World Cup match with his father. While he barely remembered the game itself, he noted, "What stayed with me was the excitement, the conversations, and the privilege of sharing that special moment with him."

Different institutions adopted various approaches to accommodate their students. Hwa Chong Institution allowed students to arrive almost two hours later, with classes commencing at 9:30 AM. Meanwhile, Victoria School (VS) maintained its 7:30 AM start but organized an overnight viewing party for 350 students. Those who registered arrived on the evening of 19/7 to sleep before the match. After the final, expected to conclude at 5 AM, students were given time to rest before attending classes.

VS Principal Low Chun Meng explained that the overnight viewing was proposed by 10th-grade student representatives. The school recognized it as a valuable opportunity for students to bond over their shared love for football and strengthen internal solidarity. Students at Singapore Sports School (SSP) received the most flexible arrangements, benefiting from a joint broadcast of the match and a delayed start to classes at 10 AM, two hours later than usual.