Newz Desk, Durgapur: With football fever gripping the country ahead of the FIFA World Cup final, the debate over whether schools should give students a break the following day has reached Durgapur as well. While several schools in Kolkata have either rescheduled examinations or are considering a holiday to allow students and families to enjoy the biggest match in world football, educators in Durgapur are also weighing the idea.
School administrators say the World Cup final is more than just a sporting event. It brings families together and offers students an opportunity to witness teamwork, discipline and sportsmanship on the global stage.
Mrinal Kanti Karar an educationist said “Football is an emotion for millions. The World Cup comes only once in four years, and many students stay up late to watch the final with their families. Schools should take a practical view while ensuring that academics do not suffer,”
Several private schools in the city are expected to review their examination schedules if they coincide with the morning after the final. School authorities believe that students appearing for early morning tests after a late-night match may face fatigue and reduced concentration.
At the same time, some principals feel that missing the first working day of the week is not an ideal solution. Instead, they are considering alternatives such as postponing examinations, shifting tests to a later date or adjusting the academic calendar without disrupting classroom teaching.
Educators also point out that encouraging students to follow major sporting events can have long-term benefits. Watching football helps children appreciate teamwork, leadership, discipline and healthy competition. Many schools are also trying to motivate students to participate in outdoor games to reduce their dependence on mobile phones and video games.
Government schools in Durgapur are unlikely to face any immediate scheduling issues, as their examination calendar does not coincide with the World Cup final.
As excitement builds ahead of football’s biggest night, parents and students across Durgapur will be watching closely to see whether local schools follow the example of institutions in Kolkata by announcing a holiday or rescheduling examinations.
