School to close early ... so the pupils can watch England play

By Daily Mail Reporter

Last updated at 11:11 PM on 4th June 2010

 

• Comments (123)
  
• Add to My Stories
  

 

 

A school has angered parents by revealing plans to close early to allow pupils to watch a World Cup game.

Headmaster Neil Strowger has agreed to shorten lessons and bring forward a GCSE exam to enable his 1,200 pupils to get home in time for kickoff.

The controversial decision was taken after a request from pupils who are given a say in the running of their school through its Student Voice.

 

School's out: Headmaster Neil Strowger will close Bohunt School early for England's World Cup match against Slovenia

 

Teachers have previously warned of abuse of this nationwide initiative which gives pupils greater power in their schools, allowing them to rate members of staff and even sit on interview panels.

Mr Strowger emailed parents, telling them that England's game against Slovenia on June 23 is 'very important'.

He will shut Bohunt School, Liphook, Hampshire, at 2pm instead of the usual 3.30pm to allow pupils to get home in time for the 3pm kick-off.

 

 

Pride: Young England fans want to get home from school in time to support Fabio Capello's team at the World Cup

 

He said a GCSE food exam will start 'slightly earlier' at 12.30pm. Other students will have their usual six lessons, but they will be five minutes shorter.

But families have hit out, claiming that they are being forced to sort out unnecessary childcare arrangements.

A parent, who did not wish to be named, said: 'I can't believe the school is spending time reorganising its whole day just because of a football match. It's not as if it was the final.'

Mr Strowger yesterday said the school plans to run activities for pupils requiring supervision due to parents' work commitments.

Nick Seaton, of the Campaign for Real Education, said: 'This is totally irresponsible. Schools have a responsibility to operate as normal unless there are exceptional circumstances that require them to close.'

I can remember the 2002 world cup in Japan, my school opened up earlier to see the game in the morning and lessons didn't really start til the end of the match

I wish they did that when I was in school. Super jealous. :P