More than 60 pupils from primary schools across Merseyside descended on St John Bosco Arts College, Croxteth, to participate in its Primary Olympics event. 

Returning for its second year, St John Bosco’s Primary Olympics allows Year 4 and 5 pupils to utilise the secondary school’s sports facilities, introducing them to a wider range of physical activities. 

This year’s Primary Olympics saw pupils from St Matthew’s Catholic Primary School, Walton, St Albert’s Catholic Primary School, Knowsley, Our Lady and St Philomena’s Catholic Primary School, Fazakerley, Leamington Community Primary School, Norris Green, and Croxteth Community Primary School compete in events such as javelin, long jump and obstacle relay. 

Year 5 pupil from St Albert’s Catholic Primary School, Cedric, said: “It felt great to take part!” 
St Matthew’s Catholic Primary School was crowned the winner of this year’s event after finishing with 76 points and demonstrating standout performances in the tug of war and 50m race. 

Mrs Claire Wharmby, events and transition lead at St John Bosco Arts College, said: “With the fantastic facilities we have here, the Primary Olympics is the perfect opportunity for children to get involved in sports events that may not be available to them in their primary school. Well done to all primary schools who competed and congratulations to St Matthew’s for taking home the winner’s shield!” 

St John Bosco Arts College’s Primary Olympics is now an established event within the school’s transition programme which supports pupils in upper Key Stage 2 to become more familiar and confident in the secondary school environment before joining. Other events in the school’s programme include the primary production, summer school, taster days, Year 5 fun day and primary choir of the year. 

Headteacher, Mr Darren Gidman, commented: “Our Primary Olympics is a great example of how we welcome our future students to St John Bosco and into our Salesian family long before their first day as Year 7s. Transitioning to secondary school is a significant milestone in a child’s education journey, and by opening our doors to our linked primary schools, we help pupils build new friendships and familiarity.”