Meridian school has been a hive of activity with hundreds of schoolchildren from Royston, the surrounding villages, and beyond heading to the site for a special sporting event and enrichment activity day.

Royston Crow: Hundreds of pupils showed off their sporting talents at the Schoolympics event held at Meridian School. Picture: Courtesy of MeridianHundreds of pupils showed off their sporting talents at the Schoolympics event held at Meridian School. Picture: Courtesy of Meridian (Image: Archant)

The North East Herts School Sports Partnership hosted the annual ‘Schoolympics’ at the Garden Walk School’s field, 3G pitch, hall and gym.

More than 400 students got into teams to compete in events including cycling, tri-golf, football, hockey, cricket, boccia, athletics, and dance.

The teams represented different countries from New Zealand to Great Britain and the youngsters created banners and their countries national flags to wave during the opening ceremony.

Royston Crow: Assistant headteacher Zoe Andrews handed out trophies and certificates to those who took part in the Schoolympics. Courtesy of MeridianAssistant headteacher Zoe Andrews handed out trophies and certificates to those who took part in the Schoolympics. Courtesy of Meridian (Image: Archant)

Partnership manager Jo Prior, who organised the games, said: “It was a brilliant morning of sport with lots of smiling faces all round, the support of local schools, partnership staff, sports leaders and community clubs ensure that events like these can happen for the young people in the partnership.

“I am incredibly grateful to everyone who helped out on the day. Thank you to all at Meridian for allowing Schoolympics to happen.”

Meridian school will also be hosting the next Schoolympics in September.

Royston Crow: Year 9 leaders from Meridian School. Picture: Courtesy of MeridianYear 9 leaders from Meridian School. Picture: Courtesy of Meridian (Image: Archant)

Younger pupils didn’t miss out on a trip to Meridian either as, while the sporting skills where being honed outside, Royston children from Year 2 and 4 got to take part in a series of classes by Meridian’s teachers in PE, maths, art and modern languages.

Assistant headteacher Zoe Andrews said: “It was an absolute delight to welcome the pupils, teachers and parent helpers to Meridian and to watch them engage in the different activities.

“The pupils were fantastic and as I moved around the site talking to them they showed complete enthusiasm for attempting the challenges in each of the different areas.

Royston Crow: Meridian School art teacher Miss Phelps leading a session with pupils from St Mary’s Catholic Primary School. Picture: Courtesy of MeridianMeridian School art teacher Miss Phelps leading a session with pupils from St Mary’s Catholic Primary School. Picture: Courtesy of Meridian (Image: Archant)

“As I waved them all off on their journey back along Garden Walk I had many students wave and shout ‘Adios!’.”

Head of maths Chris Gratton, who organised the visit, said: “Sharing the love of your subject with students of all ages has always been important to me. With the help of my colleagues, here at Meridian many younger students in Royston have been given a taste and experience of subject material they might not see until they arrive at our doors. Much fun was had by all and I look forward to running the same enrichment mornings next year.”

For more on the North East Herts School Sports Partnership see www.nhssp.co.uk.