Swimming lesson stages
- Beginner
Younger pupils of 4½ and 5 years old build initial water awareness and confidence through play and teacher-led activities. Beginners are introduced to basic water skills such as blowing bubbles, kicking and handling floats, in a fun and secure environment
- Stage 1
Non-swimmers with some water confidence. Stage 1 begin to develop basic submersion confidence, gliding and floatation skills as well as continuing to improve kick action while working with floats on front and back. Lessons are delivered through fun teacher-led activities and games
- Stage 2
Stage 2 continues to develop aquatic breathing and kick action, as well as improving gliding and floatation skills, in a slightly more formal lesson format. They are also introduced to simple rotations and over arm action, working towards basic front and back strokes
- Stage 3
Stage 3 continue to develop key swimming skills and improve basic stroke techniques, with a particular emphasis on developing breathing techniques. We begin in the teaching pool but children are gradually introduced to the main pool to build confidence in slightly deeper water (1 metre)
- Stage 4
Based at the shallow end of the main pool, stage 4 continue to develop aquatic skills and stroke techniques, with a particular focus on sculling and breaststroke. They also start to build deep water confidence through activities at the deep end of the main pool (1.7 metres)
- Stage 5
Based at the deep end of the main pool and working in lengths and widths, stage 5 focuses on improving technique in the four major strokes and on continuing to develop key aquatic skills. They also start to work on building stamina and completing the 50 metres distance award.
- Stage 6
Stage 6 continue to develop stroke technique and stamina while working in lengths. Progressively more advanced skills are introduced and children have the opportunity to undertake the challenge one award and to work towards completing the 100 metres distance award
- Stage 7
Stage 7 focuses on developing advanced skills and stamina and on refining stroke technique. Children are introduced to lane discipline and the pace clock. They have the opportunity to undertake the challenge two award and to work towards completing their 200 metres distance award
- Stage 8
Stage 8 continues to develop stamina and stroke technique while swimming in lanes. Children are introduced to more advanced skills, including turns and diving, and have the opportunity to complete their 400 metres distance award. Bronze challenge award and stage 8 diving award
- Advanced - 800 metres silver challenge and gold challenge
Advanced consolidates skills, strokes, speed and stamina. Through timed swim challenges and the development of advanced skill combinations, we build up to the completion of the silver and gold challenge awards. Children also have the opportunity to complete their 800 metres distance award.