Children's Lessons
We believe at Kelly College Swimming Pool that as a provider of a Learn to Swim Programme it is imperative that we focus on a high standard of service, which gives the best value and quality of swimming education that we can possibly give. Kelly College Swimming Pool achieved Aquamark Approved Centre status in April 2005, which shows our dedication to excellence.
At Kelly College Swimming Pool we run Children’s Lessons on Wednesday evenings 1730-2000, Thursday evenings 1800-2100, and Saturday mornings 900-1200. We cater for all abilities from total non swimmers (from the age of 4), up to children who have reached a competitive standard. Children’s Lessons at Kelly College Swimming Pool are based on the ASA National Plan for Teaching Swimming (NPTS), and once a block, testing takes place for the appropriate ASA award. To provide variety in the lessons we include aspects of the following disciplines:
- Water skills
- Diving
- Distance
- Water polo
- Synchro
- Personal survival
All our lessons are split into various groups and times depending on the ability of the child.
Clare Short, who co-ordinates all the lessons works full time at the swimming pool, liaises with swimmers and parents and also oversees the whole programme. At present there are over 400 swimmers in the Learn to Swim Programme.
TIDDLERS/MINNOWS (Non Swimmers)
These are sessions for non-swimmers, from 4 years old. The youngest and least confident join the Tiddlers. There is a teacher on the side and assistants in the water. The aim is to develop confidence and being at ease in the water. This is achieved to a greater extent through play with a purpose. The main outcomes involve moving around freely, submerging and opening eyes, floating and using arms and legs to achieve a simple form of travelling through the water.
ELVERS/STICKLEBACKS (Beginners)
The emphasis moves from initial confidence to building a sound foundation in those aspects of “watermanship”, which later on will underpin the performance of sound swimming technique. Becoming completely at home on and under the water, developing control in water breathing and beginning to experiment with different methods of using the limbs for propulsion.
STINGRAYS/SHARKS (Improvers 1)
The focus is now on building competence in the basic elements of propulsion using the main swimming strokes with an emphasis on good steam lining and breathing control. Ranges of aquatic skills are introduced such as sculling and treading water.
SNAPPERS (Improvers 2)
Consolidating the aquatic skills with controlled breathing so participants can swim competently, using correct basic techniques on 3 of the main strokes over 25m and Butterfly over 10m. Turns and essential safe diving practices are now introduced.
THURSDAY 1800-1845/FRIDAY 1830-1915 (Advanced 1)
Progression to a more efficient level of swimming. Consolidating a wider range of associated aquatic disciplines, synchronised swimming, water polo and diving as well as developing greater awareness and expertise in personal water safety and survival swimming.
THURSDAY 1845-1930 (Advanced 2)
Further developments of the main swimming strokes and an introduction to the early stages of training in competitive swimming. This provides a basis for swimming as part of a healthy lifestyle. Basic aerobic endurance and speed swimming are integrated in the programme.
THURSDAY 1930-2015, 2015-2100 (Pre-comp)
This level is designed specifically to prepare young swimmers to take part in developmental coaching and training programmes to make them ready to compete.
The focus is on consolidation of effective technique racing skills, drills and practises and to introduce the more demanding aspects of training.
Please contact Kelly College Swimming Pool if you are interested in your child joining our Learn to Swim Programme.