Our classes follow the STA International Learn to Swim Program, with badges and certificates of achievement awarded in the summer and autumn terms. Classes are 30 minutes, except for levels of 9 and 10, which are 45 minutes. The teacher ratio is at least 1:3 for beginner’s classes, with a maximum of eight swimmers in higher classes.
Please note, with our unique 10-level structure, our classes don’t quite equate to those levels used by many leisure centres and swim schools, but if in doubt we are happy to offer a no-obligation trial class.
Our different classes
BEGINNER
0-5m Front
For complete beginners up to those able to swim up to 3-5m on their front and back independently. Unless children can swim with long legs and arms coming out of the water, they should start here. Classes work towards the STA STAnley series of awards. It’s normal to spend 3 terms at this level, or longer for more nervous children.
BEGINNER
5m+ Front and Back, with over-arm
For those already able to swim 3-5m, kicking with long legs and arms coming right out and over the water. Also able to kick on their back independently with big arm actions. Classes work towards the STA STAnley series of awards. It’s normal to spend 2-3 terms at this level.
INTERMEDIATE
10-15m+ Front, (attempting breathing to the side), 10m Back and Breast
For those already able to swim 10m+ on front and back, with good kick and arm actions and beginning to breathe to the side on front. Also able to swim 5-10m breaststroke with feet turned out. Classes work towards the STA Goldfish awards. It’s normal to spend 2-3 terms at this level.
INTERMEDIATE
Deep Water
15+m Front, Back & Breast (with correct breathing), 5m Fly kick
For those swimming 15-20m+ front-crawl, back-crawl, and breast stroke with correct breathing. Children need to be confident in deep water at this level. Classes work towards the STA Goldfish and Angelfish awards. It’s normal to spend 2-3 terms at this level.
INTERMEDIATE
25+m Front/Back/Breast – 10m Fly kick
For swimmers able to swim 25+ on front/back and breast with correct breathing, and 10m fly kick. This level corrects faults and consolidates strokes. Jumps, diving and survival skills are also taught here. Classes work towards the STA Angelfish awards.
ADVANCED
50m Front/Back/Breast – 5-10m Butterfly
For swimmers competent in all the main strokes and beginning to develop stamina and improve on diving skills. These classes work towards STA Shark awards.
These classes swim in lanes of 25m. Tumble turns, towing and new fun survival skills are introduced here.
ADVANCED
100m Front/Back/Breast, 10-15m Butterfly
These classes expect good strokes in front/back/breast and correct butterfly. They focus on developing efficiency, diving and stamina, and work towards both STA distance and Shark awards. Diving, turns and new fun survival skills make up part of these classes.
ADVANCED
200m Front/Back/Breast, 15m Fly, Dives & Turns
These classes expect good efficient strokes and range aquatic skills. Working on developing strength, speed and competitive skills, and towards both STA distance and Shark 3 award. Fun survival is also covered in this level.
ELITE
400m Front/Back/Breast, 20m Fly, Starts/Turns
These classes need both stamina and a very good level of technique in all the main strokes. Classes work on advanced skills and towards STA distance and Bronze and Silver Advanced Swimmer awards. This class is also ideal for advanced swimmers taking part in the D of E challenges.
ELITE
800m+ Front/Back/Breast, 25m Fly, Starts/Turns
For the most able swimmers and working towards the STA Silver and Gold Advanced Swimmer awards. This class is also ideal for advanced swimmers taking part in the D of E challenges.