Swimming is a health-promoting and enjoyable physical activity and indeed is vital for personal safety around water. It can also become more challenging as a competitive sport. It is essential that children establish water confidence at an early age in order to reap the benefits this activity can provide.

Below is a brief outline of our swimming programme within the Junior School. All lessons are taught by specialist staff.

Reception : Children in Reception swim once a week on Friday afternoons. They swim as a class for approximately 20 minutes. Initially all children wear armbands unless we have a letter from parents giving permission to swim without them. As the year progresses armbands may be removed when the teacher feels it appropriate. The sessions are generally unstructured and the aim is to increase confidence and enjoy the water!

Years 1 and 2 : All children swim once a week on a Monday afternoon. The lessons are usually structured and are divided into two ability groups within each class. The focus is on developing stroke technique, and during the year children will work towards, and be tested for ASA National Swim Awards.

Years 3 to 6 : All children swim once week and are divided into groups according to ability. The aim is for everyone to become competent swimmers before leaving the department. Those pupils who reach a high standard in their swimming are encouraged to attend the school swimming club.

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