NEW CLASS - BEGINNER 4
[Updated 5th October 2015 @ 2.00pm]
To All Our Customers,
Over the last few terms we have reached the point of saturation in the amount of pupils we have within the swim school. It is of course a lovely problem to have but one we do need to address. We have over the last 2 terms added an additional 8 classes but are still finding that we are over full in some areas. We have therefore over the summer break looked at the options of how to keep the classes within our ideal parameters of pupil numbers and continue swimming progression. We realise that our 'bottleneck' is within the backcrawl classes. We have more backcrawl classes than any other class. From the Beginner groups where pupils can go through the classes quite readily in a single term, once they start in the stroke classes it is generally 3 terms before they pass. Backcrawl can even take longer because of the fact that pupils have come from the beginner groups and have confidence and streamlining to develop.
Taking all this in to account we have made the decision to add another Beginner class – Beginner 4 – this will enable us to use the timings of some of the current Beginner 1 classes therefore slightly reducing the amount of new pupils being introduced into the swim school over the next couple of terms.
The criteria to pass the Beginner 4 class will be as follows:
- Swim 20 Metres (2 Lengths) Front and Back competently and confidently making good travel and holding a good position.
- Perform a Front & Back glide maintaining a streamlined position.
- Swim on front 5m roll onto back swim 5m with a smooth transition in between.
- Swim on back 5m roll onto front swim 5m with a smooth transition in between.
- Perform a Mushroom float and hold for 10 seconds.
- Demonstrate a Backcrawl single arm action whilst holding a float on the chest.
We anticipate that adding a beginner 4 class will enable all pupils moving into backcrawl to be of a higher standard and have a good introduction to the basic actions of the stroke.
No pupil this term will pass into Backcrawl for the following term UNLESS they can complete the above criteria but will move to Beginner 4 if they can pass the Beginner 3 criteria.
The awards available within each level will be adjusted as follows:
- Beginner 1 – Stanley 1 & 2
- Beginner 2 – Stanley 3 & Octopus 1
- Beginner 3 – Stanley 4 & Octopus 2
- Beginner 4 – Stanley 5 & Octopus 3
Stroke classes will be as is currently.
This works well as the criteria for each award has been changed slightly by the STA.
To enable us to make adjustments for each class and most pupils be at the correct level for next term Beginner 2 & 3 will not receive skill awards this term although all criteria will be covered. The only exception to this are pupils who will have achieved Beginner 4 criteria and moved into Backcrawl for next term. Distance badges will be awarded.
We anticipate a smooth transition for the following term.
Any questions regarding the above please do speak to me.
Anne