Please use these class levels as a guide when making enquiries, or when adding swimmers to the waiting list.
There may be occasions where swimmers have joined lessons mid term or where a swimmer has completed all learning outcomes for their current Grade but will remain in the class until the end of term if we are half way through the course. On these occasions, the swimmer will be undertaking more challenging tasks within the class, and may begin working towards the next grade, while remaining in their current Grade level.
Cygnets
Cygnet Class (These classes are held at Waverley School Only)
Swimmers in this class are typically aged four -five years old.
- Good for swimmers age four – five years old who may be having their first experiences in the swimming pool without parents.
- Good for younger swimmers experiencing teacher led instruction/lesson expectations for the first time.
Grade 1
Grade One is suitable for new swimmers or beginner swimmers with some confidence levels.
- Good for any swimmers over age five who are at the start of their learning journey.
- Good for learners who may be confident but unable to travel unaided on their front and back.
- Good for learners who may be confident but who have never experienced swimming without a parent or guardians in the pool.
- To progress to Grade 2, swimmers must complete all outcomes from Grade 1 award (with aids) AND all outcomes from Grade 1 extra criteria (unaided)
- Swimmers may also achieve alternative awards while in a Grade one class.
Grade 2
Grade 2 is suitable for swimmers who can travel 2-3 metres on both front & back without using aids
- Good for swimmers who can confidently submerge.
- Good for swimmers who can float on both front & back without using aids.
- Good for swimmers who can travel 2-3 metres on both front & back without using aids.
- Good for swimmers who can travel 5 metres on both front & back, holding a noodle
- To progress to Grade 3, swimmers must be water confident & be comfortable with submersion.
- Swimmers must be able to swim for 5m front crawl, demonstrating an over arm action throughout the swim.
- Swimmers must be able to swim for 5m backstroke, demonstrating an over arm action throughout the swim.
- Swimmers must be able to perform a push & glide from the wall and hold a streamlined position on both front & back.
In this class swimmers can achieve a 5m distance award & may also achieve a Grade 2 certificate or an award from an alternative range.
Grade 3
Grade 3 is suitable for swimmers who can consistently swim for 5 metres on both front & back using an overarm action, without aids.
- Good for swimmers who can confidently push, glide & kick their legs on the front without using aids (face must be in the water)
- Good for swimmers who can confidently push, glide & kick their legs on the back without using aids
- Good for swimmers who can swim 5 metres on both front & back using an overarm action.
- Good for swimmers who can safely jump into shallow water without aids or assistance
- To progress to Grade 4 swimmers must successfully complete all grade 3 outcomes.
- Swimmers must be able to swim 10 front crawl using an overarm action and mainly side breathing.
- Swimmers must be able to swim 10m backstroke using an overarm action and keeping the body in a horizontal position.
- Swimmer must be able to comfortably tread water in a horizontal position
Grade 4
Grade 4 is suitable for swimmers who can consistently swim for 10 metres on both front crawl & backstroke without using aids.
- Good for swimmers who can swim breaststroke for 5 metres without using aids
- Good for swimmers who can comfortably submerge and retrieve an object
- Good for swimmers who can tread water for 10 seconds keeping chin above the water throughout
- To progress to Grade 5 swimmers must successfully complete all Grade 4 outcomes.
- Swimmers must be confident in deeper water
Grade 5
Grade 5 is suitable for 15 metre swimmers who are confident swimming widths of the pool out of their depth.
- Good for swimmers who can consistently swim 15m on both frontcrawl & backstroke across deep water showing reasonable style & technique
- Good for swimmers who can swim 10m breaststroke
- Good for swimmers who can tread water for 20 seconds keep chin above the water throughout
- To progress to Grade 6 swimmers must successfully complete all Grade 5 outcomes
- Swimmers must be able to swim 25m front crawl demonstrating good technique with side breathing and a consistent over arm action.
- Swimmers must be able to swim 25m backstroke demonstrating good technique with a smooth, consistent overarm action and good body position.
- Swimmers must display a good breaststroke leg action with feet in the correct position and have good understanding of the timing of the stroke.
Grade 6
Grade 6 is suitable for swimmers who can can consistently swim 25 metre on front & back + 20 metres breaststroke
- Good for swimmers who can swim 25 metres frontcrawl consistently demonstrating side breathing
- Good for swimmers who can swim 25 metres backstroke using alternating arms & legs & with a good body position
- Good for swimmers who can swim 20 metres breaststroke demonstrating correct arm & leg action and reasonable timing of the stroke
Grade 7
Grade 7 is suitable for swimmers who can proficiently swim 3 strokes over distances of 75m+
- Good for swimmers developing a 4th stroke
- Good for swimmers building stamina while retaining correct stroke technique
- Good for swimmers gaining lifesaving awareness
- Good for learning correct starts, turns & finishes (water depth permitting)
Advanced
Advanced 1 & Advanced 2
Advanced level 1 classes are good for swimmers who can swim at least 3 strokes proficiently for a minimum of 200m
Advanced level 2 classes are suitable for swimmers who are perfecting all 4 strokes over distances of 200m+
Advanced level classes are:
- Good for swimmers working towards Challenge Bronze, Challenge Silver, Challenge Gold & Honours awards
- Good for swimmers aiming for longer distance achievements 400m +
- Good for swimmers who wish to swim for exercise, fitness & fun.
Private Lessons
Private lessons are booked in termly blocks.
These lessons are suitable for adults or children and offer the full 30 minutes of individual contact time for the swimmer(s). They are suitable for more nervous swimmers, those with additional needs, swimmers who want to learn/focus on specific strokes or just for those who simply want or prefer a lesson personalised to suit their needs.
Class allocation is dependent on lesson availability, along with teacher & pool space matching with height, age and prior experience of the swimmer.
Private lesson give the swimmer a dedicated instructor in a dedicated are of the swimming pool with other lessons taking place at the same time.
Adult
We offer both group and private lesson options for adult swimmers starting from beginner swimmers gaining confidence, through to more experienced swimmers looking to improve their strokes and technique.
Adult group classes are friendly and informal with a maximum of 6 adults per teacher, ensuring that all swimmers receive sufficient attention during the lesson.
Adult swimmers are given the opportunity to practice independently while being supported with any challenges or concerns they have with their stroke.
Adult lessons are informal and fun with lots of laughter and positive energy.
Swimmers with Additional Needs
We are focused on the individual needs of the swimmer when a swimmer has additional needs.
At the point of enquiry, we assess options for group or private lessons for the swimmer based on physical and cognitive ability, personality and the ability of the swimmer being able to follow instructions.
Our instructors are experienced in working with a wide range of abilities and tailor their teaching strategies to each individual swimmer. Children and adults alike benefit from a supportive environment where their unique needs are acknowledged, and their progress is celebrated. For swimmers with additional needs, our approach is centred on understanding and accommodating their specific requirements. We aim to create a comfortable and engaging learning experience that fosters both confidence and skill development in the safest way which is most beneficial for the swimmer and other pool users.