Stage 1 STARFISH. Up to 3 swimmers per group, sometimes less.

Half hour lessons.

StarFish are non-swimmers. Within this group we will focus on achieving confidence and movement without the use of floatation aids. We promote a flat body position from the start, with swimmers encouraged to put their faces in to blow bubbles. We work on a good kicking technique from the start too, which will help them progress at a quicker rate as they move on to full stroke work. 

There are five Starfish stages, keeping groups smaller but increasing as swimmers become more capable and begin to learn and practice lane etiquet. However, Starfish 5 will have no more than five swimmers per session. Not all children go through all stages - some can jump quickly up, some take their time. We judge each child individually at all levels.

Stage 2 GOBYFISH. 6 swimmers per group.

Half hour lessons.
This is what we call the 'Beginner' stage. Swimmers entering this stage should be able to: Float and kick on their backs - and return to a standing position. Float and kick with a float, flat on their fronts - and be able to put face down (understand blowing and ‘lifting’ to breathe). Have knowledge of and practiced dolphin kick. Have basic arm movements in three, sometimes four strokes. All these skills will then be developed over the greater distance - greater technique instruction will be given and they will begin work on Breast stroke when the teacher feels they are ready to. They will begin to look closer at arm action in all strokes and begin to coordinate their strokes more efficiently.

Stage 3 GOLDFISH. 6 swimmers per group.

Half hour lessons.
This is our Improver Stage - and it does exactly what it says it does... it improves on what we have already put in place. Swimmers entering this stage should be able to: Swim back crawl, with a good flat body, roll hips and shoulders, rotate arms, and maintain a good kick. Swim front crawl with bi-lateral breathing - good arm rotation with whole arms out of water, understand pull-push underwater, and maintain a good strong kick at top of pool. Be developing a competitive breaststroke kick and small arm pulls - understanding the coordination in this stroke. Swim lengths of dolphin kick with a float and be attempting butterfly arms in full stroke. All of these skills will be practiced and improved during this stage.

Stage 4 MARLINS. 8 swimmers per group.

Half hour lessons.
Swimmers entering this stage should be fairly competent with good ability and understanding in four strokes. Increasing work-load, and investigating stroke technique more intensly. These swimmers will be guided towards taking part in club competition.

FLYERS. 

One Hour session.

Most swimmers in this group have progressed here because they have developed a good technical style that is ideal for competition. This session operates on Wednesday evenings from 5.30pm to 6.30pm with Tricia and looks very closely at improving technique in a good competitive style, over increased distances in order to prepare them to move on to Dolphins - our first competitive stage.

Young swimmers in Learn to Swim or those arriving from other teaching or competitive programmes, who wish to move on in to our competitive swimming, should attend this session for either an initial assessment before moving to Dolphins, or for further technique work until they are ready to move.