Learn to Swim Scheme (LTS)
The Learn to Swim sessions are at the Wells Leisure Centre on a Wednesday from 6.00pm to 6.30pm and 6.30pm to 7.00pm. WASM operate the new ASA national teaching plan. Each swimming Group has been named for width groups starting with beginners to Stage 8; Penguins, Otters, Turtles, Seals, Sea Lions, Dolphins, Sharks and Piranhas. Coaches include Coordinator Diana Husdon, Kim Butler, Diane Yeates and Robert Dean. Assistance in lessons also comes from Young Volunteers.
New swimmers are invited to have a trial with the head coach to determine the squad that they should swim in.
Please contact Diana Hudson on 01749 675591 or ralph.hudson@virgin.net
Cost:£15.00 monthly standing order
Click here to see the Synergy Cylinder
The programme is delivered in term long blocks where the swimmers are continually assessed. At the end of the term they are told whether they are ready to move to the next stage.
The groups are as follows. Badges are awarded when the child has reached the appropriate standards. Swimmers change groups when the teacher decides that the swimmer has reached the appropriate level.
The teachers always have the child's best interest at heart and know that sometimes the child is not ready for the challenges they will be faced with at the next stage.
The teachers always have the child's best interest at heart and know that sometimes the child is not ready for the challenges they will be faced with at the next stage. The majority of children will not move straight through the stages, but will need to spend more time mastering the skills necessary to move on. If you are concerned about your child's progress please talk to the learn to swim co-ordinator.
To book your child's place please contact Diana Hudson (ralph.hudson@virgin.net )
Parental Guide
We use the ASA National Plan for Teaching
Swimming. Follow this link
to see a guide written by the ASA and sets out the syllabus and its aims and
objectives for the Teaching of Swimming and for pupils who follow this
syllabus with us. It leads nicely into our Competitive Squad.
Frequently Asked Questions Parents:
WHAT is the ASA? The Amateur Swimming Association, is the National Governing Body for Swimming in England, the disciplines include: Swimming, Diving, Water Polo, Open Water and Synchronised Swimming. The ASA organises competitions throughout England, establishes the laws of the sport and operates comprehensive certification and education programmes for teachers, coaches and officials as well as its renowned Awards Scheme.
WHAT is the NPTS? It is the 'National syllabus' produced by the National Governing Body for Swimming, the Amateur Swimming Association (ASA) to assist and support the delivery of swimming lessons. It is a single pathway for Swimmers to learn how to be competent and confident in the water. It is a 'multi skill' programme for swimmers to learn how to swim and be proficient (competent) in water for them to then make the choice to continue to participate in any aquatic sports later on... such as Competitive Swimming, Diving, Synchronised Swimming, Water Polo and Rookie Lifesaving.
WHAT are the Kellogg's Awards? Kellogg's sponsor the ASA Awards Scheme.
WHAT Awards OR Stages are included in the NPTS? The NPTS includes Foundation Phase (Adult & Child, ASA Duckling Awards), plus there is an additional phase of Alpha Awards between Foundation and NPTS Stage 1 to support adults who may not be very water confident or support for those with a disability. (Not currently offered by Frome Swimming Club)
The Core, FUNdamental Movement skills are NPTS Stages 1 - 7.
The Sport Specific Skills are the discipline specific Stages 8 - 10.
The Synergy Cylinder diagram included in the NPTS Resources gives a clear overview of the pathways and how to develop the Swimmer's
WHEN does a Swimmer Achieve an Award? A Swimmer must pass ALL outcomes for that Stage before they have achieved an Award. The outcomes MUST BE performed to a standard that is stipulated by the ASA and included in the NPTS Resources.
WHEN does a Swimmer move into the next Group? A swimmer will move to the next group when they have achieved the standard required to pass the stage.
WHAT happens after a Swimmer has completed ALL Stages of the NPTS? (i.e. achieved Stage 7) The club currently offers a Competitive Squad which all swimmers will be invited to join when they achieve the standard required to pass stage 7.
HOW long will it take for my child to pass each Stage? This will vary with every child. If a child has the experience of pre-school or adult and child sessions then he/she may move faster initially through the NPTS Stages 1 & 2 as they will be familiar with the environment and possibly confident in the water.
WHY might Swimmers be playing Games instead of swimming widths/lengths? To learn how to swim, pupils need to master skills that will help them float, breathe and move around in the water. Through games, swimmers have FUN and learn important skills. If swimmers are having FUN they enjoy what they are doing and often learn faster. The NPTS has a multi skills approach so all the skills that are learnt lead to development of a competent and confident swimmer, who is safe and happy in the water.
WHAT is LTAD and WHAT are the long-term benefits of LTAD? LTAD refers to 'Long Term Athlete Development'. LTAD is a clear pathway of development for an Athlete, in our case 'a Swimmer'. There are 5 stages to LTAD, and 'Learn to Swim' is all about FUNdamentals. Growth is rapid due to the development of large muscle groups in a child, and therefore the emphasis should be on developing basic movement literacy and fundamental movement skills in all sports/ activities. In order to develop basic movement literacy successfully, there should be participation in a wide range of activities hence the FUNdamental, multi-skill approach in delivering the NPTS syllabus.
