Your child’s teacher is responsible for conducting ongoing in-class assessments throughout the term, while the appointed ‘Teacher in Charge’ (TIC) will endeavour to conduct 2 whole class assessments per term, during lesson time. Student progress is documented by TIC staff and a report is emailed to families at least once per term.
The designated ‘Teacher in Charge’ (TIC) is available to discuss student progress with you in person and is available either on pool deck, or in the swim school office during operating hours. Staff are more than happy to discuss student progress and can also arrange an individual student assessment where families require additional feedback.
Should the TIC be unavailable at the time of your request, please contact aquatics@ivanhoegirls.vic.edu.au and we can book a time to follow up with you.
The progress of each student will be unique and therefore there is no set duration in which to complete each level. Students may spend longer developing their skills in levels Blue, Low Green and High Green, since most fundamental skills are covered here.
Like any new skill, progress through the learn-to-swim program will rely on consistency of attendance and opportunities to engage in aquatic recreation and play (outside of formal lesson time).
Learning to swim can be likened to the process of learning to play a musical instrument. Early on, students will learn basic drills, which are similar to musical scales. These drills assist students to establish a strong foundation. With only 30min of structured lesson time each week, the student must practice outside the allocated lesson time in order to keep these scales fresh in their mind. By practicing regularly, the student may notice that applying techniques or recalling information can be performed with greater ease during the next lesson.
Ensuring a safe aquatic environment is available to students outside formal lesson time is critical before we practice. We would therefore encourage you to speak with your swimming teacher, a TIC or the Swimming Manager, should you be looking to swim outside lesson time.
Consider the following before swimming:
Students learn to apply their skills and knowledge most successfully when engaged in play. Therefore, recreational opportunities are incredibly formative and we strongly encourage students to have fun!
No. Whilst all learn to swim programs will develop a student’s water safety skills and knowledge, as well as their formal stroke, each program may place an emphasis on varying elements.
Ivanhoe Girls’ Aquatics aims to enhance a student’s water safety skills through the development of formal stroke technique. A student completing the final learn-to-swim level within our program will therefore have acquired the relevant skills to enjoy swimming for recreation, while also meeting the criteria to participate in club-based squad programs.