Swimming at Wells Park

 

Swimming and the National Curriculum:

Since 1994, swimming and water safety have been an integral part of the national curriculum for physical education in England. We are privileged to have the resources to directly address this curriculum requirement. 

At Wells Park every child we aim to deliver at least 1 taught swimming lesson per week throughout the academic year. It is our ambition that every child will leave us with the skills to keep themselves safe in and around water whilst also benefiting from the numerous benefits it has to offer. 

The Three National Curriculum Outcomes:

At Wells Park, we are committed to ensuring that every pupil achieves the national curriculum's three crucial outcomes:

• Perform Safe Self-Rescue: Our pupils are equipped with the skills to perform safe self-rescue in various water-based situations, ensuring their safety in and around water, with specific attention to their unique requirements.

• Swim Competently and Confidently: They are supported in learning to swim competently, confidently, and proficiently over a distance of at least 25 metres, with adaptations tailored to their individual abilities.

• Use a Range of Strokes Effectively: Pupils are encouraged and assisted in using a range of swimming strokes effectively, including front crawl, backstroke, and breaststroke, while considering their individual needs.

The Therapeutic Benefits:

Beyond the essential curriculum outcomes, we recognise that swimming offers profound therapeutic benefits. The soothing properties of water, its sensory richness, and its calming effect have a significant impact on our pupil's well-being.

Our on-site swimming facilities provide a therapeutic environment where pupils can experience relaxation and sensory engagement. Swimming has been shown to reduce anxiety, alleviate symptoms of depression, and boost self-esteem. 

Ongoing Assessment :

Our qualified swimming instructors report assessment outcomes annually for all children, ensuring that their progress is closely monitored and adapted to meet their individual needs.

Furthermore, the end-of-Key Stage 2 (KS2) swimming assessment data is published on our website every Autumn. This allows parents, guardians, and the wider community to see the progress and achievements of our pupils, underscoring our commitment to their growth, safety, and therapeutic well-being.

Our Advantage: Swimming Facilities on Site:

At Wells Park, we recognise the significance of on-site swimming facilities that enable us to offer a comprehensive swimming program, perfectly tailored to meet the diverse needs of our pupils. Every pupil benefits from a skills-based swimming lesson each week, provided in a controlled and supportive environment.

Evening Activities with Lifeguard-Trained Care Officers:

We go the extra mile to enrich our pupils' experiences by offering pool-based evening activities, all under the dedicated supervision of our lifeguard-trained care officers who understand and accommodate the needs of each child. These activities promote physical fitness, social interactions, and a sense of belonging within the Wells Park community, with a therapeutic focus.

Safety: A Priority at Wells Park:

We acknowledge the potential dangers that water can present. Our lifeguard-trained care officers are well-prepared to provide the necessary guidance and adaptations to ensure a safe and enjoyable swimming experience, tailored to the individual needs of each child. Water safety is not just a topic in our curriculum; it's an essential part of our swimming program designed to accommodate everyone.

Empowering Growth and Safety in Harmony:

At Wells Park School, we celebrate the benefits of swimming while also acknowledging and mitigating potential risks. Our combination of promoting the advantages of swimming, the therapeutic benefits it offers, and our unwavering commitment to safety creates an environment where every child can thrive and grow, protected from the potential dangers that water may present.

We are dedicated to empowering our pupils, equipping them with valuable life skills, and providing a supportive and inclusive environment where all children, regardless of their needs, can flourish. Swimming at Wells Park is more than a curriculum requirement; it is an integral part of our mission to nurture confident, capable, and well-rounded individuals with skills to last a lifetime. 

Measuring Our Success: KS2 Swimming Outcomes

At Wells Park School, we are committed to providing a comprehensive swimming program that ensures the safety and skill development of our students. As part of this commitment, we assess their progress throughout and specifically at the end of Key Stage 2 (KS2) to ensure they meet essential outcomes. The table below outlines the outcomes we aim for in swimming, along with the percentage of pupils achieving these goals. This data reflects our dedication to accountability in nurturing confident, capable, and well-rounded individuals.

Outcome	Description	Percentage of Pupils Achieving
Safe Self-Rescue	Students should be able to perform safe self-rescue in water-based situations.	80%
Competent Swimming	Students should demonstrate competence, confidence, and proficiency in swimming.	80%
Effective Use of Strokes	Students should be able to use a range of swimming strokes effectively.	80%
Confident swimmers	Confidently swim unaided over a distance of 25m	80%

Our commitment extends to monitoring and sharing this data, ensuring that our students' growth, safety, and swimming skills are central to our mission.