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Lesson 12 - Swimming Skills Consolidation

Water Confidence & Play Skills

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Year 1

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Swimming

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43 min

Big Question

How can we bring together all our swimming skills to move confidently in the water?

Learning Objectives

To consolidate swimming skills learnt throughout the unit
To develop confidence and consistency in front and back swimming
To demonstrate improved water confidence and safety awareness

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate consolidated swimming skills with improved technique
Students will show increased confidence when moving on front and back in water
Students will apply safety skills when entering and exiting the pool

Equipment & Resources Required

Kickboards

1 per student (30)

Distributed around pool edge for easy access

Alternative: Foam noodles, swimming belts

Arm Discs

6 pairs

Placed at shallow end for retrieval activities

Alternative: Sinking toys, weighted objects

Tag Belts

Ready for students requiring flotation support

Alternative: Swimming aids, life jackets

Foam Noodles

Available for alternative flotation support

Alternative: Kickboards, swimming rings

Key Vocabulary

Glide

Sliding smoothly through the water after pushing off from the wall

Kick

Moving legs up and down to propel yourself through the water

Float

Staying on the surface of the water without sinking

Star shape

Floating position with arms and legs spread wide like a starfish

Submerge

Going under the water surface

Streamlined

Body position that moves smoothly through water

Skill Progression Pathway

Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going

Prior Learning

Basic water entry techniques
Holding onto pool wall with confidence
Basic floating positions
Simple kicking movements with support

Current Skills

Consolidating front and back swimming movements
Independent kicking with kickboard
Rolling between front and back positions
Swimming short distances independently

Next Steps

Developing arm stroke technique
Increasing swimming distances
Improving breathing technique
Building endurance and stamina

Milestone Indicators

Smooth entry and exit from pool

Confident movement on front and back

Consistent kicking technique

Ability to retrieve objects underwater

Key Teaching Points

Maintain constant supervision and safety awareness throughout
Build on previous lessons' skills while introducing new challenges
Focus on individual progress rather than comparison with others
Use positive reinforcement to build water confidence
Ensure all students experience success at their appropriate level
Emphasise proper technique over speed or distance
Create supportive environment where students encourage each other

Common Misconceptions

Thinking that kicking should come from knees rather than hips
Believing that swimming fast is more important than good technique
Assuming that struggling swimmers should avoid deep water activities
Thinking that floating requires constant movement to stay up
Believing that all students should progress at the same rate
Assuming that water confidence cannot be developed through practice

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity segments, clear boundaries marked, regular positive feedback, movement breaks incorporated naturally

dyspraxia

Simplified movement patterns, extra practice time, larger equipment, reduced complexity in skill sequences, additional physical support

autism spectrum

Clear visual schedule of activities, consistent routines, quiet areas available, warning before transitions or changes

visual impairment

Use bright coloured equipment, provide verbal descriptions of all activities, buddy system with sighted partner, tactile markers around pool edge

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations essential, hand signals for communication, written instructions available, vibration signals for attention

physical disability

Adapted pool entry methods, additional flotation support, modified swimming techniques, specialist equipment where needed

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting swimming strokes, measuring distances swum, timing floating activities, calculating items collected in games

Science

Understanding buoyancy and floating, water resistance and movement, breathing and oxygen needs, body systems during exercise

Geography

Understanding water safety in different environments, map skills for pool layout, directions and spatial awareness in water

PSHE

Building self-confidence and resilience, supporting others and teamwork, overcoming fears and challenges, celebrating personal achievements

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Position yourself where you can see all students at all times, move around pool edge to maintain visibility, stay close to water for immediate assistance

Observation Focus

Monitor water confidence levels, watch for signs of fatigue or distress, assess swimming technique development, note safety awareness

Intervention Points

Step in immediately if student shows signs of panic or distress, provide additional support for struggling swimmers, ensure safe spacing between students

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate from outside pool first, enter water only when safe to do so, use clear, exaggerated movements, ensure all students can see demonstration

Verbal Cues

•'Kick from your hips, not your knees!'
•'Keep your body straight like an arrow!'
•'Breathe slowly and stay relaxed!'
•'Well done! You're getting stronger!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Swimming pool with designated teaching area, minimum depth appropriate for year group, clear pool perimeter

Surface Check

Pool deck checked for slip hazards, appropriate non-slip surfaces around pool edge, emergency equipment accessible

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•All flotation devices checked for damage and properly inflated
•Diving discs confirmed as appropriate weight and size
•Kickboards inspected for cracks or rough edges
•Emergency rescue equipment positioned and accessible

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Drowning or near-drowning incidents
•Slips and falls on wet surfaces
•Collisions between students in water
•Panic or distress in water

Risk Mitigation

•Constant direct supervision of all students in water
•Appropriate student-to-teacher ratios maintained
•Emergency action plan rehearsed and accessible
•Students' swimming ability assessed before deep water activities

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Teacher positioned for maximum visibility of all students
•Additional adult supervision for non-swimmers
•Clear sight lines maintained throughout lesson
•Emergency whistle and rescue equipment immediately accessible

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate rescue/first aid, follow school emergency protocols, contact emergency services if required