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Lesson 12 - Swimming Skills Consolidation

Foundations & Water Confidence

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Year 2

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Swimming

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35 min

Big Question

How can I swim confidently using all the skills I have learned?

Learning Objectives

To consolidate swimming skills learnt throughout the unit
To develop confidence and consistency in front and back swimming
To demonstrate safe water entry and exit techniques

Key Outcomes

Students will swim short distances on front and back with improved consistency
Students will demonstrate confident movement in water on front and back
Students will show mastery of water safety skills and pool entry/exit

Equipment & Resources Required

Kickboards

1 per student (30)

Stored at pool edge, easily accessible to students

Alternative: Pool noodles, arm bands for less confident swimmers

Arm Discs

6 pairs

Distributed across pool floor before lesson begins

Alternative: Sinking toys, weighted objects safe for pool use

Tag Belts

Ready for immediate use if students need confidence support

Alternative: Life jackets, foam belts for nervous swimmers

Foam Noodles

Available for differentiation and extra support activities

Alternative: Additional kickboards, foam supports

Key Vocabulary

Glide

Sliding smoothly through the water in a streamlined position

Streamlined

Body position that reduces drag through the water

Backstroke

Swimming on your back using alternating arm movements

Front crawl

Swimming on your front with alternating arm movements and flutter kick

Flutter kick

Quick, alternating up and down leg movements

Star float

Floating with arms and legs spread wide like a star

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic water confidence and safety awareness
Floating on front and back with support
Basic kicking movements with kickboard
Safe pool entry and exit techniques

Current Skills

Consolidating front and back swimming strokes
Improving consistency in kicking technique
Developing confidence in deeper water movements
Combining multiple swimming skills in sequences

Next Steps

Developing stroke technique and breathing patterns
Swimming longer distances with improved endurance
Learning more complex water safety and rescue skills
Introduction to different swimming strokes

Milestone Indicators

Student can swim 10 metres on front or back

Student demonstrates consistent leg kick from hips

Student can transition between front and back positions

Student shows confidence in independent water movement

Key Teaching Points

Emphasise safety first in all water activities and maintain constant supervision
Focus on building confidence through progressive skill development rather than perfection
Use positive reinforcement to celebrate effort and improvement over absolute performance
Encourage peer support and teamwork to create a supportive learning environment
Adapt activities immediately based on individual student needs and confidence levels
Maintain warm, encouraging atmosphere to promote positive associations with swimming
Ensure all students have opportunities to succeed regardless of their starting swimming ability

Common Misconceptions

Students think they need to swim fast to swim well - emphasise control and technique over speed
Belief that floating requires active effort - teach relaxation and natural buoyancy principles
Assumption that kicking harder always means swimming faster - focus on efficient, hip-driven kicking
Fear that going underwater is dangerous when supervised - build confidence through gradual progression
Misconception that swimming is only for naturally talented students - stress that all can improve with practice
Belief that perfect technique must be achieved immediately - emphasise gradual improvement and persistence

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Short activity bursts with clear transitions, immediate feedback, opportunities for leadership roles, movement breaks

dyspraxia

Simplified movement patterns, additional time for skill development, step-by-step instruction breakdown, peer support

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, visual schedule cards, quiet zones available, predictable activity sequences

visual impairment

Clear verbal instructions with tactile guidance, use of brightly coloured equipment, buddy system with sighted partner

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations and hand signals, written instruction cards, use of vibration signals for starts

physical disability

Adapted entry/exit techniques, additional flotation support, modified swimming positions, equipment adaptations

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting lengths swum, measuring distances, timing activities, collecting and recording data on improvements

Science

Understanding forces in water, buoyancy and floating, breathing and circulation during exercise, water pressure effects

Geography

Water safety awareness for different environments, understanding different types of water bodies and swimming locations

PSHE

Personal safety and risk assessment, building resilience and confidence, teamwork and supporting others, celebrating personal achievements

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Maintain position with clear sight lines to all students, move around pool edge to supervise different activities

Observation Focus

Watch for water confidence, stroke technique development, safety awareness, and peer interaction

Intervention Points

Step in immediately for safety concerns, provide technique guidance when students struggle, facilitate positive peer interactions

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, slow demonstrations for technique, emphasise safety procedures, model positive encouragement and sportsmanship

Verbal Cues

•'Kick from your hips, not your knees!'
•'Keep your body straight like an arrow!'
•'Breathe naturally and stay relaxed!'
•'Help your partner succeed!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Swimming pool with teaching area minimum 10m x 8m, depth appropriate for Year 2 students (0.8-1.2m)

Surface Check

Pool deck dry and non-slip, pool water clear with good visibility to bottom

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check kickboards for cracks or sharp edges
•Ensure diving discs are pool-safe materials
•Verify flotation aids are in good condition
•Check pool ladders and handrails are secure

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Drowning - students in water deeper than standing depth
•Slips and falls on wet pool deck
•Collisions during active games and activities
•Hypothermia from prolonged water exposure

Risk Mitigation

•Constant visual supervision of all students in water
•Ensure teaching area depth appropriate for all students
•Maintain appropriate student-to-instructor ratios
•Regular safety briefings and rule reminders
•Immediate access to emergency equipment

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all students
•Monitor water entry and exit areas closely
•Watch for signs of fatigue or distress
•Ensure students follow pool rules consistently

Emergency Procedures

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