Training Science & Competition Skills
•Year 8
•Swimming
•One at each end of pool for accurate timing, ensure waterproof or kept dry
Alternative: Smartphone timer apps, pool pace clock
Check lanes are clearly marked and secure before students enter
Alternative: Pool lane ropes (typically permanent installation)
Poolside for displaying lane assignments and test instructions
Alternative: Laminated cards, clipboard with paper
Pre-printed with student names for efficient time recording
Alternative: Digital recording device, class register with columns
For demonstrating Swim Fit website registration if WiFi available poolside
Alternative: Students use own devices post-lesson
The rules and protocols for swimming safely and courteously in shared lane spaces
Taking responsibility for your own swimming practice and progress
The cardiovascular endurance and technique efficiency needed for sustained swimming
Measuring current ability to identify strengths and set improvement targets
Maintaining at least 5 metres distance between swimmers in a lane
Taking personal responsibility for technique, safety, and improvement
Specific, measurable goals for swimming improvement
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Vocabulary development: technical swimming terminology. Following complex verbal instructions accurately. Articulating self-reflection and evaluation. Giving constructive feedback to peers.
Measuring time in minutes and seconds. Calculating improvement percentages between baseline and future tests. Understanding pace (e.g., 2 minutes for 100m = 30 seconds per 25m). Distance measurement and metric units.
Cardiovascular system response to exercise (heart rate, breathing rate). Muscle function during sustained activity (aerobic vs anaerobic). Forces in water: drag, propulsion, buoyancy. Energy systems and fatigue.
Using Swim Fit website to access information and resources. Digital literacy: creating accounts, navigating websites, online safety. Using technology for fitness tracking and self-improvement.
Setting personal goals and targets. Resilience and perseverance when facing challenge. Managing emotions (anxiety about test, disappointment, pride). Independence and taking responsibility for own progress. Growth mindset and learning from setbacks.
Position at pool mid-point for maximum visibility of all lanes. Move strategically during test to maintain sightlines to swimmers at different stages. During briefings, position where all students can see and hear clearly without glare or echo issues.
Prioritise safety scanning above all else. Secondary focus: lane etiquette application, technique observation (for future teaching), effort and resilience indicators, pacing strategies, completion status for each student.
Immediate intervention if safety concern (struggling swimmer, collision risk). Intervene if lane etiquette breaking down and causing congestion or confusion. Provide encouragement during test but avoid technique coaching (assessment conditions). Offer support to students unable to complete test - positive reframing of outcome.
Demonstrate: left-side swimming by walking pool edge path. Demonstrate: streamlined body position on poolside (if not entering water). Demonstrate: ready position for push-off. Demonstrate: hand signals for stop/listen. Use exaggerated gestures for visual clarity. If comfortable, in-water demonstrations are most effective but not essential for this lesson.
25m swimming pool with minimum 4 lanes for class size up to 30 students. Clear lane markings and functioning lane ropes essential. Adequate poolside space for pre-lesson briefing and post-swim congregation.
Pool deck inspected for slip hazards before lesson. Any excess water cleared. Pool water chemistry checked (chlorine, pH levels) as per facility procedures. Pool depth markers visible and understood by all students.
STOP signal (whistle or raised arm) brings all swimmers to nearest wall immediately. Student in difficulty: use reaching pole first if close, enter water for rescue if necessary (contact tow, speak calmly). All other students exit water calmly via nearest steps. Call for emergency support (pool lifeguard, first aider, emergency services if needed). Administer first aid as qualified. Complete incident report. Notify parents/guardians of any incidents.
Sign up free to access 3 complete units per month, unlimited activity library, and your personal locker.