ASA West Midland Region : Teacher Training for Swimming

This up-date aims to clarify the relationship between the PE and School Sport Professional Development Programme (PESS PDP), TOP Sport Swimming and the ASA National Curriculum Training Programme. The information is correct at the time of writing.

The PESS PDP primary module was developed by the PEA UK consortium on behalf of the Department for Education and Skills. Since implementation in September 2004 the programme has been criticised by teachers attending. The problems related to lack of technical knowledge within the courses, a point which was raised by the ASA right at the outset. The result of the review is that from September 2005 the primary teacher national PDP programme will include a 4 hour practically related block covering TOP Sport Swimming. This step is welcomed although it has some added complications for the ASA as TOP Sport Swimming is also included within the National Curriculum Training Programme and there was a great danger of duplication both in terms of training and also in respect of resources. Following a meeting between the ASA, the National CPD Manager and the Youth Sport Trust agreement was reached on how these programmes will dovetail together.

Primary school teachers wishing to access training in the teaching of swimming will be able to do so through a number of routes:-

1. Primary module menu. PD/F TOP swimming

This module is a 6 hour course which includes approximately 4 hours of practically related work that is designed to enable the delegates to support the delivery of swimming activities and water safety in KS1 and 2. Delegates will receive a full set of the TOP swimming cards.

2. Coaching for Teachers. Primary School Teachers Certificate for the Teaching of Swimming.
17 hour ASA National Curriculum Training Programme which consists of Module 1 (7 hours) and Module 2 (10 hours). For further details, evidence required for free courses and registration forms please CLICK HERE.

This course includes and builds upon PD/F, TOP swimming module (above) and incorporates additional practical and theoretical aspects such as managing the pool environment, working as an assistant and roles and responsibilities.

Teachers who have attended 1 or 2 above, who wish to gain additional knowledge about the teaching of swimming activities and water safety can contact the ASA to complete module two of the ASA National Curriculum Training Programme (ten hours). Successful completion of that module will lead to the award of the Primary School Certificate for the Teaching of Swimming, which equips the teacher to lead groups of pupils without additional supervision. Teachers whose only experience of teaching swimming is attendance at the Primary Module PD/F TOP Swimming are recommended to seek additional experience before attending Module 2 of the ASA NCTP. (NB this does not include the appropriate life guarding provision).

Secondary

3. The secondary module menu, SD/F secondary swimming, is a 6 hour course, which includes approximately 4 hours of practically related work that is designed to enable the delegates to support the delivery of swimming activities and water safety in KS3 and 4. The course is delivered locally to meet the needs of the delegates and may cover aspects of swimming activities such as water polo, competitive swimming, diving and synchronised diving and water safety. These disciplines are also available as discrete course within the coaching for teachers programme

In addition the following programmes are available through direct contact with the ASA.

AOTTS - 7 hours and will enable the adult to assist the designated swimming teacher within a school environment.

Qualified Swimming Teachers - 4 hour module focusing on the swimming component of the National Curriculum and TOP Sport Swimming.

CLICK HERE to view the National CPD Programme flowchart.

For further information on the National Curriculum Training programme, Primary School Teacher Swimming Teaching qualifications, Top Sport Swimming and AOTTS please CLICK HERE.