25 October 2023
Students make a splash in the K-2 Swimming Program!
Did you know swimming and water safety are a requirement of the NSW PDHPE curriculum?
They are also vital life skills, so Calderwood is proud to once again partner with McKeon's Swim School to facilitate the K-2 Swimming Scheme this term.
Kindergarten students are required to learn safety skills such as blowing bubbles, floating on their back and entering and exiting the water safely with confidence.
Stage 1 (Years 1 and 2) students learn to perform a range of water safety and survival skills, including treading water and propelling through the water in a streamlined position, using arm action and continuous kicking.
Regular swimming lessons assist the development of gross motor skills, coordination and the left and right sides of the brain. Because swimming is an ambidextrous activity, it is thought to boost language development and help children learn to read and write. Success is based on individual achievement, and will make your child eager to continue to improve. They learn to take pride in each achievement and strive for new goals according to their abilities. Swimming helps children learn to set goals, and to work towards achieving these goals. McKeon's Swim School constantly assesses student ability and adjusts groupings as required so students are met at their point of individual need.
Children who swim year-round have been found to be more self-disciplined and have increased self-confidence and motivation. All these developmental benefits carry over to your child’s schoolwork.
Swimming is also a fantastic way to develop confidence and safe risk-taking skills in cautious children. They can gradually build up trust between themselves, the water, and others who may be in their space. As abilities and confidence increase, children are able to overcome fear and celebrate their achievements.
We pray the K-2 Swimming Scheme establishes a lifelong love of the water and swimming!
Mrs Jessica Allard
Lower Junior School Coordinator (K-2)
