Training swim teachers of the future

Aspiring swim teachers can dive into a new career and support the next generation of swimmers, with a new six-week course, starting on 31st January.

Article Source: East Renfrewshire Culture & Leisure
Last Updated: 23 November 2023 12:24

East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure has announced the next Scottish Swimming Teaching Qualification (SSTQ) course, in partnership with Scottish Swimming. The course supports the high demand for children's swimming lessons in the area, with around 3,200 children currently participating in East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure Trust swimming lesson programme, offered at their four pools in the region.

The teaching qualification is SCQF Level 7 on the SQA Board and combines online training with practical learning, where candidates shadow current swimming teachers in the water and support children during Learn to Swim lessons.

The course is led by Danielle Brayson, who was awarded the UK Coaching Performance Development Coach of the Year in 2019 and is head coach of the City of Glasgow swim team, training junior international swimmers and has worked with Commonwealth Games medallists.

Danielle said: "The SSTQ is a vocational course and our swimming teachers work alongside our qualified teachers, experience working with children in the pool from day one, lesson plan and learn and teach water safety as well as developing all four swimming strokes. It is the equivalent of an advanced Higher and counts towards university applications.

"The course has been running for four years now and we've welcomed participants of all different ages, abilities and backgrounds, from non-swimmers to club swimmers who compete. We are also looking for people who are retired and have spare time on their hands. The main requirement is to be comfortable in the water. Many participants develop their own swimming skills as part of the course. They all undertake theoretical and practical learning and can supervise a class competently by the end.

"It's fantastic to see their progression, developing from the start of the course through to becoming fully qualified swim teachers who make swimming fun for children, while they develop their skills and confidence in the water."

Previous participant Alanna Connelly has now secured a role as a swimming teacher with East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure, following the course. Alanna developed her own skills during the course, learning the butterfly stroke and how to dive.

Alanna said: "I know lots of adults that can't swim. I think it's a skill that everyone should learn. I was quite apprehensive at first because I was one of the older ones (on the course) but it was great. I've not come from a swim background or been in a swim team, but I have learned new skills in the water as part of the course, including diving and the butterfly stroke, so I'm able to break this down and teach others.

"The kids in the classes are really good fun and you can see the progress from week to week. My own kids are grown up now so it's good to give something back."

Robert Hammond from East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure added: "Our swim teachers play a vital role, helping young swimmers to develop confidence, skills and competence in the water throughout the year and also delivering water safety awareness.

"Swimming is a life skill and we're delighted to be able to train our future swimming teachers, to ensure we can continue delivering the best quality programme for learners. We look forward to working with our next group and providing them with the support they need to complete the course and progress to paid employment as swimming instructors."

The next SSTQ course takes place online and at Barrhead and Neilston Leisure Centre swimming pools from 31 January - 2 March 2024:
www.ercultureandleisure.org

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Training swim teachers of the future

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