At AquaNewts, we play lots of games during our Warm Ups / Main Theme / Contrast of our lessons, however, every game is not just through play... whilst we use the approach that swimmers think they get to play... they're using their skills and developing their technique and stamina. However, this is often delivered through gameplay to help boost engagement and achievement.

We also occasionally use a Montessori approach for certain 1:1 lessons where we deem necessary; AquaNewts teachers know when to use this approach for some swimmers with Additional Needs or in Home Ed sessions - or at the request of the family.

Every milestone, no matter how big or small, is still a milestone.

Praise & Targets are given regularly - we award in each class a recognition certificate to a swimmer who has completed a skill, faced a fear or put lots of effort in - these are free of charge too!

Lessons are structured to create a Whole/Part/Whole progression as well as including recaps and incorporating the key stage skills through the Main Theme of the lesson - rather than just specifically during a contrasting activity! 

This means that you'll notice that we do an unaided/low aided short distance swim at the beginning of every lesson as part of the warm up game for younger swimmers; or a stroke focus drill will incorporate additional styles and skills!

Key Sections

• Safe Entries/Exits

• Recaps, Roll or Rotation

• Warm Up Game/Challenge (No Aids)

• Main Stroke Theme 

• Contrasting

At AquaNewts, the criteria criteria is strengthened and increased for every Stage and Distance award.

• We follow the Learn to Swim Pathway and Duckling/Adult pathway - Approved & Published by Swim England and STA - meaning you/your swimmer can achieve the progressive awards. However, we add additional criteria to these awards to allow a technical focus.

• Each stage has a specific distance goal.

• We don't follow the Discovery Duckling program; the key additional skills are is integrated into our Duckling 1 / 2 steps

• CLICK HERE to view pathway.

I never have, never will, like the use of Arm Discs when teaching. 

1. Lazy Teaching, Lazy Swimming - Armbands are good for floatation - inflatable ones especially can just lead to swimmers to float and travel - but not really swim correctly.

2. False sense of security and a comfort blanket - Not good for a swimmer as then they become anxious and they we have to rebuild water confidence about 75% of the time.

3. Affects positioning - Enough said, not good for swimming!

4. Woggles & Kickboards are better - If more support is needed, a woggle will allow a swimmer to benefit from floatation aid more; whilst I know all floatation aids have their drawbacks and woggles will help enhance the positioning more so - it does allow for improved arm action.

5. Can mess up technique, for a very long time - You cannot do fully perform any extension of the arms without it being technically flawed - and for any front or back paddle, the advantage of having floatation aids is huge - as soon as they're taken away, positioning and technique will often go with them.