The very youngest pupils at the school took their first plunge into the water this week as the two Nursery classes began weekly swimming lessons.
Starting in the Spring term, swimming lessons are an exciting new part of the curriculum for Nursery children each year, and the first time that they have a sports lesson in the Colfe’s sports centre. It is also, for some, their first experience of formal swimming.
Helping the children acclimatise to the 25m swimming pool and overcome any nerves is the first step, and their introduction to the pool is a gentle one. Each child is equipped with arm floats and accompanied by swimming and class teachers, with technique being introduced as confidence builds over the coming months.
Aquatics are a fundamental part of the Physical Education provision at Colfe’s. From Nursery to Year 2 pupils have swimming lessons every week throughout the year, switching to half-termly lessons from Years 3-6. Splash clubs are open to all pupils from Year 1 upwards, swim squad begins in Year 3, while water polo club is offered from Year 5 and starts within the curriculum in Year 6. Pupils in the Senior school enjoy a five-week rolling module of swimming, water polo and personal survival/lifesaving as part of the PE curriculum, with additional year-round co-curricular opportunities including water polo and swim training from Year 7 all the way to Year 13.
Head of Aquatics Sarah Manzi said: “Starting swimming lessons is a key milestone for our Nursery children and is the first step in their aquatics pathway. Instilling confidence in the water and laying these foundations as early as possible is crucial, from which a real love of swimming and water sports can grow.
“We have seen first-hand many of our pupils progress throughout their time at the school and go on to achieve incredible success regionally, nationally and internationally. In water polo particularly we are seeing a surge in popularity, with rising numbers of pupils joining the water polo club and some outstanding team and individual results. Across the whole school, our swimmers and both boys’ and girls’ water polo teams are achieving tremendous success in and dominance of inter-school fixtures and regional competitions. Two of our current Y13 students are part of the GB U19 water polo squads, with a fellow Y13 student recently placing a terrific 7th in the England Swimming National Championship. Another has held the position of Kent Schools champion for the past four years, along with a number of both junior and senior pupils qualifying for the County, Regional and National Swimming Championships.
“Seeing the children take their first plunge now is so exciting – who knows where it could take them? But whether the children choose to pursue a path in aquatics or not, it is joyful to see their progress and enjoyment develop over the coming months and years.”
For the children taking their first plunge this week, the lessons proved hugely successful, with feedback including: “The floats were fun” (Serena), “I liked it a lot” (Victor) and “It was amazing!” (Mae).
