Swimming

Swimming Strategy at Ballard

Introduction

Ballard Sport aims to support pupils from Year R to Year 11 in Swimming. In Pre-Prep, pupils become more confident and the more able; pupils begin to develop skills and strokes that lead towards competitive Swimming and galas. In Lower Prep, pupils continue to develop skills and strokes and there are many inter-school fixtures and internal galas. In Upper Prep, pupils again compete against other schools. All ability levels are catered for and  pupils are stretched.

In the Senior School, pupils swim as part of their PE lessons and develop stamina and strokes. Pupils also get the opportunity to play water polo too.

Philosophy

‘Fitness is Fun.’ Pupils learn the Ballard Way:

• Different training methods used to reach a personal target
• Develop training over time
• Aim to replicate HRE at home and with parents so as to teach them.
• Years 3 – 5 – Parents are invited to attend workshops during games during the year.

Fixtures

Pupils are selected from the Swim Squad to represent Ballard in galas against other schools. Pupils must attend a swimming activity (breakfast club or after-school activity) or inform PE staff of outside swimming pursuits or reasons for not being able to attend clubs or activities.

In-house competitions

Pupils have equal opportunities to swim in every event at the gala. There are individual races and relays available.

There is also an ‘Open Gala’, where pupils can attempt to beat past school records.