Primary and EY1 & 2 Swimming Lessons

Dear Parents and Students,  

I am delighted to inform you that swimming lessons for Primary and Early Years 1 & 2 students will commence on Monday 6th June and run until the end of term on Thursday 30th June. The students will swim in both of their PE lessons during the final four weeks of the term in order to maximise their time in the pool.  

Students will need the following kit/equipment for swimming lessons:

  • DBIS swimming costume/swimming trunks
  • DBIS rash vest 
  • DBIS swimming cap 
  • Goggles 
  • Towel 
  • Bag for wet clothes 
  • School uniform and underwear (if a child is wearing swimming costume/shorts plus PE kit to school for a morning lesson) 

We recommend that all items have been clearly labelled with your child’s name to avoid lost property. We recognise that some parents may not want to purchase DBIS swimming items at this stage of the school year. With this in mind, although we would ideally like all children to wear the full DBIS swimming kit, on this occasion students are welcome to wear ‘non-DBIS’ swimming costumes/trunks, rash vests and swimming caps if necessary. We do ask that all children have all of the required items that are listed above for every swimming lesson. If you have any questions regarding this, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

If your child is swimming in the morning, they may wish to come to school in their swimming kit to save time and make changing easier. If your child has swimming in the afternoon, we recommend that they would be more comfortable in their school uniform and can change into swimwear at the start of the lesson. The children are encouraged and supported to look after their uniforms and belongings in the changing room by keeping everything in their bags. The children will need to maintain social distancing in the changing room and wear their masks whilst changing and only remove them when they go poolside. 

Students will be grouped according to their individual swimming ability and will be taught and assessed by one of our five qualified swimming teachers. It is important to note that ability groups vary from class to class. A group 1 swimmer in one class might be working to the same level as group 2 or 3 swimmers in another class. Students are grouped with children of a similar ability so that they are in the best position to be able to progress. Less able swimmers are placed in the smallest group in the class so that they can access more support. 

If your child is a swimming beginner or lacks confidence, please be reassured that as a team we have significant experience of teaching swimmers of all levels including complete beginners. We use a variety of buoyancy aids and floats as well as standing tables. As a team we aim to work with the children in a sensitive and nurturing way to build confidence in the water. Please reassure any nervous children that we will look after them and they will have lots of fun! 

If you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact me. 

Yours sincerely,

 

Rob White 

Head of PE and Sport

Discovery Bay International School

[email protected]

DBIS Hub

DBIS Hub