Why your child might be placed at a different level at Canning Swim School

As parents, it’s natural to wonder why your child might be placed at a different swimming level at Canning Swim School than the one they were in at their school swimming program. While it can be a bit confusing at first, there are several key reasons for this difference. Understanding these can help you feel confident that your child is being placed in the right class to help them succeed and grow as a swimmer.

1. Different Skill Focus

School swimming programs are designed to introduce children to the basics of swimming. These programs tend to focus on essential skills like learning how to swim, building water safety awareness, and becoming comfortable in the water. They typically don’t go into great detail about swimming techniques or refining skills.

At Canning Swim School, we take a more comprehensive approach. Our levels are structured to focus on not only water safety but also improving technique and developing each swimmer’s skills at a deeper level. Whether your child is learning proper stroke form, building endurance, or enhancing their swimming technique, we ensure that each child progresses at their own pace, based on their individual abilities.

2. Different Assessments

School swimming programs usually assess students by having them complete a set number of laps or by measuring their ability to perform basic skills, like floating or kicking. While this approach is valuable for beginners, it doesn’t give a full picture of a child’s swimming ability.

At Canning Swim School, we perform more specific assessments that evaluate things like stroke technique, endurance, and confidence in the water. Our instructors observe your child’s progress more closely to ensure they’re ready to advance to the next level when they’ve truly mastered the skills required. This helps us place them in the most appropriate class for their current skill set.

3. Tailored Progression

Another difference between school swimming programs and Canning Swim School is the way progression is handled. School programs often follow a broad, one-size-fits-all approach to levels, where children advance after achieving basic milestones. While this works for a large group of students, it doesn’t always account for individual progress and unique needs.

Canning Swim School, on the other hand, tailors progression to each swimmer. We focus on refining skills, enhancing techniques, and preparing swimmers for more advanced activities such as competitive swimming, lifeguarding, or even their upcoming school swimming carnival. Our levels are designed to help your child reach their full potential, whether that’s perfecting strokes, improving stamina, or preparing for swim meets in the future.

Why the Different Level Placement?

If your child has passed a school swimming level but seems to be placed at a different level at Canning Swim School, it’s likely because our system is focused on ensuring they’re in the right class for their specific skills. While your child may have mastered some basic skills in school, we want to make sure they’re placed where they can continue to improve and grow as a swimmer. It’s all about finding the class that best suits their current abilities and sets them up for success.

Have Questions or Concerns?

If you’re ever unsure about your child’s placement or have questions about their progress, don’t hesitate to reach out to one of our instructors. We’re always happy to assess your child’s skills and provide feedback to ensure they’re in the right class. At Canning Swim School, our goal is to support your child’s swimming journey and help them achieve their personal best, one stroke at a time.

We’re here to help and guide you through every step of the process. If you have any questions, just let us know – we’re always happy to assist!

By understanding the reasons behind the different levels and how we assess and progress swimmers, you can feel confident that your child is receiving the best possible swimming instruction and support at Canning Swim School.