With the new diving FUNdamentals programme Flip n Fun becoming ever more popular, we invited a Swimming Teacher from Tandridge Leisure, Surrey to provide a critique on the exciting learn to dive programme.

Launched last summer and developed by the Amateur Swimming Association (ASA), Flip n Fun introduces children aged five to eleven to the basics of a sport that has achieved Olympic, Commonwealth and World success over the last three years.  As the first stage of six within the ASA’s Long Term Athlete Development model for diving, the programme is structured to teach children a series of basic movements and skills in the water and on dry land.

Swimming Teacher Maggie Crowe recently taught an intensive five-day Flip n Fun course and believes the programme is a great way of getting children into the sport.

“I found that participants really enjoyed the course, they were very enthusiastic and tried really hard to achieve the correct shapes,” she said.

“As part of the course, each participant received a Flip n Fun progress report card. This gave them a clear picture of what they achieved and provided motivation to carry on and complete the course.  I like the cards, they look good and it is encouraging for the children to see a record of their success so far.  They also provide an effective feedback mechanism for parents to see the outcomes of the course.”

“The centre had advertised the course in the local paper and thus the uptake was good.  It was interesting that there were so many more girls than boys - I would expect such a big difference in a synchronised swimming class but I had anticipated a more even balance for diving.”

“There was also a large age range - the youngest being about five and the eldest eleven, which made for interesting teaching.  The younger participants lacked body awareness and control, while some of the older participants felt too embarrassed to attempt new tasks.  I am always keen to encourage participants and happily demonstrated the practices, which relaxed them and they felt more comfortable in giving it a go!”

She added, “I thoroughly enjoyed teaching this course and I am looking forward to more courses taking place in the summer.”

Integrated into the new National Plan for Teaching Swimming, Flip n Fun is also available as a standalone programme and can be taught from the poolside (in pools with a minimum depth of 1.8m) with no need for specialist diving equipment, which means it can take place at hundreds of school pools and facilities nationwide.

Level 2 swimming/diving teachers/coaches can learn the basic skills to deliver Flip n Fun sessions by attending an Institute of Swimming (IoS) Continuing Professional Development (CPD) seminar.  Lasting just four hours, the course includes practical sessions in the water and on dry land as well as theoretical guidance and support.

CLICK HERE to view the IoS Calendar and find a Flip n Fun CPD Seminar near you, or contact Customer Services on 0871 200 0928 for more information.

-ENDS-

For more information please contact Claire Freeman, ASA PR Assistant on claire.freeman@swimming.org or 01509 638238.

British Swimming
British Swimming represents the home countries of England, Scotland and Wales and holds the Coaching Standards Group licence to develop and award qualifications meeting UK Coaching Certificate (UKCC) standards for all swimming disciplines.  British Swimming contracted the ASA Awarding Body to develop the qualifications and granted them the licence to award its qualifications in England and Wales.  The Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) has the licence to award qualifications in Scotland.

Amateur Swimming Association (ASA)
The ASA is the national governing body for swimming and its related disciplines in England. In order to comply with national education and training standards it has developed two separate and independent arms – the ASA Awarding Body and the Institute of Swimming (IoS) which represent the awarding and delivery channels for all ASA qualifications.

ASA Awarding Body
The ASA Awarding Body develops, assesses, awards and quality assures all ASA qualifications. It is the equivalent of other awarding bodies such as City & Guilds and OCR (Oxford, Cambridge and RSA Examinations). The ASA Awarding Body is licensed by British Swimming to award qualifications in England and Wales. It also has the remit for quality assurance of all areas of UKCC standards.

Institute of Swimming (IoS)
The IoS is a licensed training provider, like a school or college. It is one of many ASA Awarding Body Approved Centres.  The IoS is also a membership body for qualified swimming teachers and coaches, providing insurance, advice and learning opportunities to its members.
 
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