Senior School Swimming
Inspiring Confidence and Enjoyment in the Water
At St Chris, swimming is an integral part of our Senior School curriculum. Our aim is for every lesson to be engaging and enjoyable, encouraging students to make the most of their time in the pool and to develop skills they can use throughout life — in sport, recreation and personal safety.
All lessons take place in our on-site 25-metre, four-lane heated indoor swimming pool.
Individual Support and Coaching
To ensure every student feels safe and confident in the water, free 1:1 sessions are available (subject to timetable availability) during lessons, lunchtimes or after school. These personalised sessions help swimmers of any age progress towards their goals at their own pace.
Competitions and Enrichment
Gala opportunities are open to students across all year groups. Swimmers take part in friendly events at St Chris, inter-school competitions, and the Hertfordshire Schools Galas, which provide challenge, motivation and inspiration throughout the year.
Our Swimming Curriculum
All lessons follow our bespoke St Chris swimming curriculum, designed to build confidence, strength and competence in all four strokes, while fostering a love of being in the water.
| Year 7 - Building Strong Foundations |
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Students in Year 7 take part in a weekly 60-minute swimming lesson throughout the academic year. Lessons are tailored to each swimmer’s experience and ability, focusing on water skills, stroke development and confidence. Students are encouraged to apply their learning in different contexts — from competitive swimming and water polo to personal survival — helping them to see the value and versatility of their aquatic skills. Key features include:
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| Year 8 - Expanding Aquatic Skills |
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In Year 8, students have a fortnightly swimming lesson and experience a variety of aquatic disciplines across the year:
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| Year 9 - Introduction to Lifesaving |
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In Year 9, students begin to explore what it means to be a lifeguard. They learn key skills such as casualty identification, in-water rescue and post-rescue care, while developing an understanding of the responsibilities involved. This experience provides valuable insight for those wishing to pursue the National Pool Lifeguard Qualification at 16. |
| Year 10 & 11 - Choice and Challenge |
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In Years 10 and 11, swimming forms part of the PE Pathways programme. Students can choose to swim for a half term, full term or the whole year, tailoring their experience to their interests and goals. Options include:
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| Sixth Form - Independent Opportunities |
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In Years 12 and 13, swimming is not compulsory but remains available through lifeguarded lunchtime sessions, supervised by staff. These sessions allow Sixth Formers to continue their training, unwind, or simply enjoy time in the pool. |
Differentiation in Lessons
At St Chris, we recognise that every swimmer progresses at their own pace. Students join our swimming programme with a wide range of experience — from those just beginning to learn the basics to those who are already confident and competitive swimmers.
Our qualified swimming teachers are skilled in supporting and challenging each student appropriately, ensuring that every swimmer feels both encouraged and stretched in equal measure.
If you have any questions about Senior School Swimming, please contact our Pool Manager, Sarah Armstrong, sarah.armstrong@stchris.co.uk
