Confidence in the water grows at Hautapu School

Students from Hautapu School in Cambridge have grown in confidence in the water thanks to the support of one of the school’s parents.

Seeing an opportunity to assist teachers in taking their classes in the water with a focus on those students who were less confident in the water Sarah Tankard attended the Swimming New Zealand Swim Teacher Award course in October 2015 and has recently completed the qualification.

With her new found aquatic education skills Sarah has become a great asset to the schools swimming programme.

“Some students wouldn’t even put their face in the water,” said one of the school’s teachers.

“Sarah worked with these students because they were not confident enough to try swimming on their own. Having Sarah in the water to support them has been invaluable to the teachers and also the students.

“Sarah has always put the needs of the students first, spending time to consolidate a task before moving on. Being in the water has allowed Sarah to demonstrate tasks and gives students the confidence to try.”

The school’s sports co-ordinator, Cameron Holt, also adding that Sarah has had a “massive impact in developing the swimming ability of Hautapu students” through her hard work and support.

Hautapu School, a Kiwi Swim Safe School, has a 20metre, heated swimming pool which was opened on 28^th October 2011. It is fully utilised in term 4 and term 1 of each year.