Spotlight on Quality Swim Schools - Jolly Roger Swim School

At the Jolly Roger Swim School you’ve got to be prepared to talk like a pirate, act like a pirate and walk the plank.

Based in Carterton in the Wairarapa region, the locally owned and operated swim school runs classes for babies, pre-school and school age children.

The Quality Swim School have truly embraced the theme of their name with names for their classes like ‘Jack Sparrow’ and ‘Captain Hook’.

They were recently visited by Education Advisor Sarah Gibbison for their Quality Swim School workshop.

At the workshop they were able to cover ideas including effective teaching, communication and ideas regarding basic progressions.

Progression of their swimmers is something they encourage and have a strong relationship with the Russell Geange Swim Academy whose pool they operate out of.

Students who move on to the swim club are congratulated in the swim school’s newsletter while those who are progressing through the swim school receive ribbons with either the name of their new class or a pirate message if they are remaining in the same level at the end of each term.

The five instructors at the swim school are also able to each nominate one child each team to receive a Pirate of the Month rosette, with five rosettes a term given out.

Also at the end of each term is a pirate themed activity for their pre-school students. They are given a treasure map to follow which ends with students having to walk the plank (a blue mat) and swimming to the steps to find the treasure (glass beads) which the students are able to keep.

Swim teachers at the Jolly Roger Swim School all have Swimming New Zealand qualifications which include the Swim Teacher Award, Early Childhood and School Age and Adults.

Their teachers also hold first Aid Certificates and other relevant qualifications relating to children’s development and teaching children.