Our squad timetable is split firstly by school (Elementary, Middle or High School) and aligned with the finishing of class schedules. Training sessions begin immediately after school finishes to maxmise the use of time. Ability level is the next consideration, with swimmers offered a squad based on their ability and willingness to commit to the expected attendance.
The name of our squads follow a pattern...
DEVELOPMENT - POTENTIAL - PERFORMANCE
Elementary Squads
Elementary Development Squads
Elementary Development is an entry level to the Swim Academy, join this squad if you are transitioning from Learn-to-Swim into our academy program! This is not a learn-to-swim program; a minimum ability is required (only for Grades 2-5 students). Expected attendance is 2 times per week on Monday & Wednesdays or Tuesday & Thursdays. Swimmers at this level should comfortably do 25m Freestyle, Backstroke and Breaststroke, 12.5m dolphoin kicks (including body undulation). We focus on competitive strokes, turns, finishes, and adapting to group training. Goals include achieving 50m Freestyle, Backstroke, Breaststroke and 25m Butterfly legally. We emphasize proper turns and finishes, introducing standing plunge dives.
Elementary Potential Squads
Elementary Potential is the next step in the Swim Academy progression, (for Grades 3-5 students) offering afternoon sessions (Monday - Thursday) and Friday mornings at Stamford Pool. This squad is perfect for those aiming for 2-3 sessions per week. Swimmers will now be working 25m & 50m repetitions of each stroke. As part of the squad, swimmers will have the opportunity to compete internally and gradually, under coach assessment, start competing externally. Swimmers at this level should be capable of 50m continuously for Freestyle, Backstroke, Breaststroke and 25m Butterfly. They will be attempting legal finishes/turns and learning race dives.
Elementary Performance Squads
Elementary Performance is the most elite swim squad amongst our elementary swimmers. Swimmers in this squad are highly encouraged to train 4 or more weekly sessions on Monday-Thursday afternoons and Tuesday, Thursday, Friday mornings all at Stamford Pool. Designed for dedicated swimmers, athletes at his level are already able to swim 100m continuously & 50m of each stroke. Morning training and adapting to early routines are part of the challenge with swimmers at times training twice per day. The group will focus on attempting middle distance (200m+) events for the first time, 100m IM (Individual Medley) & 50m of every stroke. They will start competing externally as a school team displaying legal racing starts, turns and finishes.
Middle & High Schools Squads
Middle School Development Squads
The emphasis of Middle School Development is on "learning to train". If you are in Grades 6-12 there are sessions available Monday-Thursday afternoon and it will be easy for you to make the 2 sessions a week recommended attendance. Swimmers in this group may have recently aged up from Elementary school. All swimmers are encouraged to compete internally. Swimmers will be learning how to use the pace clock and basic training zones. Typically ability standards in this group are as a minimum 100m free continuously with legal starts and finishes.
Middle & High School Potential Squads
Open to Grades 6-12, the potential group is a bridging group between Development & Performance. Swimmers in this group are showing an increased commitment of 3+ sessions per week and the ability to swim at the next level. The program is medley based, with swimmers expected to compete regularly over a range of distances and strokes. Swimmers will learn more advanced concepts involving training zones, turnaround times and pacing. Swimmers will have set clear goals with detail and are capable of working independently if required. Building frequency and commitment at this stage largely determines future progress. Minimum Ability Requirements: 200m Freestyle, continuous 200m IM 100m Main stroke 6x100s repetition on @2:30 Legal finishes and turns Race start from the block.
Middle & High School Performance Squads
Open to Grades 7-12. Swimmers in this group are competing at the highest level and maintaining 4+ sessions per week. Training load and volume will be determined with individual athletes based on their needs. At this stage swimmers fully understand training zones, work independently and possess time management skills that allow them to cope with both attendance and education demands. Swimmers will be representing the school at Junior and/or Senior SEASAC level aswell as aiming to qualify for National level events. Minimum Ability Requirements: 400m free continuous 400m IM 200m Main stroke 10x100s repetition on @1:45 Legal starts, finishes and turns on all strokes Compete at SEASAC & Singapore National Competitions
