Why Our Swim Team Now Leads Extra-Curricular Learn to Swim — And What It’s Unlocking for Students

At Wellington College Bangkok, we believe high-quality swim programmes do more than teach technique — they create clear pathways, build confidence, and connect learning across the week. One of the most significant steps forward in recent years has been bringing our extra-curricular Learn to Swim programme (WEX) under the leadership of our own coaching team.

In Term 3 of the 2023/24 academic year, I proposed this shift to the Senior Leadership Team. The goal was clear: align our co-curricular Learn to Swim provision with the same standards and teaching philosophies that guide our curriculum swimming. The proposal was approved, and in August 2024, extra-curricular Learn to Swim officially became an in-house programme.

A Move That Strengthens the Programme

Having our own staff lead extra-curricular Learn to Swim has allowed us to:

• Create continuity — Students now learn from the same trusted coaches during both curriculum and co-curricular sessions. This familiarity helps build rapport, reduces anxiety, and supports smoother progression.
• Enhance assessment integrity — While curriculum and extra-curricular swimming follow distinct progression frameworks — with the latter placing a stronger focus on stroke development — having one team overseeing both ensures clear communication, aligned expectations, and accurate tracking.
• Improve communication with families — Our coaches know each swimmer well and are better placed to provide timely, personalised updates on progress.

Benefits That Flow Back Into the School Day

The impact of extra-curricular swimming extends well beyond after-school hours. Students who participate often return to curriculum swimming with:

• Greater confidence in the water
• A clear understanding of lesson routines and behavioural expectations
• Stronger relationships with the adults guiding their learning
• A readiness to engage more deeply with technical challenges

These benefits translate to calmer, more focused curriculum lessons — where all students, not just those in the extra-curricular programme, gain from the positive tone and momentum these swimmers help create.

A Pathway with Purpose

Bringing extra-curricular Learn to Swim into the department has strengthened our entire swim pathway. Swimmers now move smoothly from early-stage development into squad training, supported at every step by a coaching team that knows them well.

This alignment improves not only the quality of teaching, but also how we manage transitions between stages — creating more confident swimmers and more sustainable progression.

Growth That Supports Growth

In our first year of in-house delivery, enrolment in extra-curricular Learn to Swim has grown to over 90 swimmers. This demand has enabled us to:

• Expand our coaching team
• Maintain pre-defined group ratios designed to ensure safety and effective teaching
• Deliver more consistent, high-quality instruction across all levels

These ratios — established before launch — reflect our commitment to structured, purposeful learning environments. And because this growth is built on internal quality rather than external outsourcing, it’s sustainable, scalable, and aligned with the values of the school.

Final Thoughts

Our extra-curricular Learn to Swim programme is now much more than an after-school activity. It’s an extension of our curriculum, a pathway into squad swimming, and a reflection of what we value: clear progression, strong relationships, and consistent support.

By bringing the programme in-house, we’ve elevated not only the quality of instruction — but the strength of our swim culture, from curriculum through to competitive squads.