The charm of swimming originates from its inherent appeal, the satisfaction of hard-earned rewards, the confidence from making solid progress and the sense of achievement from collective honours. It is also why Wellington College Hangzhou values the swimming programme. Our swimming lesson starts from EY4 as we aim to allow more pupils to engage with the sport and develop a passion for swimming.
Our swimming coaches are adapted to differentiated teaching. They provide targeted support to pupils in mastering a range of basic knowledge and skills, including water safety, play, swimming techniques, life-saving skills and artistic swimming. They are all highly skilled professionals, including Ms. Hou, the former chief coach for the Singapore National Synchronised Swimming Team, and an international coach and referee for artistic swimming, who has excelled in teaching artistic swimming for our CCA programme and at Wellington Academy and coaches our artistic swimming team.
At Wellington College Hangzhou, we have two swimming pools, one large and one small. They are used for swimming lessons for children from EY4 and above. The larger pool is a 25m long, 6-lane swimming pool that meets international industry standards and uses touchpad timing sensors.
Our swimming pool is aesthetically appealing with a pursuit of rigour. We adhere to the highest managerial standards, and the pool water quality is rigorously tested daily by dedicated professionals to ensure it is in the best possible condition. There is such advanced equipment as central air conditioning, professional water quality testing instruments, filtration and circulation pumps to ensure the efficient operation of the swimming pool.
In previous years, we have staged numerous inter-school competitions with Wellington Shanghai and Wellington Tianjin, as well as swimming contests with other bilingual and international schools. The school also holds annual trials for the swimming team, and children who excel in swimming can join the team for training and competition at a higher level.
As the only bilingual school in Zhejiang Province to be a member of both the Council of British International Schools (COBIS) and the Federation of British International Schools in Asia (FOBISIA), Hiba pupils also have the opportunity to participate in international school competitions hosted by these two organisations abroad.
A look back at previous
swimming achievements
In February 2024, we sent 17 pupils to the FOBISIA Invitational Swimming Championships at Thanyapura Sports Resort, Phuket, Thailand. It was our first time attendancing, and were delighted to share that we performed beyond expectations. Most of our swimmers achieved personal best times in both long course (LC) and short course (SC) events. We were the top-performing school in the U10 SC section, as well as individuals winning two gold, two silver, and three bronze medals.
In December 2023, our team attended the 17th Singapore Open Artistic Swimming Championships. Our school team competed against national teams from Sri Lanka and New Zealand, as well as delegations from Taiwan and Macau. The top artistic swimming clubs from across the continent were represented, with nearly 20 teams in total. We won a gold medal in the U15 Free Mixed Duet and finished in a very respectable seventh place in the Team Performance Final.
At Wellington College Hangzhou, swimming is more than a course; it is a philosophy of life. We firmly believe this sport strengthens one’s willpower, physical fitness and teamwork spirit. In our special interview with the Head of Swimming, Ms Young Chen, we gained a deeper understanding of the teaching philosophy behind our swimming education.
In an array of meticulously designed courses, Ms Chen shared the teaching insights of the swimming team and how they guide pupils to challenge themselves in swimming and excel in it.
Can you introduce to us the team of swimming teachers?
We are proud to introduce the exceptional swimming teacher team at Wellington College Hangzhou. Our coaches bring a wealth of professional experience, holding advanced degrees in sports coaching or physical education, and boasting impressive competitive swimming backgrounds. Each member of our team has competed at national or international levels. Beyond their technical prowess, our coaches are passionate educators dedicated to fostering a love for swimming in every pupil. They excel in creating individualised training plans, ensuring each swimmer's unique needs and goals are met. This academic year, we are also collaborating with an external coaching team to enhance our training and competition preparation.
What do you think are the most important qualities for a successful swimming coach?
We believe the most important qualities for a successful swimming coach are rooted in a strong passion for the sport, extensive professional teaching experience, and an intrinsic understanding of the spirit of sports. A great coach must possess strong communication skills and an in-depth knowledge of swimming techniques, enabling them to effectively inspire and motivate their swimmers. Additionally, patience and adaptability are essential, ensuring that coaching approaches can be tailored to meet the individual needs of each swimmer. Above all, a genuine dedication to helping swimmers achieve their highest potential is paramount.
How do you plan and structure your swimming training sessions for different skill levels?
When planning and structuring swimming training sessions, we categorise swimmers based on their current abilities, the energy they dedicate to swimming, and their expectations for the aquatic sport. We focus on four specific types of swimmers:
Elite Swimmers: These pupil-athletes target national and international competitions such as FOBISIA, their programs are designed to optimise performance and achieve peak physical condition, incorporating advanced techniques, strength conditioning, and strategic race preparations with training sessions up to 5-7 times a week.
Performance Swimmers: Aiming for success in regional competitions like invitational meets or the HISAC league, these swimmers train up to 3-5 times a week. Their training focuses on refining techniques, improving endurance, and building competitive strategies through a balanced mix of technical drills, interval training, and performance feedback.
Development Swimmers: Training up to 2-3 times a week, these swimmers aim to develop a passion for the sport and commitment. They can participate in inter-school competitions. The emphasis is on nurturing a love for swimming, building foundational skills and enhancing overall fitness.
Prep Swimmers: Typically, under 8 years old and proficient in freestyle, backstroke and breaststroke, these young swimmers train 1-2 times a week. The focus is on fostering a love for water, sparking interest and potential, and building fundamental swimming techniques.
Across all levels, we ensure a supportive and motivating environment to encourage continuous improvement and enjoyment of the aquatic sport.
How do you motivate and inspire pupils to achieve their best in swimming?
To motivate and inspire pupils to achieve their best in swimming at Wellington College Hangzhou, we focus on creating a positive and encouraging environment. We set clear and attainable goals for each swimmer, celebrating their progress and achievements along the way. Personalised feedback and constructive coaching help them understand their strengths and areas for improvement. By fostering a strong sense of team spirit and emphasising the joy and satisfaction that comes from hard work and dedication, we help each swimmer find their passion and drive for the sport and pathway to the universities. Additionally, we share stories of successful swimmers and provide opportunities for them to connect with role models, fuelling their ambition and commitment to excellence.
How do you handle swim meet preparations and competitions?
When preparing for swim meets and competitions, we ensure our swimmers are fully prepared both physically and mentally with comprehensive support from the entire school community:
Coaching Team Support: Our coaching team focuses on intensive training sessions that fine-tune techniques, boost endurance, and sharpen race strategies. Each swimmer receives personalised feedback and continuous encouragement to build confidence and resilience.
Wellbeing and Academic Support: Each school's wellbeing provides crucial mental and emotional support, helping athletes manage stress and maintain a positive mindset. Additionally, academic teachers offer extra learning support, enabling swimmers to balance their rigorous training with their academic commitments.
Parental Involvement: We are immensely grateful to parents for their unwavering support and presence at competitions. Their encouragement and involvement are vital to our swimmers' success and overall experience.
Logistical Support: The school's transportation and catering services ensure seamless logistics, allowing athletes to focus entirely on their performance. This support is particularly important as we participate in various competitions almost every month.
By combining the efforts of our coaching staff, wellbeing and academic resources, parental involvement, and logistical support, we create a nurturing environment that allows each swimmer to perform at their best and enjoy a positive and successful competitive experience.
What future goals do you have for the swimming program at Wellington College Hangzhou?
Our future goals for the Wellington College China Hangzhou swimming program are bold and far-reaching. By positioning swimming as one of our flagship sports, we are dedicated to nurturing top-tier pupil-athletes who excel both academically and athletically. We plan to capitalise on the unique advantages our Hangzhou location offers, such as cutting-edge facilities and access to elite coaching. By creating an environment that fosters excellence, we aim for our swimmers to achieve exceptional success in national and international competitions. Ultimately, our goal is to pave the way for their future achievements in collegiate athletics and beyond, empowering them to fulfil their greatest potential.
