Where do lessons take place?
Lessons take place at the National Swimming Academy, on campus at the University of Stirling Sports Centre. The Learn to Swim programme has exclusive use of the left pool (Pool A – closest to the shower area) during lessons.
How do I get to the University?
Please visit our getting here page for the best ways to travel to and from campus. You can also view campus maps to show the location of the swimming pool.
Can I park at the University?
Visitors should note that at certain times, demand for car parking spaces at the sports centre may exceed supply. Parking charges are in operation from Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm, all year round. If you choose to park elsewhere on campus, it is a 5 minute walk from either the Cottrell car park or the Pathfoot car park, and a 10 minute walk from the University’s student accommodation car parks.
What time should I arrive on poolside before the start of my lesson?
You should arrive on poolside 5 minutes before the start of your lesson. We want the transition between classes to be as smooth as possible, so we ask that you or your swimmer are showered, seated on pool blocks at the lifeguard end, and ready for the instructor to take registration.
What should I expect from the first lesson of the new block?
We ask for your patience at the start of each term when new swimmers join our programme. After assessing against our learning criteria we may ask swimmers to move ‘tank’ within their allocated time slot to a more suitable class. You will be advised of any moves by the Swim Programme Coordinator via email.
What will I need for my lessons?
Appropriate swimwear, towel, goggles, swimming cap (if possible). Please remove all jewellery and have any long hair tied back. Your swimmer will need to take with them their ‘listening ears’ and a positive attitude!
Can I stay to watch during the lesson?
We have seating on one side of the pool where parents are welcome to sit and watch. To avoid any delays to the lesson schedule, please address ask any questions to our Swim Programme Coordinator on poolside, and not the class instructor. Assessments are available to view on HomePortal which aim to be updated once a month. You can always contact
learntoswim@stir.ac.uk after lessons. We aim to respond within two working days .
What is being taught?
We are delighted to be teaching the Scottish Swimming National Framework. Our Learn to Swim Programme will consist of six levels:
- Pre-school
- Swim Skills 1
- Swim Skills 2
- Swim Skills 3
- Swim Skills 4
- Club Ready
We’ll also be teaching a Swimfit class, for those swimmers who have completed club ready and wish to continue swimming with us. For keen swimmers, we also have a Long Course Swimfit class which takes part in a 50m pool instead of 25m for those who are super keen to boost their fitness and swim in the 'big pool'.
The programme provides a fun, progressive and all-inclusive pathway for children to participate in any aquatic discipline to whatever level they aspire to.
What qualifications do the swimming instructors have?
All of our swim instructors hold an SSTQ qualification (or equivalent), and regularly contribute to CPD sessions within our programme.
What kind of feedback will I receive about my swimmer’s progress?
Parents/Guardians can access assessment criteria on our HomePortal. We aim to update these at least once a month so that you can keep up to date with their child's progress. If you require further information, please contact
learntoswim@stir.ac.uk.
Will my class time ever change?
Ideally no, as the National Framework allows swimmers to develop and progress within their current class. If however, due to unforeseen circumstances, you require a move between lesson days, please contact Sophie Nicoll, our Swim Programme Coordinator on
learntoswim@stir.ac.uk.
What if I miss a lesson?
Refunds are not considered for missed classes. Only under special circumstances are refunds allowed and administered by the Swim Programme Coordinator.
