Head of Swimming

Crosfields is both passionate and successful at swimming. We have many individuals and teams competing annually at county and national level, from year 5 upwards. Crosfields have been placed 4th overall in the IAPS final and last year the senior children were ranked 2nd in the region by the ISA. Key to this success is the simple belief that high levels of participation can exist alongside high levels of competition to achieve excellence.

Crosfields are looking for a dynamic experienced teacher who can deliver our philosophy. This person will be responsible for running the department and creating an inclusive can-do approach for all swimmers, alongside creating opportunities for swimming competitively and excelling in the sport. They should be proficient in the learn to swim program with experience of the competitive element of the sport.

Proof of our belief is that many former Crosfields’ pupils have continued their love of the sport and qualified for Swim England Nationals and British Swimming Nationals as well as extending their love of the water to British rowing and kayaking.

Junior School Swimming

Each year group from Nursery to year 6 have a weekly, ability set, swimming lesson. In addition to their curriculum lessons, they may also attend swim school as an after school co-curricular activity.

From year 3, children are selected to join the school swimming team, attending an extra weekly training session. These squads take part before school and work towards inter-school galas, squad championships and inter-house competitions, learning the competitive elements of the sport.

For those who wish to extend the sport, swimmers have easy access to join Tilehurst Swimming Club, who train at Crosfields pool.

Senior School Swimming

Students in the senior school receive swimming as part of the PE curriculum. In addition, students can join the senior swim squads.

There are three morning swim squads covering all year groups run by a performance Level 3 coach. These swimmers compete regularly with other schools and take part in external competitions such as ESSA (English School Swimming Association) competition and ISA (Independent Schools Association).

The facilities

The Crosfields swimming pool is a modern facility boasting flexibility to allow quality space for learn to swim and a competitive program.

• Variable depth floor which creates 250m of shallow water.
• Well-resourced equipment cupboard.
• 5 lanes with anti-turbulent lane ropes.
•  Fina standard diving blocks.
• Colorado Automated Officiating Equipment.
• Seating for 130 spectators.

Key Areas of Responsibility

Teaching and Learning

To teach and lead a team of staff to deliver high quality swimming lessons and coaching from 3 to 16.

• Appropriately staff and timetable curriculum lessons.
• Respond appropriately to the abilities and aspirations of the pupils enabling them to take responsibility for their learning, ensuring strong pupil progress.
• Ensure the efficient administration of a programme of pupil feedback with accurate and up-to-date records of pupil progress.
• A willingness to support our school games and PE programme.
• To promote school swimming, internally and externally through Crosfields’ social media, as a sport of excellence throughout the school and wider community.

Competitive Opportunities

• Organise and run both home and away swimming fixtures with local schools. This may also include the organising and hosting of an IAPS qualifying round.
• Organising and running of school inter-house matches and inter-squad championships.
• Select and prepare swimmers for competitive swimming meets, including national competitions, based on their ability and commitment to the sport.

Co-curricular Opportunities

• To facilitate the relationship with Tilehurst swimming club to encourage the extensions of school swimming.
• Organise and run before school swimming squads within the Junior School.
• Be open to develop other aquatic activities, such as rowing or biathlon.

Managing and Organising Resources

• Ensure resources are well maintained and updated regularly within the constraints of the departmental budget 
• Manage the budget devolved to the department, ensuring its efficient use and that limits are not exceeded  
• Order and allocate materials and equipment as appropriate; advise the SLT on the resources and requirements of the department 
• Maintain an up-to-date inventory of equipment and resources  
• Ensure all health and safety procedures are adhered to include induction of new staff and attend health and safety meetings.
• Collaborate and liaise with the Sports Department, including the Director & Assistant Director of Sport regarding swim fixtures dates/times and location.
• To advise the Deputy Head Academic and parents with regards to swimming achievements, scholarships & awards.

About you:

Qualifications

• Experience teaching and coaching swimming to Primary and/or Secondary aged children.
• Level 2 Swim England teacher.
• Level 2 Swim England coach

Competences and Qualities

• We are looking for a teacher/ or coach who is an enthusiast
• The candidate will be expected to encourage an atmosphere of mutual respect when dealing with children, staff, and parents
• The candidate must be an excellent communicator – with children and adults alike
• The candidate must be able to work as part of the school’s team
• The candidate must put the child’s welfare and well-being above all else