About us

Benjamin Lamm of Starfish Swim School has combined talents to form a unique Learn To Swim program in a child friendly, boutique environment. I have the expertise to ensure your child is involved in a fun, positive learning environment whilst developing sound skills and techniques to last a lifetime.

Our Philosophy

The philosophy of Starfish School is that:

• Swimming is a sport that crosses generational lines and can be shared and enjoyed by all, potentially from cradle to grave.
• It is widely regarded as the best form of exercise. Poor technique over time however, can result in a variety of injuries.
• Swimmers who swim technically well enjoy the sheer physical act of swimming more than those who don't, and are more likely as a result, to swim for fitness throughout their life.
• Only practise makes perfect
• It is better to create good habits from the outset than to allow bad habits to develop and then try to 'fix' them.

Our Aim

Based on our philosophy, we aim to develop great technique in a nurturing swimming environment. Combined with outstanding teaching methodology within a social and enjoyable atmosphere, we hope to equip children with the aquatic skills, confidence and enjoyment to be in and around water for the rest of their lives.

Our Teaching Methods

Our lessons are sequential and progress systematically while taking into account the needs of the child, their differing learning styles and maturation rates.

Our qualified staff undergo an intensive training program and undergo regular in-services, workshops and updates to ensure they remain at the forefront of the industry.

Assessments

All swimmers are assessed at the end of every term, but teachers can assess at any time if they feel it is warranted. We have a structured curriculum with set competencies at every level and for these to be passed the swimmer will need to be able to perform them to the teacher’s satisfaction and on more than one occasion. For true learning to take place, skills need to be repeatable and consistent; otherwise a ‘one off’ performance could be a fluke. As some children get anxious at the idea of assessments, we keep it very low key so that most swimmers will not even know they are being assessed.

Often swimmers will regress over holidays or after a sizeable break, while others, particularly those who holiday at the beach or have access to warm weather and a pool, may return significantly stronger or improved. On the first lesson of each term the teacher will check competencies again and undertake some basic revision. There may be some movement between classes as a result.

Certificates

Certificates are a great motivator and we love to see the excitement they generate. All swimmers participating in the Starfish programme will receive a certificate upon graduating to a new level. ‘Milestone’ certificates will also be presented when students master individual key foundation skills such as submerging; streamlining unassisted and opening eyes underwater.

Our Pool

The Starfish pool at 10 Clapperton Rd. Bentleigh is a 12.5 metre indoor facility, heated to a very comfortable 32 degrees, and suitable for year round swimming.

Lessons run Monday to Sunday affording plenty of flexibility for busy parents.

Our Programmes

Our Pre School programme consists of:

Parent and Child

30 minute lessons with parent in the water in the following groups:

• 6 - 12 months
• 12 - 24 months
• 2 years - 3.5 years

Baby Graduate

For confident children over 3 years who have spent some time in Parent and Child and are developing
independent mobility, can follow instructions, and do not need their carer in the water with them.

Our After School programme caters to 5 year olds and over, from timid beginners to advanced swimmers.
We have 6 levels loosely divided into 3 categories which can best be summarised as:

Starfish

• Level 1 is for timid beginners and introduces the student to submerging, floating on front and back,
  and rudimentary mobility via kicking and paddling.
• Level 2 is for confident beginners who can willingly submerge and introduces the student to
  streamlining and formalising freestyle and backstroke arms. Survival backstroke is introduced.

Goldfish

• Level 3 continues to develop the arm actions while introducing breathing and the timing of the arms
  in freestyle. Breastroke kick is also developed.
• Level 4 works at extending the distances swum. Drills designed to improve the swimmer's balance
  in the water are put in place, to prepare for more complex stroke refinements. Bilateral breathing
  is begun along with Lifesaving Backstroke as a precurser to Breastroke.

Dolphins

• Level 5 specifically emphasises the development and timing of Breaststroke AND refining a bent
  arm recovery on Freestyle.
• Level 6 prepares swimmers for school competition with some extension work on all strokes, tumble
  turns, competitive dives and introduces butterfly and sidestroke.. Advanced stoke techniques will
  highlight stroke efficiency and relaxation to develop fluid graceful movements.

There is the avalability for students to partake in 2 lessons per week as there is much evidence to show that
learning is accelerated. Parents who have a pool at home, or regularly spend time at the local pool with their child will achieve a similar benefit.

Holiday Intensives

Our 5 day programme runs every school holidays and are a great way to accelerate learning. With a longer
class time they particularly suit:

• Parents seeking a holiday activity for their children
• Those who don’t participate in regular term classes
• Those wanting to speed up the learning process. Many families going on beach holidays often
  book to brush up skills prior to departure.