Shaw Method UK Teacher Training 2017
If you love swimming and are interested in revitalising your own skills while developing a rewarding new career, then look no further than Shaw Method teacher training!
Why is the Shaw Method so popular?
The Shaw Method is an inspirational approach to swimming, which enables people of all ages and abilities to discover the joys of swimming. Our internationally acclaimed technique applies principles of the Alexander Technique to water, offers effective tools to develop a new, more positive relationship with water and produces health benefits which go far beyond the pool.
Steven Shaw, founder of the Method which takes his name, has re-crafted the biomechanics of the four traditional strokes in a way that promotes optimal body use, both in and out of the water. This mindful approach involves learning a clear set of core principles and incremental steps, making the learning process fun and easy-to-follow. Hands-on guidance is another key feature, promoting confidence and greatly accelerating the learning process.
What makes an ideal Shaw Method teacher?
In order to teach the Shaw Method, you will first learn to understand the art of swimming from personal experience, from the inside.
This training is appropriate for those who are already confident in the water and are open to exploring a different way of swimming. In addition the following attributes are helpful:
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Good communication skills – an ability to inspire confidence and put people at ease
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Patience – with yourself and others – a process-driven approach to life – enjoying the journey
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Confidence with hands-on bodywork/physical touch
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An appreciation of the Alexander Technique
Foundation stage: two days
The foundation course takes candidates through the progressions for all four strokes, enabling them to apply the core principles to their own swimming. At the end of this unit, students will be assessed on their ability to demonstrate Shaw Method swimming.
Level 1: four days
In this part of the course, candidates are guided through the five Shaw Method teaching protocols: explanation, demonstration, guidance, giving solution-based feedback and enabling space to explore. Key to this level is developing the skill and control to give effective hands-on guidance. In this part of the course candidates will learn how to deliver a Shaw Method SwimCheck assessment. Trainees will also be prepared to deliver their case studies to clients of varying levels of proficiency.
Level 2: four days
This segment applies the knowledge acquired in earlier parts of course to swimmers with a wide variety of needs and abilities, ranging from those with musculoskeletal conditions or non-swimmers with a fear of water to advanced swimmers or triathletes interested in improving their performance.
Assessment
Formal assessment is made in the following ways:
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Video analysis of trainees swimming at the end of the foundation course. At this stage, we do not expect trainees to have perfected their Shaw Method swimming; we require them to be able to demonstrate the Art of Swimming progressions and embody the key differentiators for each stroke.
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A written report of three case studies must be submitted before the beginning of Level 2
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Two short written tests: one at the end of Level 1 and one at the end of Level 2
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At the end of Level 2, trainees will be given a practical assessment in the form of teaching a one-to-one lesson to an unknown client.
In addition to these formal assessments, there will be continuous evaluation and feedback throughout the course.
Beyond the training
After successfully completing the training, various options are open to graduates. Setting up your own school, for instance, or offering Shaw Method swimming as part of a broader portfolio if you are already working as a health and fitness professional. The Art of Swimming and Shaw Method are already is a well respected brand with extensive press coverage which is a big boost to any new teacher setting out
Dates for 2017:
Foundation: 31 March – 1 April
Level 1: 6–10 April
Level 2: 11–14 May