At the swimming pool of YWIES Shanghai Lingang, every splash of vibrant colour is more than just a visual delight; it represents each child’s journey of exploration and progress in the water.

Starting this academic year, swimming lessons have become a mandatory component of the children's PE curriculum. Each week, two PE sessions are combined into one extended swimming session, providing a fantastic opportunity for students to explore new possibilities.

To help students master swimming skills more effectively, our teachers implement tiered instruction during swimming lessons, differentiating students by their swimming levels with distinctive coloured swimming caps. The course is structured into seven levels, from lowest to highest: red, orange, yellow, green, light blue, dark blue, and purple. Advancing to a different coloured swimming cap signifies reaching a new level of swimming proficiency and unlocking future potential.

#Red Swimming Cap（Stage1）

Skills: Entry the water safely, back/front floating or gliding

Red is the most basic yet most striking colour in YWIES Shanghai Lingang swimming pool. Children wearing red swimming caps are mostly beginners just stepping into the pool. Some may be timid and hesitant to enter the water. Our course aims to help children build water confidence and learn basic safety awareness, basic movement skills, and simple swimming strokes, such as moving forward/backwards for a distance of 5 meters and moving from a flat floating position on the back.

Starting in the shallow end, children get accustomed to the temperature and feel of the water. Beginners are allowed to use flotation equipment, such as armbands and floats.

The red swimming cap marks the beginning of the children's swimming journey. With curiosity about the water and anticipation for swimming, they bravely take their first steps.

#Orange Swimming Cap（Stage2）

Skills: floating, water breathing, kicking, diving

At the orange Swimming Cap stage, we teach children breathing techniques in the water, how to maintain a streamlined position while stroking, and how to use standard leg kicking techniques. 

By the end of this stage, they will have mastered kicking, diving, and basic floating abilities, which are crucial for enhancing swimming safety and efficiency. 

The orange swimming cap represents an important phase in the children's foundational learning. Learning to be comfortable and happy in the water will allow them to develop other skills more quickly later on.

#Yellow Swimming Cap（Stage3）

Skills: kicking, swimming underwater, picking up objects underwater

When children wear yellow swimming caps, they will learn to go under the water, kick, streamline through push and glides, and travel up to 10 meters on their front and back whilst also swimming underwater. 

The most interesting part of this stage is learning to go under the water to pick up an object. Teachers incorporate games into the lessons to practice this skill, such as the "Underwater Treasure Hunt" game, where children dive in to find hidden treasures. These engaging classes spark students' curiosity and desire to explore.

The yellow swimming cap stage is a crucial transition from beginner to intermediate, marking a significant growth in their swimming skills.

#Green Swimming Cap（Stage4）

Skills: perfect leg kicks for all four strokes

When you see children wearing green swimming caps, it means they have already demonstrated a certain level of skill in the pool. 

At this stage, students will master the leg-kicking techniques for four swimming strokes (backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly and front crawl), with each stroke requiring a 10-meter kick. They will also further enhance their ability to push and glide, pushing and gliding and swimming 10 meters. 

The green swimming cap represents another milestone in their swimming skill development and marks the beginning of their journey of self-challenge and surpassing limits.

#Light blue swimming cap（Stage5）

Skills: the correct arm pulls for all four strokes, treading water

The light blue swimming cap is a symbol of the children's swimming proficiency, indicating that they can navigate the pool with ease. 

At this stage, children not only learn the skill of treading water but also master the correct arm movements for backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly and front crawl. They also learn how to do handstands and somersaults, enjoying the fun and challenges that swimming brings. 

Sculling is the most important part of learning in Stage 5 and a crucial skill to master, as it is the foundational movement in artistic swimming and a vital skill for ensuring water safety. 

The light blue swimming cap represents another peak in the children's swimming journey and marks the starting point for reaching higher levels.

#Dark Blue Swimming Cap（Stage6）

Skills: Efficient technique for all four strokes

The dark blue swimming cap signifies that children have achieved remarkable skill and performance in the pool. 

At this stage, students will work on all strokes, including streamlining, and improving their technique with both their arms and their legs. They will also improve their diving skills, exploring the endless possibilities of the underwater world.

Notably, students will master a critical skill—swimming at least 10 meters in clothes. This challenge not only tests their physical abilities and techniques but also enhances their self-rescue and mutual aid capabilities in emergency situations.

The dark blue swimming cap is another testament to the student's growth in swimming skills, marking every step of their journey from novice to maturity.

#Purple Swimming Cap （Stage7）

Skills: Mastery of all four strokes、Complete an obstacle course 

At the purple swimming cap stage, children will fully master the four strokes: backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly and front crawl. They will be able to swim 25 meters of all four strokes, and complete a continuous swim of 100 meters using three of these different strokes.

Significantly enhancing their endurance and diving skills.

Additionally, students will face the challenge of an obstacle course, integrating skills learned from stages 1 through 7. This not only tests their technical proficiency but also their adaptability and mental resilience. 

Students must flexibly apply their knowledge to overcome various obstacles, demonstrating their growth and transformation.

The purple swimming cap represents not only a deep accumulation of technical skills but also maturity and confidence in their mindset.

At YWIES Shanghai Lingang, each swimming cap colour, ranging from red to purple, symbolizes the children's passion for swimming and marks every stage of their growth and transformation in the pool. 

From the initial nervousness of entering the water to eventually swimming with confidence, these lessons instil persistence and courage in the students. By daring to try and persevering through challenges, they can conquer their inner fears and unlock their full potential. 

This persistence and courage become invaluable strengths, accompanying them on their journey of growth and helping them tackle various academic and extracurricular challenges.