COACH CATHERINE
Growing up with a father who spent his childhood by the sea in southern Italy, a mother who began her journey as a competitive swimmer at the tender age of 9 and later became a qualified swim teacher, establishing her own swim school and a brother who shared the same passion, one could say I was inherently immersed in the world of swimming. Despite initially resisting baby lessons for three years, I eventually succumbed. Once I dipped my toes, it was impossible to keep me out of the water. Since then, my love and passion for swimming have only continued to flourish. Throughout my secondary school years, I assisted my mother at her former swim school and started honing my teaching skills whilst pursuing my GCSEs. Initially offering unofficial free lessons once a week, I steadily refined my craft. As my passion and expertise grew, I made the decision to acquire formal qualifications to enrich both my knowledge and teaching abilities.
My affinity for water surpasses that of land. I aspire for
everyone to embrace swimming and the water, thereby sharing the joy it brings.
Most importantly, I aim to ease any fear associated with swimming, ensuring a
sense of safety and confidence in all my students. Moreover, I am committed to
imparting thorough understanding of water safety, equipping my students with
the knowledge to navigate any aquatic environment securely. Additionally, I am
driven by the desire to assist children in achieving technical proficiency in
swimming, all the while ensuring that the process remains enjoyable and
accessible for each individual.
What sets my teaching style apart is the infusion of
boundless enthusiasm and energy into every lesson, coupled with a firm yet
encouraging demeanour that resonates well with most children. Patience is a
virtue I possess in abundance, allowing each child to progress at their own
pace while continually advancing. I adapt my approach based on the unique
personality and learning style of each student. Central to my teaching
philosophy is the provision of detailed explanations and clear demonstrations,
fostering a comprehensive understanding of the “why” behind every
technique and movement. This, I believe, facilitates more efficient learning and
progression for all my students.