PROGRAM LEVELS
The are 16 program levels of progression from Little Wonders to Bronze Star, within two curriculum streams:
- Little Wonders Levels 01 to 04 – Infants and toddlers
- Levels 01 to Bronze Star – preschool, primary school, secondary school and adults
Little Wonders Levels 01 to 04
The Swim and Survive Journey starts at Little Wonders for children aged from 6 months to 3 years and their parents or carers.
Little Wonders is focused on water familiarisation. The swimming teacher facilitates the lesson through the parents and carers who are active in water participants helping to teach their child. Parents learn to be a significant part of their child’s aquatic education through a structured and fun environment that delivers activities based on developing water familiarisation, exploration, water safety skills and parent education.
Although there is some flexibility in the grouping of children in Little Wonders depending on your operation, class numbers and space, the following is a recommended breakdown based on age:
| Little Wonders 01 | Progression 1 (P1) outcomes | Age 6 – 12 months |
| Little Wonders 02 | Progression 2 (P2) outcomes | Age – 12 months to 2 years |
| Little Wonders 03 | Progression 3/4 (P3/P4 ) outcomes | Age – 2 years to 3 years |
| Little Wonders 04 | Progression Transition (P1/P2) outcomes | Age – 2.5 years to 3.5 years |
It is important that no matter how your classes are grouped, that the teacher works each child to the progression outcomes for their age and as they achieve the skill extend them to the next progression.
Little Wonders 04 (also known as Transition) aims to progress the child towards independent participation with the teacher. This level is particularly suitable for those children who are nervous, have limited lesson experience, not ready for independence and require a parent or carer for the initial stages.
Preschool - Levels 01 to 03
For the majority of preschool aged children, Levels 01 to 03 are suitable. There may be some preschool aged children that will need to commence in the transition level Little Wonders 04, due to their inexperience, fear and lack of readiness for independent participation. At the other end of the scale if there is a preschool aged child with advanced skill level, they should not be held back. It is important though to consider all factors of development, including emotional, social, cognitive and motor.
As the curriculum for Levels 01 to 03 is the same for preschool and school aged children, it allows program providers to structure classes based on age or ability. Note, it is important to consider grouping children of similar ages when organising classes to ensure age difference is not too extreme.
Primary School, Secondary School and Adult
The second curriculum stream focuses on Levels 01 to 11 and Bronze Star. This streamlined curriculum allows for a seamless transition between levels, consistency in skill progressions and outcomes.
The level structure aims to provide opportunities for faster achievement and progression to encourage retention in swimming and water safety lessons and also a pathway to challenge advanced participants.
Beyond Level 11 the pathway progresses to the Bronze Star and graduation of Swim and Survive. The Bronze Star aim to develop skills and knowledge of safe water rescue and survival. Further participation opportunities extend to the pinnacle lifesaving award, the Bronze Medallion, community and vocational training courses and career pathways.
