The Ravenswood Swimming Squad Program caters for swimmers of all ages and levels, from beginner squad swimmers to those regularly competing at carnivals. Squads are also available for Senior School swimmers who wish to train for fitness but are less keen on competing.
Our Squad Program gives swimmers the opportunity to train and compete in a safe, fun and friendly environment and to develop skills valuable to both sport and life.
Please note that all new and returning swimmers require a swim assessment prior to enrolment.
Squad Pathways
| Squad | School Year | Commitment | Squad Focus | Class/Squad |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Development | Years 3-8 | 2+ sessions per week | Learn to train | 12 swimmers per class |
| Senior Fit | Years 7-12 | 2-3 sessions per week | Train to train | 12-20 swimmers per class |
| Junior Squad | Years 5-8 | 12-16 sessions per month | Learn to race | 22 Squad Members |
| Intermediate | Years 6-9 | 16-24 sessions per month | Train to race | 22 Squad Members |
| Senior | Years 9-12 | 20-24 sessions per month | Train to race | 20 Squad Members |
“ALL IN” Sessions
These sessions will run for swimmers in Development, Junior, Intermediate, Senior, and Senior Fit – allowing swimmers in these squads to train together with their peers from either the junior school or senior school.
One session a week for each group is for Ravenswood Students only.
| Squad | School Year | Class/Squad |
|---|---|---|
| Junior School | Year 3 – 6 | Maximum 32 swimmers per session |
| Senior School | Year 7 – 12 | Maximum 40 swimmers per session |
Squad Program Fee Structure per lesson
| Development and Fitness Squad fees (per lesson) | First session | Second session | Third session | Fourth session |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ravenswood | $21.80 | $19.62 | $19.62 | $19.62 |
| Community | $26.51 | $23.86 | $23.86 | $23.86 |
Competitive Squad Fees per lesson
| Competitive Squad fees (per lesson) | Junior | Inter | Snr |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ravenswood | $39.36 | $46.09 | $47.24 |
| Community | $50.62 | $46.09 | $58.49 |
Squad Program Levels
Aim: Development-level squads are the first squads in our progression from the Learn to Swim levels. Swimmers continue to develop technique across all four strokes and are introduced to training techniques including time cycles (using the pace clock) and race techniques (starts, turns and finishes).
The long-term athlete development focus for this level is: ‘learn to train’.
Swimmer qualities and commitment:
- For students in Years 3–7
- Readiness to further progress their swimming
- Commitment recommended: 2+ sessions per week
- Swimmers are encouraged to join the Ravenswood Swimming Club (RSC) and attend RSC club meets
Criteria
| DEVELOPMENT |
| 3 x 100 Freestyle (2:30) |
| 6 x 50 1x Backstroke 1x Breaststroke (1:20) |
| 2 x 50 Kick (1:30) + 6 x 50 Kick (50) |
- Stage 1: Introduction to capacity and technique under fatigue
- Stage 2: Progressing capacity and technique under fatigue – achieve 5 seconds rest
- Stage 3: Improving capacity and technique under fatigue – achieve 10 seconds rest
- Stage 4: Competent capacity and technique under fatigue – achieve 15+ seconds rest
Promotion to the next squad is at the coach’s discretion, once a swimmer has achieved Stage 4.
Timetable
| Development | |
|---|---|
| Monday | 5:30pm – 6:30pm |
| Tuesday | 7:00am – 8:00am (ALL IN Junior School) 6:00pm – 7:00pm |
| Wednesday | 3:45pm – 5:00pm (ALL IN Junior School) |
| Thursday | 5:30pm – 6:30pm |
| Friday | 7:00am – 8:00am (ALL IN Junior School RAVO ONLY) 3:30pm – 4:30pm |
| Saturday | 8:00am – 9:00am |
Aim: Senior Fit caters for Senior School students unable to commit to the demands of competitive swimming, or athletes who have a focus in another sporting area. This squad has a fun, relaxed atmosphere where swimmers will continue to refine technique across all four strokes, as well as being challenged in training capacities.
The long-term athlete development focus for this level is: ‘train to train’.
Swimmer qualities and commitment:
- For students in Years 7–12
- Enjoyment of swimming and desire to continue personal improvement
- Develop habits for a sustainable active and healthy lifestyle
- Commitment recommended: 2-3 sessions per week
- Swimmers are encouraged to join the Ravenswood Swimming Club (RSC) and attend RSC race meets
- Swimmer qualities and commitment:
Criteria
| SENIOR FIT |
| 3 x 100 Freestyle (2:30) |
| 6 x 50 1x Backstroke 1x Breaststroke (1:20) |
| 2 x 50 Kick (1:30) + 6 x 50 Kick (50) |
- Stage 1: Introduction to the swimming skill
- Stage 2: Progressing the swimming skill
- Stage 3: Improving the swimming skill
- Stage 4: Competent in the swimming skill
Promotion to the next level is at the coach’s discretion, once a swimmer has achieved Stage 4.
Timetable
| SeniorFit | |
|---|---|
| Monday | 5:45am – 7:00am (ALL IN Senior School) |
| Tuesday | 5:00pm – 6:00pm |
| Wednesday | 5:00pm – 6:30pm (ALL IN Senior School) |
| Thursday | |
| Friday | 5:45am – 7:00am (ALL IN Senior School RAVO ONLY) 5:30pm – 6:30pm |
Aim: Junior Squad is the beginning of our competitive pathway. Swimmers in this level will learn the skills required for competitive swimming, as well as continuing to work on technique across all four strokes. Swimmers will be introduced to morning training, and it’s recommended they attend at least two morning sessions during the school week.
The long-term athlete development focus for this level is: ‘learn to race’.
Swimmer qualities and commitment:
- For students in Years 5–8
- Readiness to further progress their swimming
- Actively working towards competing at club and area-level carnivals
- Commitment recommended: 12–16 sessions per month
- Swimmers are required to join the Ravenswood Swimming Club (RSC) and attend RSC race meets and targeted external carnivals
Criteria
| JUNIOR SQUAD |
| 8 x 100 Freestyle (1:55) |
| 4 x 100 Kick (2:20) |
| 3 x 100 IM (2:15) |
- Stage 1: Introduction to capacity and technique under fatigue
- Stage 2: Progressing capacity and technique under fatigue – achieve 5 seconds rest
- Stage 3: Improving capacity and technique under fatigue – achieve 10 seconds rest
- Stage 4: Competent capacity and technique under fatigue – achieve 15+ seconds rest
Promotion to the next squad is at the coach’s discretion, once a swimmer has achieved Stage 4.
Term class schedule
| Junior Squad | GYM | |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 5:45am – 7:00am (ALL IN Senior School) 5:15pm – 6:30pm | |
| Tuesday | 7:00am – 8:00am (ALL IN Junior School) 5:00pm – 6:00pm | |
| Wednesday | 3:45pm – 5:00pm (ALL IN Junior School) | |
| Thursday | 5:30pm – 6:45pm | |
| Friday | 5:45am – 7:00am (ALL IN Senior School RAVO ONLY) 7:00am – 8:00am (ALL IN Junior School RAVO ONLY) 4:30pm – 5:30pm | |
| Saturday | 8:00am – 9:15am |
Aim: Intermediate levels in our competitive pathway cater for swimmers in Years 7 to 9. Swimmers at this level are introduced to race-specific training sets while continuing to refine technique across all four strokes.
The long-term athlete development focus for this level is: ‘train to race’.
Swimmer qualities and commitment:
- For students in Years 7–9
- Readiness to further progress their swimming
- Actively working towards competing at area, state or national competitions
- Commitment recommended: Inter II: 12–16 sessions per month/Inter I: 20–24 sessions per month
- Swimmers are required to join the Ravenswood Swimming Club (RSC) and attend RSC race meets and targeted external carnivals
Criteria
| INTERMEDIATE SQUAD |
| 10 x 100 Freestyle (1:45) |
| 6 x 100 Kick (2:15) |
| 5 x 100 IM (2:00) |
- Stage 1: Introduction to capacity and technique under fatigue
- Stage 2: Progressing capacity and technique under fatigue – achieve 5 seconds rest
- Stage 3: Improving capacity and technique under fatigue – achieve 10 seconds rest
- Stage 4: Competent capacity and technique under fatigue – achieve 15+ seconds rest
Promotion to the next squad is at the coach’s discretion, once a swimmer has achieved Stage 4.
Timetable
| Intermediate | GYM | |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 5:45am – 7:00am (ALL IN Senior School) 3:45pm – 5:15pm | |
| Tuesday | 5:45am – 7:00am 7:00am – 8:00am (ALL IN Junior School) | |
| Wednesday | 6:00am – 7:30am * Term 1 +4 – West Pymble 6:00am – 7:30am * Term 2+3 Ravo 3:45pm – 5:00pm (ALL IN Junior School) 5:00pm – 6:30pm (ALL IN Senior School) | |
| Thursday | 3:45pm – 5:15pm | |
| Friday | 5:45am – 7:00am (ALL IN Senior School RAVO ONLY) 7:00am – 8:00am (ALL IN Junior School RAVO ONLY) | |
| Saturday | 6:30am – 8:00am |
Aim: Senior levels in our competitive pathway cater for swimmers in Years 10 to 12. Swimmers at this level are introduced to race-specific training sets, while continuing to refine their technique across all four strokes.
The long-term athlete development focus for this level is: ‘train to race’.
Swimmer Qualities and Commitment
- School year: 9-12
- Readiness to further progress their swimming
- Actively working towards competing at area, state, or national competitions
- Recommended: 20-24 sessions per month
- Swimmers are required to join the Ravenswood Swimming Club (RSC) and attend RSC race meets and targeted external carnivals
| SENIOR SQUAD (needs to be maintained to remain in Senior Squad) |
| 10 x 100 Freestyle (1:45) |
| 6 x 100 Kick (2:15) |
| 5 x 100 IM (2:00) |
- Stage 1: Introduction to capacity and technique under fatigue
- Stage 2: Progressing capacity and technique under fatigue – achieve 5 seconds rest
- Stage 3: Improving capacity and technique under fatigue – achieve 10 seconds rest
- Stage 4: Competent capacity and technique under fatigue – achieve 15+ seconds rest
Promotion into the next squad is at the coach’s discretion once a swimmer has achieved
stage 4 within the assessment criteria of their current squad.
Timetable
| Senior Squad | GYM | |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 5:45am – 7:00am (ALL IN Senior School) 3:45pm – 5:15pm | |
| Tuesday | 5:45am – 7:00am | |
| Wednesday | 6:00am – 7:30am * Term 1 +4 – West Pymble 6:00am – 7:30am * Term 2+3 Ravo 5:00pm – 6:30pm (ALL IN Senior School) | |
| Thursday | 3:45pm – 5:30pm | |
| Friday | 5:45am – 7:00am (ALL IN Senior School RAVO ONLY) | |
| Saturday | 6:30am – 8:00am |
