Content of courses
The Halliwick Concept – Foundation course
The foundation course is the basic course in the Halliwick Concept consisting of 4-days training and includes both theory and pool work.
On this course, participants gain an insight into a method of teaching people with special needs to be as competent and independent as possible in the water. Halliwick is the ideal Concept of teaching ‘water happiness’.
The course covers mental and physical adjustment to the water, relaxation, breathing control, balance in the vertical and floating and basic movement skills. These are taught in a relaxed and enjoyable way, using simple activities, games and music.
Some of the other topics covered are how to get people with a disability in and out of the water, assisting and moving on land, understanding the effects of water, the use of groups, badge work, competition and teaching techniques. There are no pre-requisites and participants need not be strong swimmers. Anyone interested in helping people with a disability in the water may attend. A certificate of attendance is awarded. This course is recognised by the International Halliwick Association (IHA).
The aim of the Days 1 and 2 of training is to enable instructors to have a knowledge of and practice a concept of teaching people of all ages with special needs to be as competent and independent as possible in the water.
The aim of the Days 3 and 4 of training is to consolidate knowledge and practice gained over the first 2-days and to devise, plan and record groups and games to promote swimmer’s progress.
Group work photo: Participants on the recent foundation course in Limerick involved in group work.
The next foundation course will be held in Charleville on the 8th, 9th, 15th and 16th June 2013. Contact course organiser Ursula Barrett for more details ursula.barrett@staff.ittralee.ie Tel: 0879349005.
Advanced Course – Teaching the Halliwick Concept
Pre-requisite: Attendance on a Basic or Foundation Course
The advanced course adds to the knowledge and competences gained in the foundation course. It involves elements of problem solving, so that participants develop the ability to use the halliwick knowledge to develop their practice. Participants get an opportunity to share their personal knowledge. Numbers are limited to 12 to ensure individual involvement and maximum learning.
The advanced course covers:
- Teaching the Halliwick session in a group situation.
- How to prepare programmes for group work, how to devise and adapt
activities to meet the needs of swimmers. - Advanced pool work including techniques required in special circumstances.
- The training of new instructors.
Halliwick Assessors course
Pre-requisite: Attendance on a Foundation course
The most recent course was held in Beaufort, Co. Kerry on the 17th and 18th September 2011. A number of people were certified as assessors while others gained red, yellow and green badge awards and certification as Halliwick Instructors, Group Leaders and Training Instructors.
The aim of the course is to give participants maximum practical experience at assessing and being assessed for the various Halliwick AST Certificates of Competence. This will vary depending on the participant’s previous experience and swimmers available etc.
There are a number of training and assessment options currently available from the International Halliwick Association. The ‘Assessment of Competence Certificates’ book also provides detailed information on the assessment methods for each certificate and can be purchased at a nominal cost through the Halliwick AST website http://www.halliwick.org.uk
Cert photo: Participants receiving their certificates after completing their foundation course in Limerick in June 2011 pictured here with lecturers Ursula Barrett (HSAI) and Veronica Boys (HAST).
