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Primary School Programmes at SWAC

Building Confidence, Curiosity and Life Skills Through Water-Based Learning

Southampton Water Activities Centre (SWAC) delivers safe, engaging, and inspiring water sports programmes for primary and prep school pupils aged 8–11. (Years 4, 5 & 6)

Set directly on the waterfront in Southampton, SWAC provides children with the opportunity to experience the water in a structured, supportive, and fun environment. Our programmes are designed to support PE, PSHE, outdoor learning, and personal development, while helping pupils build confidence, teamwork, and resilience.

For many children, a visit to SWAC is their first time learning on the water, an experience that often becomes a lasting positive memory.

children-sailing

Why Bring Your Pupils to SWAC?

Water-based learning is a powerful tool at primary level. Carefully managed challenge, play, and discovery help children to grow in ways that classroom learning alone cannot.

Our primary school programmes help pupils to:

  • Develop confidence and independence

  • Improve balance, coordination, and physical literacy

  • Learn to work together and communicate

  • Build resilience and problem-solving skills

  • Develop respect for water and the environment

  • Experience success in a new and exciting setting

Activities are delivered in a calm, encouraging, and age-appropriate manner, ensuring pupils feel safe, supported, and proud of what they achieve.

Activities for Primary Schools

All sessions are adapted to suit the age, ability, and experience of each group. No prior watersports experience is required.

Sailing (Introductory)

Children learn the basics of sailing through simple, practical tasks and games. Emphasis is placed on teamwork, confidence, and fun rather than technical knowledge.

Kayaking & Canoeing

Highly accessible and confidence-building activities that develop coordination, cooperation, and spatial awareness. Ideal for whole-class participation.

Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP)

A popular and engaging activity that builds balance and self-belief. Sessions are delivered progressively and inclusively, with close instructor support.

child-powerboating

Water Confidence & Safety

Age-appropriate water safety sessions covering:

  • Staying safe near water

  • Wearing buoyancy aids correctly

  • What to do if you fall in

  • Helping yourself and others safely

These sessions strongly support PSHE and life-skills education.

River Trips

Learn about local history and geography onboard our powered craft

  • Geography: estuary dynamics, ports, trade routes, tides. River processes: flow, estuaries, tidal effects
  • Human geography: Southampton as a major UK port city, container terminals and cruise liners (visible from waterways). Ports, transport, industry and local communities
  • Navigation; Maps & direction: compass use, simple map skills and digital navigation
  • Habitats & ecosystems: saltmarsh, estuary zones, seabirds, estuarine ecosystems.
  • History- The Roman Settlement, Spitfire Quay, Titanic’s berth and Maritime Heritage
  • Riverside Park and the upper section of the tidal Itchen-  river features, water cycle, local flora/fauna, mapping exercises & Woodmill.
  • Calshot Spit / Calshot Castle, The geography of coastal landforms, navigation hazards, spit formation. Calshot Spit has historic and geomorphological interest.

Curriculum Links & Learning Outcomes

SWAC programmes support a wide range of curriculum and whole-school priorities, including:

  • Physical Education (PE)

  • PSHE and wellbeing

  • Learning Outside the Classroom

  • Personal development and character education

  • Transition preparation (Year 6)

  • Enrichment, reward, and experience days

Sessions can be delivered as single-day visits, multi-day blocks, or weekly sessions, allowing pupils to build familiarity and confidence over time.

children-paddle-boarding

Safety, Safeguarding & Reassurance for Schools

We understand that schools and parents need absolute confidence that children are safe and well cared for.

At SWAC:

  • Our instructors are fully qualified, experienced, and DBS-checked

  • Activities are delivered under clear risk assessments and operating procedures

  • Children wear appropriate personal flotation devices at all times

  • Equipment is specifically chosen for young learners

  • Instructor-to-pupil ratios are kept low and appropriate

  • We work closely with schools on medical needs, SEND support, and safeguarding requirements

Our approach prioritises care, encouragement, and confidence-building, never pressure.

Inclusion & Accessibility

SWAC is committed to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to access outdoor and water-based learning.

We regularly work with:

  • Local authority primary schools

  • Schools with limited access to outdoor education

  • SEND pupils and mixed-ability groups

  • Schools seeking affordable enrichment opportunities

  • Indépendant Prep schools

Programmes can be adapted to meet the needs of different cohorts, ensuring all pupils feel included and successful.

Creating Positive First Experiences on the Water

For many children, a visit to SWAC is:

  • Their first time wearing a buoyancy aid

  • Their first time in a boat

  • Their first experience learning outside the classroom in a coastal environment

These early, positive experiences help children develop confidence around water, laying the foundations for lifelong safety, enjoyment, and wellbeing.

Plan a Primary School Visit

We welcome enquiries from:

  • Headteachers

  • PE coordinators

  • PSHE leads

  • Year group leaders

  • Educational visits coordinators

Programmes can be tailored to your pupils, timetable, and learning objectives.

Contact SWAC to discuss how we can support your pupils through safe, inspiring water-based learning.