How to Become an STA Teacher
Swimming Teaching Qualifications
Aquatic Teaching Foundation Unit (ATFU)
The Aquatic Teaching Foundation Unit (ATFU) is a Common Unit that covers the core knowledge that is required for all STA Aquatic Teacher training courses. It will normally be delivered as a part of a qualification training course.
Candidates who have successfully completed any one of the above aquatic teacher training courses will hold the ATFU, which is a unit common to all courses. They need only undertake the training, and be assessed, for the necessary additional units to be certified for additional qualifications.
STA Certificate in Teaching Swimming - Beginners (STC[B])
Holders of the STC[B] can teach up to 10 beginners, they may also act as an assistant teacher and may teach larger classes or advanced skills under direct supervision of a suitably qualified swimming teacher.
Candidates must:
- Be at least 16 years old at the time of the examination
- Hold either the "Safeguarding Children, Young People and Vulnerable Adults" online programme (available online at www.trainsta.co.uk) or acceptable equivalent
- Hold an acceptable life saving qualification
- Attend an STA course of instruction that will have a minimum duration of 20 hours. Candidates must attend for at least 18 hours.
Candidates are assessed during the course and take a practical teaching examination and a written theory examination at the end of the course.
Accepted Safeguarding Certificates
STA Certificate in Teaching Swimming - Full (STC[F])
Holders of the STC[F] can teach without supervision, pupils of all levels.
Candidates must:
- Be at least 18 years old at the time of the examination
- Hold either the "Safeguarding Children, Young People and Vulnerable Adults" online programme (available online at www.trainsta.co.uk) or acceptable equivalent
- Hold an acceptable life saving qualification
- Hold the STC[B], or an acceptable equivalent
- Attend an STA course of instruction that will have a minimum duration of 26 hours. Candidates must attend for at least 22 hours.
Candidates are assessed during the course and take a practical teaching examination and a written theory examination at the end of the course.
Accepted Safeguarding Certificates
STA Certificate in Teaching Swimming - Primary Teacher (STC[PT])
This qualification is specially designed for primary school teachers, holders of the STC[PT] can teach pupils to National Curriculum Key Stage 2.
Candidates must:
- Be at least 18 years old at the time of the examination
- Hold either the "Safeguarding Children, Young People and Vulnerable Adults" online programme (available online at www.trainsta.co.uk) or acceptable equivalent
- Be a qualified Teacher in Education, or undergoing training to become qualified, or hold an NNEB qualification
- Hold an acceptable life saving qualification
- Attend a course of instruction for a minimum of 16 hours.
Candidates are assessed during the course and take a practical teaching examination and a written theory examination at the end of the course.
Accepted Safeguarding Certificates
STA Certificate in Teaching Swimming - Secondary Teacher (STC[ST])
Holders of the STC[ST] can teach pupils to National Curriculum Key Stage 3 and 4.
Candidates must:
- Hold the STC[PT]
- Hold either the "Safeguarding Children, Young People and Vulnerable Adults" online programme (available online at www.trainsta.co.uk) or acceptable equivalent
- Hold an acceptable life saving qualification.
Candidates principally undertake project work which is tutor assessed on completion.
Accepted Safeguarding Certificates
Aquatic Teaching Qualifications
STA Certificate in Aquatic Teaching - Aquacise (ATA)
Aquacise Teachers are qualified to take aqua sessions for most ability ranges and all fitness levels from the beginner to the athlete.
Candidates must:
- Be at least 18 years of age at the time of the examination
- Hold either the "Safeguarding Children, Young People and Vulnerable Adults" online programme (available online at www.trainsta.co.uk) or acceptable equivalent
- Attend a course of instruction for a minimum of 36 hours including the ATFU.
Candidates are assessed during the course and take a practical teaching examination and a written theory examination at the end of the course.
Accepted Safeguarding Certificates
STA Certificate in Aquatic Teaching - Baby & Pre-school (BPC)
Baby & Pre-school Teachers are qualified in the special skills required to introduce babies and very young children to aquatic activities.
Candidates must:
- Be at least 18 years old at the time of the examination
- Hold either the "Safeguarding Children, Young People and Vulnerable Adults" online programme (available online at www.trainsta.co.uk) or acceptable equivalent
- Hold an acceptable lifesaving qualification
- Attend a course of instruction for a minimum of 22 hours including the ATFU.
Candidates are assessed during the course and take a practical teaching demonstration and a written theory examination at the end of the course.
Accepted Safeguarding Certificates
STA Certificate in Aquatic Teaching - People with Disabilities
Special Needs Aquatic Teachers are qualified to teach basic aquatic skills to and understand the correct care and handling of, those with special needs; they are also qualified to assist in the teaching of strokes. Teachers who wish to teach strokes and advanced aquatic skills must hold an approved swimming teaching certificate.
Candidates must:
- Be at least 18 years old at the time of the examination
- Hold either the "Safeguarding Children, Young People and Vulnerable Adults" online programme (available online at www.trainsta.co.uk) or acceptable equivalent
- Attend a course of instruction for a minimum of 24 hours including the ATFU.
Candidates are assessed during the course, take a written theory examination at the end of the course and are assessed whilst teaching.
Accepted Safeguarding Certificates
STA Certificate in Aquatic Teaching - People with Disabilities Assistant
Alternatively, candidates who are at least 16 years old may attend the above course of instruction for a minimum of 12 hours and undertake the practical assessment only.
Candidates must:
- Hold either the "Safeguarding Children, Young People and Vulnerable Adults" online programme (available online at www.trainsta.co.uk) or acceptable equivalent
- Attend a course of instruction
They will be qualified to act as a helper to a qualified Special Needs Aquatic Teacher.
Accepted Safeguarding Certificates
Other STA Teaching Qualifications
Student Teacher Certificate
This examination course is designed to provide preliminary training for young people aged 13 to 18 as the first step towards a career in the teaching of swimming.
Candidates must hold an acceptable life saving qualification and have worked under the guidance of a qualified swimming teacher for at least 5 hours.
Candidates take a practical teaching examination and an oral theory examination at the end of the course.
