Looking to put our 4 year old into a once-a-week swim class very soon and deciding between Harry Wright at West Island School and the ESF swim classes at South Island school. Any experience to share with either? Our son is willing to put his head underwater and generally splash around - just needs to learn strokes and how to get going now so is past the toddler-swim stage I guess. Other option might be private swim lessons - all input most welcome - thanks!
Harry Wright or ESF swimming?
- Thread starter snagito
- Start date
carang
Registered User
last year, i wanted the same thing for my son, but he was TERRIFIED of putting his head under.
we went to the public pool and i had a chat with the lifeguard (she was on a break) about it. i found out that she taught privately and so we started classes with her the next week.
within a month (2x/week for 1.25hrs/class) he was swimming to the bottom of the pool to get toys!
it might be something to consider instead of a big class.
i'm going to be calling her again soon to start with both kids next month, i hope!
we went to the public pool and i had a chat with the lifeguard (she was on a break) about it. i found out that she taught privately and so we started classes with her the next week.
within a month (2x/week for 1.25hrs/class) he was swimming to the bottom of the pool to get toys!
it might be something to consider instead of a big class.
i'm going to be calling her again soon to start with both kids next month, i hope!
rani
Administrator
Have heard good things about Harry Wright, and kids make significant progress fairly quickly. However, it is a bit more expensive than ESF.
We've been with ESF for the last 3 years and have been happy. They have hired a number of new teachers and the majority are good. But there's one local teacher, who can't speak English very well, and gets really frustrated with the kids, and splashes them in the face to get their attention. Luckily he's not our teacher, but my son says, if he gets promoted, he refuses to sign up for his class.
We've been with ESF for the last 3 years and have been happy. They have hired a number of new teachers and the majority are good. But there's one local teacher, who can't speak English very well, and gets really frustrated with the kids, and splashes them in the face to get their attention. Luckily he's not our teacher, but my son says, if he gets promoted, he refuses to sign up for his class.
rani
Administrator
Update from us on ESF South Island School. We somehow enrolled in the crazy teacher's class this term. He's been ok so far. I haven't seen any splashing and he's been somewhat patient except for today. My little guy got yelled at, and was in tears. I had to step in and ask him not to yell at my kid. If he can't motivate and teach a child to swim without yelling at them, then he shouldn't be teaching.
There's a new Head of Swimming at ESF, and its been really chaotic at South Island. There was no registration desk, at the beginning of the term. People were wandering around lost, looking for their class. Even 4 weeks into the term, kids were still in the wrong class.
I think this maybe our last term at ESF.
PS: I managed to switch D to another class
There's a new Head of Swimming at ESF, and its been really chaotic at South Island. There was no registration desk, at the beginning of the term. People were wandering around lost, looking for their class. Even 4 weeks into the term, kids were still in the wrong class.
I think this maybe our last term at ESF.
PS: I managed to switch D to another class
That's too bad. Glad D is in another class now and thanks for the feedback. We are with Harry Wright at West Island (beginner level 1 its called) and it's OK, but there are too many children in the class. 9 children, 2 instructors, I know it doesn't sound so bad, but the reality is that the kids don't learn that much or that quickly; they don't progress to the next level and for around HK $225 a 45 minute class, I think that's not so great. I do have a voucher that I need to use for ESF Sports before May 2011, but will see if I can use it for something else rather than swimming at South Island!!
rani
Administrator
Wow $225 is a lot of money for a group class! We are paying $180 for 45 mins and the beginners classes are also $180 but for 30 mins. To be fair the other teachers at South Island are good. We were unfortunate to get in the wrong class this term. Previously, the brochures would indicate who the instructor was for each class, so that you can stick with the same teacher. But there's lots of new blood at ESF and hence lots of changes.
I forgot to add that the crazy teacher told me that he gets results with his style of teaching. I was like really?? You scare the kids that they don't want to come back?!
I forgot to add that the crazy teacher told me that he gets results with his style of teaching. I was like really?? You scare the kids that they don't want to come back?!