We are delighted to announce that our school will soon be building a swimming pool, an exciting development that reflects our commitment to children’s wellbeing, learning, and safety. Introducing swimming from a young age provides powerful benefits across physical, cognitive, social and emotional development, supporting children during some of the most important years of growth.
Swimming plays a key role in developing both fine and gross motor skills. Research shows that children who learn to swim before the age of five often demonstrate better balance and body control than non-swimmers. These skills translate beyond the pool into the classroom, supporting activities such as using scissors, writing, and artistic projects. For younger children, simply learning to move, float, and splash in the water strengthens foundational motor development.
Swimming engages the entire body and requires children to move both sides in a coordinated way. Kicking, pulling, floating and breathing help children understand how their bodies move in space. This bilateral coordination supports overall physical development and is closely linked to skills such as reading, writing and participating confidently in sports. Even at a very young age, water activities help children strengthen core muscles, improve posture, and develop cardiovascular health by strengthening the heart, lungs, and blood vessels.
The combination of movement, coordination and problem-solving involved in swimming supports brain development. Studies have shown strong links between early swimming and cognitive growth. Research has shown that that young children who learned to swim demonstrated significantly advanced language, literacy and numeracy skills compared to non-swimmers. These children showed notable progress in vocabulary, story recall and their ability to follow instructions; all essential skills for success in school.
Above all, swimming is a life-saving skill. Teaching children water awareness and safety from an early age equips them with essential knowledge and confidence around water. As an international community where families may live near or travel to pools, beaches and lakes, swimming education provides peace of mind and an invaluable layer of protection.
Our new swimming pool represents more than a new facility, it is an investment in the whole child. By offering swimming opportunities, we are supporting physical development, cognitive growth, emotional wellbeing and essential life skills in a safe, supportive environment. We look forward to seeing our students thrive as they develop skills that will benefit them for a lifetime.
By Joanne Prabhu
Principal
Create Your Swimmingly Good Future at BSB Sanlitun - Don’t delay your child’s opportunity to join one of Beijing’s most prestigious and international British Schools. Enquire today to begin your family’s journey with BSB Sanlitun.
sltadmissions@bsbsanlitun.com
+86 10 8531 1999
