PHASE Aquatics Summit

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  • PHASE Aquatics Summit

    Pre-conference: 13 November 2026

Overview

Dive into a dynamic, practical, and thought-provoking session designed for Aquatics and PE educators who want to take their programs from “good” to exceptional. Using the Hong Kong International School (HKIS) Aquatics Program as a real-world case study, this workshop explores what it truly takes to build, sustain, and continuously elevate an Aquatics program that is safe, student-centered, and built for lifelong impact. 

A Two-Part Experience for Aquatics Program Directors and Coordinators

  • Part 1

    Alert Alert

    Workshop: Building a Thriving Aquatics Program in International Schools

    More

  • Part 2

    Aquatics Program for 21st Century Learners workshop

    More

PHASE AP 2026 – Hanoi

Date and Time
13 November 2026
9:00 am to 4:00 pm

Location
United Nations International School of Hanoi

Investment

Super Early Bird – $215 USD(before 31 May 2026)
Early Bird – $250USD (before 19 September 2026)
Regular – $275USD (before 17 October 2026)
Last Minute – $325USD (before 12 November 2026)

+ 5% registration fee

There are combo tickets available to attend the PHASE AP conference (pre-conference + main conference) – see registration page.

REGISTER

Note: You do not need to register for the main PHASE Conference to attend this one day workshop.

Important Note: The “Go or no go” date for pre-conferences is 18th September 2026. Please do not book nonrefundable travel before this date. Pre-conferences will only go ahead if we have reached a defined minimum enrollment.

Please register early for pre-conferences you are especially keen on a particular pre-conference.

If you have registered for a pre con in the unlikely event it does not go ahead, you will be 100% refunded or can switch to another pre-conference.

Part 1: Workshop on Building a Thriving Aquatics Program in International Schools

Core Vision & Philosophy of an Aquatics Program – Discover how a clear vision shapes every decision in Aquatics. We’ll explore long-term aims, purpose, and guiding principles that keep student safety, deep learning, and lifelong engagement at the heart of your program. See how one school built a strong philosophical foundation – and reflect on how you can strengthen yours. 

A Developmentally Sequenced Aquatics Curriculum – What does a coherent, age-appropriate Aquatics curriculum look like from ages 4-18? Explore the key components of a comprehensive international school curriculum, including skills progression pathways, water‑safety competencies, aligned assessments, and the physical‑literacy journey that helps students thrive in and around water. 

Safeguarding Through the Swiss Cheese Model – Using the Swiss Cheese model developed by the University of Manchester as our framework, we’ll examine the multiple layers of protection required to keep students safe. From risk assessments and operational policies to equipment, facilities, supervision, qualifications, and emergency action planning – learn how small gaps can line up, and how to prevent them from doing so. 

Systems That Make Aquatics Run Smoothly – Take a behind-the-scenes look at the practical systems that keep Aquatics programs efficient and school-ready. Explore digital platforms, data-driven planning tools, scheduling, reporting workflows, and other systems that reduce chaos and increase student learning time. 

Aquatics Staff Development & Wellbeing – Strong programs rely on strong people. Learn the pillars of effective staff development, from ongoing training and emergency‑readiness to appreciation and wellbeing practices that help your team stay motivated, supported, and connected. 

What to Expect 

This session is interactive, collaborative, and designed for educators at all experience levels. Whether you are an Athletics Director, Aquatics Manager, PE or swimming teacher, or someone looking to redesign or refresh your school’s Aquatics offerings, you’ll gain practical tools and inspiration to help students develop confidence, skills, and a lifelong love of water.  

Key Takeaways 

Actionable strategies for building a meaningful program vision, designing an Aquatics curriculum, and strengthening safeguarding practices. 

Ready‑to‑implement systems that streamline operations and support student learning and program improvement. 

A valuable professional network of Aquatics specialists to exchange ideas with and continue learning long after the conference ends. 

Part 2: Workshop on Aquatics Program for 21st Century Learners

Dive into a fresh vision of aquatics programs at schools that goes well beyond developing strokes, water safety skills and lap times. This workshop explores how an intentional, modern aquatics program supports whole child development, student agency, communication, collaboration, and well-being – perfect for international school program contexts.  

What We Will Cover

Student agency in the pool: From play-based discovery in Preschool to goalsetting in Primary and voice- and- choice activities for Middle School- see practical examples of how learners can drive their progress in an area often seen as instructor-led. 

A “thinking culture” in aquatics: Activities and lesson designs that encourage experimentation, flexible thinking, creativity, and motivation across age groups. 

The evolving swim teacher role: How role shifts from instructor to facilitator, coach, data user, and mentor to support 21st-century learners. 

Data & tech for teaching and learning: Practical ways technology and data routines can inform planning, personalise learning, and help swim teachers make better decisions (HKIS case study included). 

What to Expect   

This interactive, hands-on session is ideal for Aquatics or Athletics Directors, PE and swim teachers, swimming specialists, or anyone refreshing their school’s aquatics offerings. Expect lively discussion, a classroom – to – pool ideas, and ready-to-use strategies you can implement immediately. 

 

Key Takeaways 

Practical tools and lesson ideas that promote student agency, experimentation, and innovation in aquatics. 

Concrete examples of technology and data use to support teaching and learning, drawn from the Hong Kong International School Aquatics Program. 

Strong regional networking – connect with fellow aquatics specialists, share ideas, and build partnerships. 

Join us to reimagine the pool as a place of curiosity, confidence, and lifelong aquatic learning – where students lead, teachers guide, and every lesson creates a ripple of positive impact.

Presenter

Ella Healy

Aquatics Director, Hong Kong International School

Ella Healy, a former national‑level competitive swimmer, has transformed her passion for sport into a dynamic international career as a Physical Education and Aquatics specialist. With over 20 years of experience across various international schools and swimming clubs in Europe and Asia, she has embraced a truly global lifestyle—one shaped by dedication, curiosity, and a commitment to excellence.
Since 2017, Ella has had the privilege of serving as the Schoolwide Aquatics Director at Hong Kong International School, where she leads with vision, purpose, and a belief in the power of aquatics to change lives.

Ella is passionate about designing high‑quality aquatics programs and curriculum for international schools, integrating innovative technologies, and supporting swimmers of all abilities to reach their full potential. She is devoted to helping each learner discover confidence, joy, and achievement in the water.

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