LEARNINGCURVE
Dan controls the in-water students very simple idea was put into action : An empty sofnolime tub , with around 10kg of shot weight in it was filled with water and placed on the bottom of the pool .
This gave Dan both a grab handle and a weight against which he was able to pull himself upright to be able to position himself for students to see his demonstrations .
By adapting himself and using the combined suggestions from not only his aide but also the IFC Instructor and his fellow candidates , he was able to deliver a 20-minute pool lesson that met the essential criteria of STEP : Safe , Technically correct , Effective & Progressive . Where aspects of the lesson needed able bodied demonstrations ( such as a giant stride entry ) he had prepared his aide to deliver these visually , while he explained what was being done .
Next , lessons moved to the classroom , where Dan was able to deliver a 10-minute lesson about the buddy briefing and the SEEDS acronym . Not relying on the ever-present PowerPoint , Dan put together a 10-minute presentation using flash cards to convey the information and meet the essential criteria for a theory lesson of PAVE ( Progressive , Accurate , Visual and Effective ).
There followed another couple of interactive lessons in the classroom , and a final presentation of his Assistant Diving Instructor certificate . Dan ably demonstrated that he has the ability and determination to be an active and capable instructor . With this new qualification he will be back at the club , helping out with and leading on teaching opportunities for all abilities of diver . �
Growing confidence during the pool session
Candidate ' s experience by Dan Metcalfe-Hall
For me , the IFC was absolutely amazing ! I started diving a little over three years ago and my aim was to just do something I always wanted , and to challenge myself . It rapidly changed to breaking boundaries where it ’ s common for a disabled person in my position to get told ‘ sorry , we don ' t cater for disabled people ’. I wanted to change this . I was at first worried and apprehensive about the IFC , then when I found out how much there was to do in two days , I became nervous . But the minute I arrived , my worries and panic were gone ! The instructors , Andy Jarvis and Marg Baldwin , put everyone ' s nerves at ease and explained how much fun and learning we were about to have . We had both theory and practical lessons demonstrated to us , along with many teaching and instructing skills . I felt like a sponge just trying to soak up all the invaluable knowledge and skills we were being taught by these two amazing instructors . I honestly didn ' t think I
would be able to take it all in - then we were told we would be teaching both practical and theoretical lessons the next day ! With the new skills , I wasn ' t worried too much about the next day ' s teaching ; I was actually excited and knew I would be okay . Throughout all the training on this course , both theory and especially practical , nothing was made unrealistically easy or adapted too far from the norm . This made me feel accepted and part of the team . I suppose the biggest thing I can say about my IFC experience at Stoney Cove is thank you , and that if I can do it – so can you ! No matter your disability or ability , an IFC is an awesome experience . I can ’ t wait to now finish my Dive Leader qualification and move forward to complete the TIE & PIE then Open Water Instructor qualification . My goal is to get to Instructor Trainer , and prove nothing is impossible , with support from the best diving buddies and BSAC .
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