Alternate Education Programs
Alternate, functional, and special education programs prioritise individual goals, life skills, and successful transition beyond school. The Award provides a flexible co‑curricular framework that helps students set personal goals, practise independence, and document progress using accessible evidence such as photos or short reflections. It brings structure to experiential learning already embedded in IEP‑driven programming while supporting confidence, routine‑building, and real‑world readiness.
Building Your Award:
Find classroom examples to support activity planning
Class activities you can count:
Adapted fitness, walking or movement routines, supervised school-based physical activities, and wellness routines that support confidence and healthy habits.
Example SMART goal:
Over the next 13 weeks, I will build independence by practicing one life skill each week and uploading evidence (checklist/photo) plus a short reflection on what improved and what I will try next.
Example Assessor:
Teacher, EA, program lead, or supported workplace supervisor (as appropriate).
Example ORB log:
I used my checklist to complete the task with fewer prompts. I improved by doing the first two steps independently. Next week I will try starting the routine on my own before asking for help.
Class activities you can count: Well-being routines, walking/movement routines, sensory or regulation movement circuits, therapy-based physical activity routines, intramurals/games, community recreation, and personal fitness activity.
Example SMART goal:
Over the next 13 weeks, I will improve my health by doing two activity sessions per week that work for me. I will track my effort and reflect on how I felt and what changed over time.
Example Assessor:
Teacher, coach, EA, or program support staff.
Example ORB log:
I walked for 5 minutes longer than last week. I improved by taking fewer breaks. Next week I will add 2 minutes and try the same pace to build confidence.
Class activities you can count:
Supported helping roles at school, like classroom jobs, organizing materials, setting up routines, assisting with school activities, and supervised community helping tasks when appropriate.
Example SMART goal:
Over the next 13 weeks, I will volunteer 1 hour per week in a consistent helping role and to help improve my work skills and help others. I will reflect on what I learned and how I’ve helped.
Example Assessor:
Supervising staff member or community supervisor.
Example ORB log:
I helped set up materials and improved by following the checklist in the right order. Next week I will take responsibility for one extra step and ask for feedback to keep improving.
General activity (what the team will do):
As a team, plan and complete an accessible overnight journey aligned to student needs and a safety plan (route/itinerary, meeting points, check-in routine). The team completes a shared purpose task (photos/observations) and a group debrief on teamwork and responsibility.
Example team SMART goal (Bronze AJ):
Over our overnight journey (adapted to our setting and safety plan), we will strengthen planning and teamwork by completing our route safely, using planned check-ins, documenting two moments where we adjusted our plan, and completing a group debrief on responsibility and working together.
Example Supervisor/Assessor:
Teacher or approved adult supervisor.
Example group debrief:
We improved by using clear meeting points and regular check-ins. When we noticed the pace was too fast, we adjusted early and stayed together. Next time we would simplify our plan further and practice the route in advance to reduce stress.
