Multilingual Language Learners
Language learning programs focus on communication, confidence, and everyday literacy through regular practice. The Award provides a supportive framework for setting language goals, practising consistently, and documenting progress in accessible formats such as short writing samples or audio reflections. It strengthens experiential learning and recognises growth across school and daily life contexts.
Building Your Award:
Find classroom examples to support activity planning
Class activities you can count: Vocabulary and sentence structure practice, guided reading and reading response tasks, writing drafts and revisions, listening and speaking practice etc.
Example SMART goal:
Over the next 13 weeks, I will improve English communication for school and daily life by completing two 30-minute language practice sessions each week (one speaking, one reading or writing). Each week, I will learn and correctly use 10 new words or phrases from class in context. Every two weeks, I will submit one short speaking or writing sample and reflect on what improved and what I will focus on next.
Example Assessor: LEARN teacher, ESL teacher, tutor, settlement worker supporting learning, or program mentor (someone who can give regular feedback).
Example ORB log: (progress-focused, LEARN-aligned)
This week I used new vocabulary to write a clearer paragraph and I revised it using feedback. I also practiced explaining my ideas out loud with fewer pauses. Next week I will focus on using transition words and speaking in complete sentences during conversation practice.
Class activities you can count: PE class, intramurals, walking club, team practice, fitness routines.
Following multi-step instructions, practicing teamwork communication, and using simple check-ins (before, during, after activity).
Example SMART goal:
Over the next 13 weeks, I will improve my fitness by completing three 30-minute activity sessions each week. After one session each week, I will complete a short reflection (written or audio) using a sentence starter to describe what I did, what was challenging, and what I will try next.
Example Assessor:
PE teacher, coach, or club supervisor.
Example ORB log
I completed my three sessions. I followed the warm-up steps without needing reminders and I asked a question when I was unsure. Next week I will focus on giving one clear instruction to a teammate during a group activity.
Class activities you can count: Classroom helper, library helper, reading buddy, supporting school events, welcoming new students. Service roles where communication is part of the task (greeting, explaining a process, asking clarifying questions, helping someone complete a step)
Example SMART goal:
Over the next 13 weeks, I will complete 1 hour per week of service in a consistent role. Each week, I will practice one communication task connected to the role (for example, greeting someone, explaining a step, or asking a clarifying question). I will record a short reflection on what communication worked well and what I will improve next time.
Example Assessor:
Teacher, librarian, club supervisor, settlement worker supporting learning, or community partner.
Example ORB log:
I helped set up for a school event and practiced explaining where materials go using short, clear sentences. When I did not understand a question, I asked the person to repeat it slowly. Next week I will practice giving directions using first, next, last.
General activity (what the team will do):
As a team, complete an overnight journey that includes planning, navigation, teamwork, and a short group debrief. Planning and debrief naturally support literacy and numeracy skills (time, distance, route decisions, safety planning) in real-life contexts, which fits our learning goals.
Example team SMART goal (Bronze AJ, Overnight):
Over our overnight journey, we will complete our planned route safely by following our timeline and holding four team check-ins (start, midpoint, end of day, debrief). We will document our plan, record two route or timing adjustments we made and why, and create a short group summary that explains what we learned about planning, communication and teamwork.
Example group debrief:
We stayed on time by assigning one person to track our checkpoints and one person to track the map. When we fell behind, we shortened a stop and adjusted our route to reach camp before dark. Next time we will practice our check-in routine on a short walk so everyone understands the roles and key phrases.
