Frequently Asked Questions

What is Portfolio Based Language Assessment (PBLA)?

PBLA is used in all of our LINC classes. It is a comprehensive, systematic, and collaborative approach to language assessment based on the use of real world language tasks. It is teacher-led and classroom-based and integrated throughout the teaching/learning cycle. Together, teachers and learners collaborate to set language learning goals, compile examples of language proficiency and learning in a variety of contexts over time, analyze the data, and reflect on progress.

The process helps learners become more autonomous, self-aware, and responsible for their learning.

What is blended learning?

Blended Learning classes combine in-person sessions with online learning that is facilitated by a teacher. We offer blended learning classes in our CLB 5 and CLB 6-8 LINC classes. Students are expected to complete between 3-5 hours of online learning each week as part of their attendance in their registered class.

What if I don’t have a computer?

Students enrolled in a CLB 5 or higher class will be required to complete weekly online assignments. Computers are available at both Abbotsford locations of the Fraser Valley Regional Library and can be used to complete assignments for your LINC class.

I am a Naturalized Canadian Citizen, what program am I eligible for?

You may be eligible for our Access2English program. Information on how to apply can be found here.

Is the CLBPT assessment valid as proof of language for my Citizenship application?

In order to apply for Canadian Citizenship, you must achieve a CLB 4 or higher in both listening and speaking. However, the Canadian Language Benchmarks Placement Test (CLBPT) is NOT accepted by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) as proof of language ability (see the IRCC website for what you need for proof of language).

I was in the LINC program and got a CLB 4 or higher in listening and speaking when I progressed to the next level, can I use my certificate as proof of language for my Citizenship application?

Yes, if your LINC certificate has a 4 or higher in Listening and Speaking, you can use the certificate as proof of language with your Citizenship application.

I lost my LINC certificate, how can I get a new one?

Please contact the LINC office at linc@archway.ca with your name, date of birth, and the year you were in our program. We can find your certificate and send you a new one.

I was in the LINC program but never progressed to the next level, can I still get a certificate for my citizenship application?

LINC certificates are only issued when students progress to the next CLB level. In order to receive a certificate, you must stay in our program long enough to complete all the required assessments in your portfolio and progress to the next CLB level.

What are the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLBs)? 

The Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) are a national, standardized system of measuring a person’s English language proficiency. To find out more about the Canadian Language Benchmarks click here.

If you have other questions that we didn’t cover here, get in touch with us and we’ll be happy to get you the information you need.