The pages are turning, and the clock is counting down as the Premier’s Reading Challenge enters its final month for 2023.
Having opened on 27 February, students have until 18 August to get their books read in the much-loved challenge, first instituted by then NSW Premier Bob Carr in 2001.
The Premier’s Reading Challenge encourages a love of reading for leisure and pleasure in students, enabling them to experience quality literature at the same time.
Already, around 50,000 more students have completed the Challenge with an extra 16,679 registering compared to the same stage last year.
Not that 2022 was anything to sneeze at: despite COVID disruptions and technology playing an increasing role in children’s lives last year’s challenge was a winner with 8,736,538 books read by 429,000 children and teenagers.
Students from government, independent, Catholic, and home schools in Kindergarten to Year 10 can participate in the Challenge.
Rules instituted for the 2023 Challenge allow students to include up to 10 books of their own choice on their reading records, and a further five books from an approved series, for example Harry Potter.
The Premier’s Medal is awarded to students who have completed the challenge each year throughout their schooling, with 1,149 students recognised in 2022.
“A broad vocabulary, depth of knowledge and writing skills are all fundamental to a well-rounded education,” said Murat Dizdar, Secretary NSW Department of Education.
“Reading provides students with these opportunities; not only to engage their imaginations but to develop and build their creative thinking skills.
“Picking up a book is such a simple but rewarding pleasure, and I encourage children to do it – as much as for their own enjoyment as for learning.”
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