Central Coast students from Kindergarten to Year 9 are being encouraged to jump into reading with the Premier’s Reading Challenge now open for 2021.
Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast and Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch said the annual initiative challenges students to read between 20 and 30 books, depending on their challenge level, from a long list of quality literature.
“There are plenty of page-turners to choose from in this year’s Premier’s Reading Challenge book list, with 223 new titles added,” Mr Crouch said.
“Whether you read for fun or to beat your friends, I’m encouraging as many students on the Central Coast as possible to get involved in the 2021 Premier’s Reading Challenge.
“We know that reading quality literature is critical for students to access knowledge and skills, and plays a big role in broadening their school education.”
The 2020 Premier’s Reading Challenge saw a 5 per cent increase in student participation as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, with almost nine million books read by NSW students.
Education Minister Sarah Mitchell said an additional 38,000 books were read and 165 additional schools joined the challenge in 2020.
“It’s not too late for schools and students to join the Premier’s Reading Challenge. All you need to do is register, pick up a book and start reading!” Ms Mitchell said.
“The ability to read well is one of education’s greatest gifts, and everyone involved should be proud that the challenge continues to grow and encourages all students to explore the many benefits that result from a love of reading.”
The 2021 Premier’s Reading Challenge places a particular focus on ensuring Indigenous authors and illustrators are well-represented on the book list, with Bundjalung woman, author and illustrator Dr Bronwyn Bancroft providing this year’s promotional artwork.
The full book list can be found at: https://online.det.nsw.edu.au/prc/booklist/home.html.