- Record-breaking year for the Premier's Reading Challenge, with 54,000 students reading 860,000 books
- Challenge aims to raise the profile of reading and literacy in schools
- Prize winners announced at a ceremony today
The chapter has closed on the Premier's Reading Challenge 2024, with more than 860,000 books read by school students over the four-month challenge.
More than 54,000 young readers registered to take part - a new record for the Premier's Reading Challenge.
Students from kindergarten to year 10 took part in the program, which is designed to encourage students to develop a love of reading and improve their literacy skills.
More than 1,000 passionate school staff members stepped forward as Challenge Champions this year to promote the program within their schools.
Premier Roger Cook and Education Minister Dr Tony Buti today presented the winning schools and students with prizes at a ceremony at Parliament House to acknowledge their outstanding efforts during the challenge.
As stated by Premier Roger Cook:
"The Premier's Reading Challenge continues to be an incredible initiative.
"Each year, more school students are reading more books - finding out that there is a story of interest for readers at any and every level.
"This challenge gives students a focus for their reading and encourages them to enjoy turning the page.
"Congratulations to the 54,000 students who participated in the 2024 Premier's Reading Challenge, and discovered reading really can take you anywhere a massive 860,000 times."
As stated by Education Minister Dr Tony Buti:
"Congratulations to all readers and Challenge Champions who took part in the Premier's Reading Challenge this year.
"We all know the benefits reading has on a young person's development. Not only does the Premier's Reading Challenge help to increase literacy levels, but it also builds self-esteem, school unity and a sense of achievement among students.
"I am proud to see schools across the State embracing the challenge and watching it grow year after year."
