Embrace the DHSZ Winter Reading Challenge
“A school that reads, is a school that succeeds”
At DHSZ, we know and understand the value of reading for pleasure and the power of literature in enhancing the lives of our students and developing their English-language proficiency. Over the past number of years, DHSZ Holiday Reading Challenges have been going from strength to strength, attracting an ever-increasing number of our students to step up, get involved, and build the habit of reading, which, for many, has led to a love of literature that we hope will last a lifetime.
Previous incarnations of the Reading Challenge have required students to log their reading streak (reading for at least 20 minutes on consecutive days) or logging the number of minutes they have read. During Golden Week this year, almost 200 students ranging from Year 10 right up to Y13 accepted the challenge and many read every day between October 1st and October 9th. Top students received books and certificates to reward their fantastic efforts, and these were presented to students in Assemblies so that we could celebrate their success and motivate others to join future challenges. The winners in each year group were Tina Z in Year 12, Cindy T and Shiloh C in Year 11, and Peter M and Hannah X in Year 10.
With a holiday just around the corner, we’ll be offering students another chance to rise to the challenge of regular reading. Our librarian, Lynn Meng, has organized a range of options for students to get involved and grow their love of literature.
Brian Craig, Head of English & Modern Languages
“It has been wonderful to see more and more books and magazines on desks, in schoolbags, and being read by students around the school. During these uncertain times, we can’t underestimate the power of reading to transport us to another time and place, enriching our experience and enjoyment of life.”
Tony Qureshi, Head of EAL
“The magic of reading is something every child should experience; relaxing on a comfortable sofa or bean with a good book is, in my opinion, one of the best ways to relax and unwind from the stresses of daily life. This quote by George R. Martin really does illuminate the power of reading, “A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies. The man who never reads lives only one.” Our goal is to help and encourage all our students to live a thousand lives!"
Lynn Meng, School Librarian
"Nothing prepares a student better for success than reading. The Holiday Reading Challenge is a fantastic opportunity for students to develop their love of reading, explore different books, and spend their vacation time. During the upcoming holiday, students will have various opportunities to participate in a range of reading-related activities. Hope they will enjoy the delight that reading brings them.”
Future J, Year 12 Student
“In this fast-paced world, we are always too busy to read a whole book. But reading a book you like will take you out of the world's noise for a while, let your mind calm down, and experience the story with surprise and interest. Our curiosity about the world is the key to our willingness to read. You can get enjoyment from the time of reading and gain your unique wealth. What you see and feel in the book will bring back memories that will accompany you throughout your life and make you no longer lonely”
Jacky C, Year 10 Student
Reading challenge helps students to develop their communication skills and so as our own communication skills.
The following seven websites are online resources that our school has purchased specifically to satisfy the reading needs of various students, including graded fiction books, subject education websites, online magazines, research paper engines, issues, and topical articles.
