The Junior Library is currently conducting training for the Library Leaders programme. It is an opportunity for students to become involved in lending books and shelving returns as well as to contribute to displays and activities such as Book Week. Any interested students should talk to Mrs Whitelaw at the Junior Campus Library.
The Premiers Reading Challenge will begin soon across the college. Students are encouraged to sign up to read 15 books over 6 months. This may seem like an overwhelming amount for some students but we are keen to support readers and subsequently can provide a range of titles for different abilities. Books may be read in other languages and in other formats. They may be chosen from the college libraries or elsewhere (home, public libraries etc). Library staff can assist with selection. For more information, click here.
It is a great opportunity to develop literacy skills and discover the wonderful world of language and imagination. Students receive a certificate from the Premier of Victoria and a book prize at the completion of their challenge. An email will be sent in the coming weeks to sign up.
Recreational reading for teens
Many parents are understandably concerned about the apparent lack of interest in reading. Students are digital natives and regularly navigate between reading platforms. Websites, games and YouTube all contribute to the reading experience. The following article concerns a study examining the ways in which teenagers explore different modes of reading.
Moving In and Out of Reading: Teens Talking About Books, Digital Games, Social Media and Fanfiction
Australia Reads
Reading Matters: Why Teen Reading Is Declining – and Why It Matters
Reading is one of the most powerful ways young people develop knowledge, empathy, and curiosity about the world. At Mount Waverley Secondary College, our Junior and Senior Campus libraries support students in discovering books that spark their interests and encourage lifelong learning.
A recent article highlighted by Australia Reads draws attention to a concerning trend: teenagers are reading less for pleasure. The article summarises findings from the UK’s National Literacy Trust, which show that enjoyment of reading among young people has fallen to its lowest level in almost two decades. Many teenagers report that they simply do not read as often for enjoyment as previous generations.
You can read the full article here: Australia Reads – New report shows crisis in teen reading.
Why does this matter? Research consistently shows that reading for pleasure supports literacy development, academic success, and wellbeing. Students who read regularly tend to develop stronger vocabulary, improved comprehension skills, and greater confidence as learners.
Importantly, this trend is not limited to the United Kingdom. Similar patterns are emerging internationally. Research discussed by the University of Miami reports that only 14% of American 13-year-olds read for fun almost every day in 2023, compared with 27% in 2012, suggesting that reading increasingly competes with digital media for teenagers’ attention.
Read more about the U.S. research here.
Mrs Robyn Whitelaw
Resource Centre Manager, Junior Campus
Mrs Tanya Alderton
Teacher Librarian, Senior Campus