This year, we’re excited to work once again with The Reading Agency on the Summer Reading Challenge. The Summer Reading Challenge is the UK’s biggest reading for pleasure programme for children aged 4-11, presented by The Reading Agency and delivered in partnership with libraries. The challenge supports children to achieve Arts Award Discover during the summer, whilst reading some new books! Read on for details of how the challenge works, information on this year’s theme, Story Garden, and how children can gain your Arts Award Discover from taking part.
How does it work?
To complete the Summer Reading Challenge, young people need to read six library books over the summer holidays. Libraries will also be offering all sorts of extra fun activities, including Arts Award! Summer Reading Challenge activities can be used towards Arts Award Discover, however young people don’t need to have read all six books to achieve their award. The Challenge began in Scotland on Saturday 21 June and starts in England and Wales on Saturday 5 July.
The Challenge is proven to significantly improve children’s reading confidence, making sure they are well-prepared for their return to school in the autumn. It also gives families the chance to access books and fun family activities throughout the summer – all for free. The Challenge reaches around 700,000 children each year, and 75% of children taking part last year improved their reading skills over the holidays.*
What’s this year’s theme?
The Reading Agency is delighted to announce the theme for the 2025 Summer Reading Challenge: Story Garden – Adventures in Nature and the Great Outdoors. This exciting new theme will inspire children to tap into a world of imagination through reading, exploring the magical connection between storytelling and nature. Check out The Reading Agency website for further updates and information.
How does Arts Award Discover link to the Summer Reading Challenge?
To help you on your journey, we’ve created some free resources you can download here:
2025 Arts Award Discover Info
2025 Arts Award Activity Sheets
2025 Arts Award Discover mapping
The Discover Info Sheet gives an overview of the Summer Reading Challenge and Arts Award, and can be consulted first. The mapping resource can be used alongside the bespoke activity sheets during the challenge – young people can fill out the activity sheets which cover the evidence needed in the Arts Award Toolkit to successfully complete the Award.
Don't forget you can include drawings, posters and photos alongside the activity booklet as evidence for Discover! Many more resources for delivering Discover can be found on our Arts Award Adviser Hub.
Please note Arts Award Discover portfolios must be assessed by a trained Arts Award adviser before ordering certificates. For more information please visit our website: www.artsaward.org.uk/discover
We hope you enjoy supporting young people with the Summer Reading Challenge whilst undertaking their Arts Award Discover!
*The Reading Agency (2022) Summer Reading Challenge 2022: Annual Report
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