About the Competition

Organiser

The Once Upon A Book Storytelling Competition 2025/26 is organised by the Native-speaking English Teacher (NET) Section, Curriculum Development Institute (CDI), Education Bureau.

Aim and Objectives

The aim of the competition is to promote reading, as reading extensively provides students with powerful learning opportunities and contributes to whole-person development.

The objectives of the competition are to provide students with the opportunities to:

• explore diverse narratives, characters, ideas, and emotions through reading;
• express themselves freely, confidently, and creatively in English by sharing their passion for reading a book of their choice using a range of storytelling techniques;
• develop their communication skills and creativity through a thoughtful video presentation of a book; and
• cultivate values and attitudes through their engagement with books and storytelling.

Description of the Competition

The competition encourages a community-wide engagement with reading and storytelling. It is open to primary and secondary schools in Hong Kong in the public sector, including schools under the Direct Subsidy Scheme (DSS schools). The competition encourages and rewards both whole school participation and individual submissions. Students can work individually or in pairs to create and present a storytelling video based on a chosen book. Entries can feature either fiction or non-fiction books.  

There are two categories in the competition, the Super Readers category and the Live Unplugged category.  Schools can enter one category or both. (See tables below for details.)

 Super Readers Category 

 Schools may locate their region by visiting the School Lists by District. 

Live Unplugged Category