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The International English Library is committed to working with a range of educational institutions in and around Düsseldorf to support learning of the English language. We have a dedicated Schools-Subcommittee that liaises with educational institutions, from kindergarten to tertiary level, and facilitates partnerships to provide a range of innovative programs and activities to promote positive language acquisition. Email schools@international-library.de if you belong to an educational institution that is interesting in finding out more.
In 2021, the library teamed up with Goethe-Gymnasium, Görres-Gymnasium, Humboldt-Gymnasium and Max-Planck-Gymnasium in Düsseldorf to launch our annual Inter-School Debating Program.
With its origins in the ancient world, debating (or the use of rhetoric as it was once known) introduces students to the art of critical thinking and persuasive speech.
The International English library's debating program consists of specially prepared lessons supported by resources to be delivered by teachers in their respective schools (usually offered as an extra-curricular activity) which are supported by five workshops provided by the debate team at the library over a six to eight month period. Following the completion of the teacher-taught lessons and the library-led workshops the annual competition is held, which, depending on the number of schools participating will include elimination heats, held before the final competition.
The program follows the World Schools Style of debating, a "verbal sport" with clearly defined rules, and encourages the debaters to focus on specific questions rather than debating a particular theory or procedure. This form of debating encourages active engagement between the competitors, and the library debate team is committed to ensuring that complex and controversial topics should feature in the program in addition to light-hearted ones. What is essential is that all participants in a team are equipped to defend their position, regardless of whether they agree with it or not.
The program is an English language event which challenges our participants to demonstrate their comprehension of the English language and is open to schools with students between the ages of 15-17.
If you would like further information regarding our Debate Program, please email schools@international-library.de.
We are proud to announce the theme for our 2025 Inter-school Debating Competition:
"Embracing the future in turbulent times -
in collaboration with the U.S. Consulate General Düsseldorf and the British Consulate General Düsseldorf."
Participating Schools in 2025: Goethe-Gymnasium, Görres-Gymnasium, Humboldt-Gymnasium, Bettina-von-Arnim Gymnasium, International School on Rhine,
International School Düsseldorf, Gymnasium am Geroweiher, and St George’s School.
We are excited that this year we have partnered with Heinrich-Heine-University for our Debating Program, with English students earning course credits for their work contributing to and supporting this initative.
We thank the Landeshauptstadt Düsseldorf, Haus der Talente, and the Deutsche-Britische-Gesellschaft for their continuing support in 2025!
We look forward to sharing more details of the 2025 Competition, which will be held in the Plenarsaal (Debate Chamber) of the Düsseldorf Rathaus (Townhall) on the 14th June, soon!
October 2020: The International English Library is excited to announce the signing of its first official cooperation agreement with a school better known for classical languages, Görres Gymnasium. read more...
Under the leadership of English teacher, Julia Strohmeyer, the two historical Dusseldorf organisations have been working closely together for the past year and a half and have now formally ratified their partnership.
“In an ever more-dislocated world, shared language and stories are a proven bridge in bringing people together,” says Ms. Melanie Schuth, Vice-Chair of the International English Library. “This partnership is an act of hope for the next generation, who are currently watching their world become more divided. Since its inception in 1946, the Library has always had a mandate to be a “bridge” between cultures. In 2020, with the multitude of challenges unfolding, this is more important than ever.”
The first project between the institutions was a “Book Worm Club” where participating students have their own English book selection housed at the library, and also have access to the additional 26 000 English books and media in the collection. The Foderverein of the Görres Gymnasium have also been financially contributing to the project.
The International English library is looking to expand its school program and is in the initial stages of developing an Inter-School Debating Competition expected to start in 2021.
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