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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 interested in finding out more.
Inter-School Debating Program
Inter-School Debating Program
In 2021, the library established a dedicated School's sub-committee, and teamed up with Goethe-Gymnasium, Görres-Gymnasium, Humboldt-Gymnasium and Max-Planck-Gymnasium in Düsseldorf to launch our annual Inter-School Debating Program.
The program consists of five tailored workshops, facilitated by the library’s debate team over a six- to eight-month period, complemented by specially prepared lesson plans with extensive resources, that are delivered as an extra-curricular activity by teachers in their own schools. After the teacher-led lessons and library workshops are completed, the annual competition takes place. Depending on the number of participating schools, this may include elimination heats held prior to the final competition.
Since the program’s inception, the International English Library has been successful in collaborating with prominent external partners for each annual competition.In its inaugural year, the program worked closely with the British Consulate in Düsseldorf and the 2021 final competition was included in the official program of events celebrating the 75th Anniversary of the state of North-Rhine Westphalia. In 2022, the program partnered with the city of Düsseldorf, and the competition was featured on the city’s “Reading Weekend” program - which celebrated 75 years of friendship with Reading, U.K. The 2023 competition was an official element of the Invictus Games Düsseldorf, and in 2024 the program partnered with the Europe Direct Düsseldorf Office with that year’s European elections as the key focus. In 2025 the program partnered with the United States Consulate General Düsseldorf and the British Consulate Düsseldorf under the theme “Embracing the Future in Turbulent Times”.
If you would like further information regarding our Debate Program, please email schools@international-library.de.
IEL Inter-School Debate 2026
IEL Inter-School Debate 2026
The 2026 IEL Inter-school Debating Competition brought together talented pupils from schools across North Rhine-Westphalia for a day of public speaking under this year’s theme, “ROOTED IN DEMOCRACY - 80 YEARS SHAPING NRW’S FUTURE".
After months of preparation, the teams tackled questions about democracy, civic engagement, and the future of society. The final, held in the plenary hall of Düsseldorf City Hall last month on the 20th June, featured a closely contested debate between The International School of Düsseldorf and Bettina-von-Arnim-Gymnasium -Dormagen on whether the rise of populism is a sign of a failing democratic system.
In a nail-biting finish, The International School of Düsseldorf claimed the trophy, narrowly securing victory after an outstanding performance from both finalists. Congratulations to all of this year's participating schools for showcasing such remarkable critical thinking, teamwork, and eloquence!
A heartfelt thank you goes to all our partner organisations whose support made this program possible: the Ministry of Schools and Education of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia, the City of Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Haus der Talente, the Deutsch-Britische Gesellschaft, and the British Consulate in Düsseldorf. We are looking forward to next year's Inter-School Debate!
The winners from the International School of Düsseldorf
Past IEL Inter-School Debates:
Past IEL Inter-School Debates:
2025 - 5th Annual IEL Debate
2025 - 5th Annual IEL Debate
Inter-School Debate Inauguration
Inter-School Debate Inauguration
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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