IEL Debate Programme 2023/2024

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In 2021, the library teamed up with Görres-Gymnasium, Goethe-Gymnasium, Humboldt-Gymnasium and Max-Planck-Gymnasium in Düsseldorf to launch our Inter-School Annual Debating Programme. 

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 debating programme offered by the International English library consists of eight lessons delivered by teachers in their respective schools (usually offered as an after-school activity) which are supported by six workshops provided by the debate team at the library. Following the completion of the teacher taught lessons and Library led workshops there will then be a day of elimination heats before the final competition which will be held in the Düsseldorf Rathaus on June 8th, 2024.

The programme follows the Worlds Schools Style of debating, which encourages our debaters to focus on specific questions rather than debate 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 also feature in our programme as well as the light-hearted ones. What is essential for the training team is that all participants are equipped to defend their position, regardless of whether they agree with it or not.

The programme is an English language event which challenges our participants to demonstrate their comprehension of the English language and is therefore open to all non-native English speakers between the ages of 15-17. 

We believe that the skills developed through open debate, will prepare our participants for their future careers.. 

If you would like any further information regarding the 2024 Debate Programme, please feel free to email schools@international-library.de.