The opening ceremony takes place simultaneously in English and French in two different venues.

It is either a talk or a more interactive presentation/workshop on the theme of the year, which requires the active participation of pupils and teachers alike.

It is usually given by two guest speakers (from a University, an institution connected to Philosophy, or by a teacher from an(other) European School). The main goals here are to raise philosophical questions, launch (collective) philosophical ways of thinking, and engage the pupils.