Choosing the right career or university degree is one of the most important decisions in a young person’s life. That is why, at the Gymnasium of Phorms Campus Berlin MItte, we support our students from an early stage on their individual paths with an international perspective that is a defining feature of our bilingual secondary school. We foster important future skills and open up a wide range of opportunities for students to gain valuable practical experience through projects, competitions, and internships in Germany and abroad, helping them prepare for their future in the best possible way.
Thanks to our strengthened STEM profile, scientific work is an integral part of our lessons. Our students learn how to plan and conduct experiments and document their findings scientifically. Through experimental work, project-based tasks, and the connection between theory and practice, they develop analytical thinking, attention to detail, and independence – important skills for university, their future careers, and the world of tomorrow.
Throughout their school career, students take part in a wide range of projects in which they work collaboratively in teams on long-term projects. Empathy, team spirit, and genuine communication skills cannot simply be learned from books. Our comprehensive programme of support workshops and the commitment of our school Social Worker also help ensure that social skills are not merely a learning objective at our school, but an integral part of everyday school life.
Through projects, competitions, and community activities, our students learn to take responsibility, contribute their strengths, and confidently overcome challenges. In school projects such as our school newspaper, ‘The InPhormer’ and the Duke of Edinburgh International Award, they work collaboratively as a team, develop creative solutions, and strengthen important future skills such as initiative, communication, and critical thinking. In this way, they grow not only academically, but also personally.
Democracy is a cornerstone of our school community. Through our class and school representatives, students have meaningful opportunities to make their voices heard and contribute to school life. Our School Council brings together the perspectives of students, parents and staff, playing an important role in shaping decisions and helping to strengthen our community through collaboration and shared responsibility.
Stefan Diettrich
Upper School Coordinator and Coordinator for Career and Study Guidance
Field trips complement classroom learning and bring education to life. Whether visiting museums, universities such as TU Berlin and Freie Universität Berlin, or taking part in exciting projects and events, our wide range of external learning experiences gives students valuable insights into science, culture, and the world of work. In this way, they broaden their horizons, connect theory with practice, and discover new perspectives for their future.
Workshops on applications, choosing a degree programme, and entering the workforce, visits to the Vocatium career fair, and individual guidance help our students identify their strengths and make informed decisions about their future educational and career paths. Our annual Inspiration Day enables Grade 11 and 12 students to gain first-hand insights from professionals who reflect on their career paths, aspirations and achievements, helping students explore their own future study and career options.
From Grades 5 to 9, all students take part in an annual work experience day, either through Girls' and Boys' Day or at another suitable organisation. These experiences provide an early insight into the world of work, helping students explore different professions, develop an understanding of workplace expectations, and begin reflecting on their interests and strengths.
In Grade 10, students complete a two-week work experience placement organised in collaboration with the school. During this placement, they gain valuable first-hand insight into everyday working life, develop practical skills, and deepen their understanding of potential career paths. Afterwards, students reflect on their experiences in a written report and present their learning to both a small examination panel and students in Grade 8, helping them develop their communication skills while inspiring younger students as they begin their own career exploration journey.
Our annual Inspiration Day enables Grade 11 and 12 students to gain first-hand insights from professionals who reflect on their career paths, aspirations and achievements, helping students explore their own future study and career options.
In the Mathematics Olympiad, our students tackle challenging, open-ended problems that require creativity, logical reasoning and perseverance. They work independently to develop sophisticated solution strategies, justify their thinking and present clear mathematical arguments. The competition provides an excellent opportunity for students who enjoy exploring mathematics beyond the classroom curriculum.
Each year, students from a wide range of year groups participate in the Kangaroo Competition, solving engaging multiple-choice problems that test their mathematical thinking in unusual and creative ways. Students learn to identify patterns, think strategically and approach problems from different perspectives, all while experiencing the fun and excitement of mathematics.
The Bolyai Team Competition places collaboration at the heart of mathematical problem-solving. Working in small teams, our students discuss ideas, compare approaches and jointly solve demanding mathematical challenges. The competition develops not only mathematical ability but also communication, teamwork and the confidence to defend and refine ideas together.
In the Informatics Beaver Competition, students solve a variety of computer science and computational thinking challenges. Without requiring advanced programming knowledge, the tasks encourage students to analyse problems, recognise patterns, develop algorithms and think logically. Through their participation, students gain valuable digital problem-solving skills that are increasingly important in today's technological world.
All students have the opportunity to participate in the annual Girls' and Boys' Day. They gain exciting insights into career fields they may not have previously considered and gain their first practical experience in companies and organizations.
The event broadens their perspective on different training and university study opportunities and supports students in discovering their interests and strengths independently of traditional gender roles.
As part of our career and university guidance programme, students gain their first insights into the academic world. Field trips to TU Berlin and Freie Universität Berlin give them the opportunity to explore universities, experience science firsthand, and learn more about different fields of study and career paths.
This programme is complemented by workshops, individual university guidance, and visits to the Vocatium career fair. In this way, we support our students in making well-informed decisions about their individual educational and career paths.
