Steinmühle Announced the Winners of the Rocket Competition

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Sign up to participate in the rocket competition, build a water-pressure-powered rocket, and launch it as high as possible on our campus! — That was the challenge issued in project-based learning to physics-enthusiastic students in 6th grade and above.

Several teams got together and began tinkering before later presenting the results of their work to an audience of STEM teachers and classmates.

The rockets could be made of any material, had to have space for an altimeter, and had to include a parachute. The key requirement was that only water-pressure propulsion was allowed.

 

Start in the cordoned-off area

On the day of the competition, the demonstration began at 2:00 p.m. The setup time in the specially cordoned-off area was also limited—work could not continue for more than an hour.

Finally, the moment had arrived: All the rockets took off one after another. Then it was time to determine which rockets had flown the highest. The winners were later presented with certificates and posed for a photo. They were (from left to right) Emanuel (11d), Jan (11d), Alexander (12 PoWi), Felix (10b), Sophie (6), and Junus (10c).

– A slightly different kind of class that everyone really enjoyed, organized mainly by students Helena Steidl and Luca Weingärtner.
(Heinm)

 

Movement and Perception: The Ministry of Culture Certified the Steinmühle

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For its successful integration of school development with the process of health promotion, Steinmühle High School received the “Movement & Perception” certification from the Hessian Ministry of Education and Cultural Affairs. Karsten Vestweber, one of the school sports coordinators at the State Education Authority, presented the certificate to school sports director Marcel Kalb in the presence of principal Björn Gemmer.

 

Health-Oriented Physical Activity Promotion in Schools

“The ‘Movement & Perception’ certification aims to promote health-oriented physical activity in schools—not only for students, but also for teachers and staff,” explains Kalb. In particular, the certification evaluates aspects such as active learning in the classroom, equipment that promotes physical activity—such as furniture or sports equipment—sports events both inside and outside of school, as well as opportunities for active breaks and relaxation periods.

 

A fundamental part of a holistic education

According to the school’s physical education director, this certificate demonstrates that physical activity is a fundamental part of a well-rounded education and is consistently incorporated into the school and classroom settings at Steinmühle. The certificate is valid for a period of five years.

(Heinm)

powiPlus — for anyone who wants more than just regular political science classes

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Starting in the coming semester, Steinmühle will launch the powiPlus project for 9th and 10th graders. Subject teachers Phillip Knaack and Dr. Claudia Röder explain this to the students: “powiPlus is for anyone who wants more than just regular political science classes.”

Contacts in the political arena, visits to parliaments and businesses

This program focuses on real issues that affect you: elections, local politics, the economy, businesses, Europe—and how you can have a say and help shape the future. You’ll debate with politicians, participate in simulation exercises, visit state legislatures and businesses, work in teams on your own projects, and get a hands-on look at how politics and the economy really work. powiPlus is voluntary but requires a commitment—no grades, but you’ll receive a certificate and gain some really valuable experience. It’s ideal if you find politics and economics exciting or plan to take the advanced course later on.”

For more information, visit powiPlus.

Phillip Knaack and Dr. Claudia Röder look forward to your feedback.

(Heinm)

 

 

Four thematic areas—four sessions: Future Day takes root at the Steinmühle

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Before our students graduate with their high school diplomas and head out into the “real” world, they should have a basic understanding of certain everyday topics, because sooner or later they will be confronted with them. This is the view of Steinmühle High School, and above all, Upper School Director Constanze Oestreicher-Gold. That’s why she organizes what’s known as “Future Day” for the 13th-grade class practically every year.

 

Educating People About Taxes, Lease Agreements, and More

As with the annual Career Information Day held in November, experts will come to the Steinmühle and be available in various rooms of the Forum to answer the young people’s questions.

The current topics covered housing, finances, taxes, and starting a career. These broad categories encompass topics such as rental agreements, loans, tax returns, and dual study programs. The young adults had numerous questions on these topics, which were addressed with detailed answers as they delved into each subject.

Steinmühle would like to thank the speakers and the students alike for the interesting discussions and the wealth of important information, which will be of great help to each participant in the near future.

(Heinm)

“We’re all incredibly proud”: A look back at the Sacher siblings’ huge success

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Well, did you spot them—in the front row, on the left? —As the new year begins, let’s take another look back at what was arguably the greatest science achievement by our school’s elementary and middle school students in 2025: At the end of November, the Steinmühlen siblings Felix and Sophie Sacher not only competed against the world’s best at the World Robot Olympiad (WRO) in Singapore, but they even brought home a trophy: As a team named JustUs, they won the bronze medal! International attention focused on their IceBear project (as we reported at https://steinmuehle.de/blog/2025/07/07/felix-and-sophie-sacher-qualify-for-world-finals-in-singapore-with-robotics-project-2/), and fittingly, the students’ intelligent companion had changed its name shortly before the competition: AIceBear—controlled by artificial intelligence.

 

The Largest WRO Finals Ever

Last week, 12 German teams competed in the World Robot Olympiad (WRO) World Finals in Singapore. A total of 594 teams from 91 countries were in attendance—making it the largest WRO World Finals ever held.

The competition in the various age groups and categories was correspondingly fierce. There were several top finishes, and we are particularly pleased with the bronze medal won by Team JustUs in the Future Innovators Junior category. In this age group, Sophie and Felix took third place out of 58 teams. “It was a great experience,” they both said.

 

Technology and Team Spirit Bring People Together Across Borders

The 2025 World Finals in Singapore once again demonstrated how technology and team spirit bring people together across borders. The World Robot Olympiad offers young people the chance to turn their ideas into reality—with enthusiasm, creativity, and technical skill.

 

Made many friends

“We’re both overjoyed,” the siblings continue, adding: “The International Final was four days full of adventure: After a delegation outing that included temples, streets, and a group visit to a hawker center (a traditional street food hall), three exciting days of competition began. In the three age categories of the Future Innovators, we saw many solutions—some of them very country-specific—related to this year’s theme, ‘The Future of Robots,’ which ties in with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Team JustUs always drew a large crowd, as AIceBear was exciting not only for the jury but also for visitors, other teams, and media representatives. We formed friendships with other teams, and very soon we at Team JustUs would like to visit our new friends in Cambridge, Turkey, and Singapore.”

 

AIceBear can now compose music as well

Even the judges assigned to evaluate other teams wanted to see AIceBear; many took advantage of the new feature that Felix and Sophie had added in their hotel room right before the competition: In addition to its many other functions, AIceBear can now sing and compose short songs, tailored to the user’s preferences in terms of theme (e.g., Singapore) and style; this allows it to help create a relaxing atmosphere and a good mood.

 

Reports in newspapers and on television

There was also a great deal of media interest. The fact that AIceBear greeted visitors not only in English but also in Singapore’s other national languages was reported in newspapers in Singapore, Malaysia, Qatar, and China. A Chinese television crew also interviewed the JustUs team, which ultimately took the bronze medal on the podium.

 

High praise from the school administration

“My personal congratulations on this outstanding achievement!” commented Björn Gemmer, principal of Steinmühlen School, after the team’s return. “Third place worldwide is simply incredible—and yet so well-deserved—because their entry can be viewed from multiple perspectives and is creative and ethically unquestionably positive. We are all incredibly proud of what Sophie and Felix have achieved.” Björn Gemmer and Managing Director Dirk Konnertz, who were also thrilled by the incredible result of the competition, had worked hard in the run-up to the event to secure a few sponsors to cover at least a small portion of the costs for the family’s trip to Singapore and the transport of their valuable equipment.

 

The following photos provide a visual recap of the Sacher siblings’ trip to Singapore, the competition, and the impressions they took away from the experience:

(Heinm)

 

 

 

 

Relaxed Craft Activities Together at the 6th-Grade Christmas Party

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The Christmas party for the 6th-grade classes at the Centrum was a picture of friendly togetherness. In a relaxed atmosphere, various activities—including crafts—took place across all classes throughout the afternoon, allowing both children and adults to enjoy a wonderful end to the year. “We’re delighted when parents see how relaxed and calm—yet focused—the children are as they spend time together here,” said Theresa Großer on behalf of the sixth-grade homeroom teachers. The Centrum also offers children plenty of space to stretch their legs in between social activities.

 

Between the Theater and the Ice Palace—a Field Trip for the 5th-Grade Classes

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Once again this year, during the run-up to Christmas, the 5th-grade classes went to the theater to see the play “Little Lord Fauntleroy.” Students from other schools were also at the theater, and many children were happy to see their friends from elementary school again. The performance that followed had the audience laughing and marveling, and it ended with thunderous applause.

 

Visible Progress on Skates

Afterward, the entire class marched in a “duck march” through Marburg’s Upper Town toward Georg-Gaßmann Stadium, where the ice rink is currently being set up. There, the children rented skates or quickly slipped into the ones they’d brought with them, and then spent the rest of the day among the food stands or on the ice. In addition to a few “pros,” there were many children who, although they fell over quite often at first, were able to make visible progress thanks to the skating aids. By the end of the day, almost everyone was skating very confidently and was thrilled with their newly acquired skill.

Ronja Heckmann / Dr. Claudia Röder / Laura Haller

 

Fun with the Christmas ponies at the Steinmühle Riding School’s Advent Magic event

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There was a bustling atmosphere filled with Christmas spirit at the Steinmühle boarding school’s riding stable: Many children from Steinmühle and the surrounding area, along with their parents, accepted the invitation to this event at the riding facility, billed under the promising name “Advent Magic.” Not only were the bar tables and the snack stand attractively decorated—where guests could enjoy winter hot drinks and treats while taking in the “scent of horses”—but the ponies were also tastefully adorned as they moved about in the arena alongside the children.

 

Clearing the obstacle with momentum in hobby horsing

Getting to play at being a pony—that’s what the youngest kids got to do at Hobbyhorsing. The challenge there was to use their hobbyhorses and plenty of momentum to clear the obstacles that had been set up. Upstairs in the building, in the Reiterstübchen, the craft station awaited them. In this room, skilled hands and patient young minds created some truly amazing Christmas decorations. — Hats off to them!

 

Introducing Beate Schridde, the experienced riding stable manager

The Steinmühle School and Boarding School look back on a successful event marking the start of Beate Schridde’s tenure as the experienced riding stable manager. She introduced herself to guests of all ages, welcomed new faces, and greeted old acquaintances from her earlier time at Steinmühle. The equine manager and riding instructor, who holds an A-level trainer’s license, has ambitious plans. So if you’re interested in Steinmühle’s riding program, it’s worth staying tuned—even if this image doesn’t quite capture the spirit of the occasion. So let’s just say: get comfortable in the saddle. You can read more about who’s in charge of riding at Steinmühle here: https://reitschule.steinmuehle.de/

 

 
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Do you have questions about the school?

School Administration & Management

Björn Gemmer & Dirk Konnertz
Phone: 06421 408-20

schule@steinmuehle.de

Do you have questions about the boarding school?

Boarding School Administration & Management

Anke Muszynski & Dirk Konnertz
Phone: 06421 408-0

internat@steinmuehle.de

Do you have questions about the school?

School Administration & Management

Björn Gemmer & Dirk Konnertz
Phone: 06421 408-20

schule@steinmuehle.de

Do you have questions about the boarding school?

Boarding School Administration & Management

Anke Muszynski & Dirk Konnertz
Phone: 06421 408-0

internat@steinmuehle.de

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