Social Responsibility

Political Science Plus

Experience politics. Help shape it.

Under this motto, Steinmühle is offering powiPlus, a new project format for 9th- and 10th-grade students who want to gain hands-on experience with and deepen their understanding of politics and economics beyond the classroom.

This program is designed for motivated students who want to explore political, social, and economic issues in greater depth and gain a better understanding of current developments. The focus is on how political decisions are made and what impact they have on our lives.

In powiPlus, students engage in project-based work on current political controversies, discuss different perspectives, and examine key societal challenges. Field trips to political institutions, discussions with experts, and simulation exercises provide them with direct insight into political decision-making processes.

Economic concepts are also explored in a practical context. Students learn about economic processes ranging from the regional startup scene to companies operating internationally, and examine fundamental questions of economic activity. The goal is also to develop an understanding of economic relationships and financial markets.

Another key component of powiPlus is a series of events and discussion forums on current political and social issues, which the students help to prepare and organize. This creates opportunities for exchange, debate, and the thoughtful formation of opinions.

powiPlus combines in-depth academic study with practical experience and offers students the opportunity to gain firsthand insight into politics and business, to contribute their own interests, and to actively participate in the decision-making process and help shape the future.

Social Internship

As part of their politics and economics classes, eighth-grade students explore the topic of “Democracy in the Community,” with a particular focus on opportunities for social engagement.

To ensure that this topic is not addressed solely in theory, the students spend five days observing at a social institution of their choice. These include, for example, nursing homes or other care and support services for older adults, facilities for people with physical or intellectual disabilities, inclusive preschools and schools, church-based social services, or other organizations that carry out charitable work.

Elective Course (WU) “Social Responsibility”

Civic Engagement as Part of Our School Culture: We look beyond our own horizons and take an interest in what’s happening outside our school campus. For us, school is more than just a place where we cram for exams. We see ourselves as part of a civil society that can only function when people take responsibility for one another.

In an increasingly digital world, with the risks of social distancing and polarization, we want to consciously take a different approach. Our goal is not only to address empathy and social sensitivity as theoretical concepts in the classroom, but to establish them as genuine key competencies.

Those who learn to stand up for others not only strengthen the community but also their own character. This commitment can be put into practice in the social sector, in clubs and organizations, or “directly with people.”

The Compassion Project

What is “Compassion”?
The term stands for “shared suffering” or, simply put, compassion in action. The Compassion Project is a social learning initiative that focuses not on mere observation, but on direct encounters with people in various life situations. The goal is “character development”—that is, the experience of making a difference through acts of solidarity and genuine presence.

Social Responsibility in Practice: Here’s What We’re Planning at Our School

We are currently working hard to firmly embed the Compassion Model into our daily school life in order to further define our profile as a place where responsibility is put into practice. In doing so, we are exploring various ways to meaningfully link theory and practice.

Field Assignments:

We are planning partnerships with social service organizations in Marburg and the surrounding area—including, for example, the Tafel, hospices, the Lahnwerkstätten, and the Blista.

Implementation:

Whether the project will take the form of a compact, several-week-long internship (for example, in 10th or 11th grade) or be supplemented by regular participation in an elective course is still being discussed.

Reflection and dialogue at the heart of it all:

It is only through reflection that a vague experience becomes a genuine one. Accompanying discussions and creative processing—such as through podcasts or presentations—should therefore become an integral part of the concept.

Synergies and Prospects:

We are also exploring how this initiative can be integrated with existing programs, such as the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, to officially recognize the students’ efforts.
Our goal is to launch the first components of the Compassion project in 2027, following the current planning phase.

The Duke of Edinburgh Starting and Building Entrepreneur’s License

International Award

The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award is a new elective course offered at Steinmühle for students aged 14 and older. The program is offered in over 130 countries and was developed to encourage young people to learn new skills, get involved in the community, promote physical fitness, and experience adventure. Upon successful completion at the end of the school year, participants receive the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, which consists of a pin and a certificate and is internationally recognized.

The program consists of four main areas: Service, Talent, Fitness, and Expedition. By participating in various activities within these areas, participants can earn Bronze, Silver, and Gold awards, each of which has different requirements and presents an increasing level of challenge.

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What’s it like to be an entrepreneur? At Steinmühle, students have the chance to find out for themselves!

Young people from the boarding school organize operations at Café Mühle, located next to the tennis courts, and are thus introduced to business management processes. The Stone Honey apiary on our campus produces delicious honey, and students are involved in the process from start to finish—right through to the sale of the honey.

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Economic Competence Pass (ECP)

This program, which offers the opportunity to earn an internationally recognized certificate, is part of the elective course (WU) for 11th-grade students and is open to all students who are particularly interested in business education.

Three modules provide an in-depth examination of economic concepts and fundamentals. Module A covers basic economic knowledge (the economic cycle, money, GDP, etc.). Module B focuses on the fundamentals of economics (the business cycle, the social market economy, the single market, etc.). Module C covers basic business concepts (marketing, corporate structure, management, etc.).

The coursework is completed independently through an online portal and is reinforced in three colloquia. At the end of the school year, students take a certified exam and receive a standardized certificate of competence.