Everyday Life at Phorms Munich Secondary 
More than classes – living and learning as one

The spirit of our secondary school is defined by variety, vibrancy and a strong sense of togetherness. The daily routine is shaped not only by a clearly structured timetable, but also by shared experiences such as enjoying lunch as a community and wearing a common school uniform. Beyond the classroom, a wide range of opportunities, from school trips and exchange programmes to participation in renowned events and competitions, enrich our students’ experiences, fostering both a strong sense of belonging and personal development.

A Typical Day in Secondary School  

8.00 am – 1.25 pm

Morning Lessons and Breaks

8.00 am 
Flexible arrival at secondary school, mobile phones are locked away, learning materials are laid out, reminders and information about the day's schedule, including the substitution plan, are provided.  

8.15 am – 1.25 pm 
In the morning, students have lessons divided into three blocks of 90 minutes, interspersed with two morning/snack breaks.  

1.25 pm – 2.10 pm

Lunch

To ensure a balanced and healthy diet, the chefs at our local organic caterer prepare fresh meals every day in the kitchen. Meals are served in two shifts, with classes 5 to 7 eating first while older students have their break on the grounds. From 1.45 pm, the older students eat while the younger students play in the schoolyard. Students from Year 11 onwards are allowed to leave the campus during their lunch break. 

2.10 pm – 3.35 pm

Afternoon Lessons

After lunch, students have another double lesson. Study times, supervised learning times for doing homework, as well as electives and support lessons are organically distributed throughout the day as part of the regular timetable. 

3.35 pm – 3.45 pm

End of Lessons


End of day routine: Students put their learning materials in their lockers or take home any items they need to continue working on. The classroom is tidied and swept. Students are allowed to take their mobile phones out of their lockers and go home or to inter-class study groups, if selected. For Years 12 and 13 lessons may continue beyond 3.45 pm on some days to be able to offer a greater, independent subject choice for our students. 

from 3.45 pm onwards

Afternoon Study Groups

After school, we offer cross-year study groups, including our musical theatre club, chamber choir and STEM Racing Club (formerly Formula 1 in Schools). 

School Library 

Promoting a Love of Reading in Two Languages

Our library is the heart of our school. A place where stories come to life and a love of reading grows. With exciting activities such as reading competitions during the summer holidays and regular book fairs, we inspire enthusiasm for books in both languages.  

Balanced Nutrition 

Freshly Prepared with Love

The wellbeing of our students is our top priority and that includes healthy meals. Lunch together is a moment of community and energy. Our caterer, Organic Garden, prepares fresh meals for all age groups every day. An afternoon snack also provides energy. Allergies, intolerances and special requests are taken into account so that every child can enjoy community mealtimes. 

Ein Schüler trägt ein Sweatshirt mit Phorms Logo auf dem Ärmel im Phorms Gymnasium Hamburg

School Clothing 

How we value someone should not be based on what they wear, but on who they are.

For us, it's the person that counts, not their clothes. The focus is on learning together and cohesion in our international school family, not on origin or social differences. Our uniform school clothing strengthens the sense of togetherness and creates an environment in which children can develop freely, regardless of fashion trends and social differences. The modern campus collection can be mixed and matched in many ways, allowing children to express their personality without losing their sense of community. 

Extracurricular Activities and Service

School Trips

Our trip programme plays a key role in strengthening the community and creating unforgettable experiences. The school trips, which take us to attractive destinations, focus not only on educational goals but also on promoting social skills and teamwork. Of course, there is also plenty of fun to be had, so that students not only value these trips as educational experiences, but also as valuable memories of their school days. 

Student Exchange Programmes

We also promote international encounters through student exchange programmes with schools in France and Costa Rica. These programmes not only offer students an insight into other cultures, but also the opportunity to deepen their language skills and develop intercultural competence.

Model United Nations

Another highlight is participation in Model United Nations (MUN) conferences, where our students take on the role of diplomats in international committees. We take part in MUN events in cities such as Munich, Oldenburg and even New York. These activities enable our students to view political issues from a global perspective, strengthen their communication skills, and take on responsibility. In Year 11, our students even organise our very own conference – MUNoP – for participants from Grade 9 upwards. For three days, we welcome fellow students from across the Phorms network, creating new connections and friendships that extend far beyond Munich.

STEM Racing

We also participate in the technology competition STEM Racing (formerly Formula 1 in Schools). In this multidisciplinary challenge, students design a miniature Formula 1 racing car on the computer, build it themselves using our 3D printers, and finally race it to the finish line. 

 

This hands-on project not only strengthens technical knowledge, but also fosters teamwork, problem-solving skills, and creativity. 

Science Competitions

Students can take part in competitions such as the Pangea Mathematics Competition, the Informatik- Biber Competition as well as the International Science Olympiad and Mathematics Olympiad.

Duke of Edinburgh's International Award

The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award is a globally recognised programme that encourages young people to explore their potential and grow as individuals. Through community service, the development of practical and universal skills, sporting activities, and adventurous team expeditions, students are inspired to challenge themselves, discover their strengths, and realise what they are truly capable of achieving. It prepares young people for the challenges of the future and strengthens their independence and self-confidence.

A Glimpse into Daily Life at Phorms Secondary