The student mentor seminar in June 2026 took place at the wannseeFORUM with approximately 30 students from three Berlin schools. For one week, these students explored how to become effective student mentors for the new seventh grade.
This time, students were also present who Ferdinand-Freiligrath-School, the Andreas-Gymnasium and the Vincent van Gogh High School. For one week, the participants from these schools prepared for their future role as mentors for the upcoming seventh grade classes.
At the beginning, the students, working in small groups, brainstormed which qualities, knowledge, skills, and conditions are important for being good mentors. After some initial icebreaker games, they divided into five workshop groups, where they learned through play throughout the week.
The content of all workshops focused on key topics such as Communication, conflict resolution and project planning the focus was on communication. For example, the groups explored the four-ears model, reflected on their own handling of conflicts, and developed their own project ideas for class trips or school rallies.
Internalizing and experiencing what they had learned always involved trying it out, including through cooperative games and warm-ups. This strengthened group cohesion and allowed them to learn methods and games they could later use themselves as mentors. Another focus was on confident public speaking and leading activities. The students had ample opportunity to practice these skills, for example, by leading the morning plenary sessions.
To conclude the week, the workshop groups creatively presented what they had learned and developed: conflict resolution scenarios were demonstrated, concepts such as the four-sides model and SMART goals were explained, and warm-up exercises were led. The final presentation offered a fantastic insight into the productive seminar week.
We would like to sincerely thank all participants and supporters for this successful week full of commitment, team spirit, and new experiences. We wish all future mentors much joy and success in their important role!
