Hermann-Lietz School - Haubinda
Westville Girl's High School, Durban, South Africa
Phorms Süd
Hermann-Lietz School -Haubinda/Hohenwehrda
The Hermann Lietz Boarding School Village is unique in German education.
The school focusses on shaping well-rounded personalities and allowing young people to grow up close to nature. Taking joy in learning is the pre requesite for lifelong learning, which is why the school aims to instil and nurture a love of learning in our pupils.
The children and young people learn to take responsibility for the community and solve issues independently and democratically.
The extremely rural location is purposely chosen and a great asset in this respect. Situated idyllically in the south of the German state of Thuringia (Thüringen), the students grow up in a safe and nurturing village community.
The boarding school is organised around units of 8 to 12 pupils to reflect their nature as a home from home and safe space for our boarders. Each boarding family has its own house featuring accommodation in double or single rooms, a resident house master or mistress and a communal space to meet and chat. For communal use by all students, there is a bakehouse, the garden with a greenhouse, a large organic farm, a large modern sports hall and spacious workshops for wood and metal work. All of these are essential elements of life in Haubinda.
Hohenwehrda
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Haubinda
From November 19, 2016, to April 30, 2017, I was employed at Hermann Lietz Boarding School Hohenwehrda as a music teacher and dorm father. Hohenwehrda is part of the prestigious Hermann Lietz network, which is renowned for fostering well-rounded personalities through its educational philosophy that emphasizes lifelong learning, independence, and democratic problem-solving. As a music teacher, I designed and delivered comprehensive lessons for Grades 8 to 10, focusing on both theoretical and practical elements of music education. My responsibilities included founding and leading a school band, directing a mixed school choir, and organizing performances that showcased students’ talents and cultivated their confidence in public settings.
In addition to my teaching role, I served as a dorm father, an integral part of Hohenwehrda’s close-knit residential community. The boarding structure was organized into small family-style units, each designed to be a “home away from home.” In this capacity, I provided pastoral care, mentoring students in their personal and academic development while creating a nurturing environment that fostered trust and mutual respect. I worked closely with students to help them navigate challenges, develop independence, and thrive within the school’s unique community.
Despite the enriching professional experience, my tenure at Hohenwehrda came to an end as my wife, Felicity, was unable to secure a position as a school nurse within the school community. This situation prompted my decision to leave Hohenwehrda and explore opportunities that would better align with our shared professional aspirations.
From May 1, 2017, to July 31, 2017, I worked at Hermann Lietz Boarding School Haubinda under a temporary contract, covering for a music teacher on long-term sick leave. Haubinda is a unique educational institution, situated in the idyllic rural south of Thuringia, that combines traditional academics with practical, hands-on learning in a village-like setting. The school’s philosophy emphasizes close-to-nature learning, democratic values, and the holistic development of students. Its facilities, which include an organic farm, bakehouse, greenhouse, modern sports hall, and workshops for wood and metal work, are integrated into the curriculum and residential life, creating a vibrant and collaborative community.
In my role at Haubinda, I was responsible for teaching music to Grades 7 to 10, crafting lessons that combined theoretical instruction with practical application. I led the school choir and band, working closely with students to help them build confidence, hone their musical skills, and appreciate the collaborative nature of ensemble performances. I also organized school-wide music events, allowing students to showcase their talents and engage with the broader school community.
Haubinda’s boarding structure is based on small family-style units, fostering a safe and nurturing environment for students. Although my role was primarily educational, I became deeply involved in the boarding community, contributing to the school’s ethos of holistic education. My efforts were recognized for creating a warm, inspiring, and supportive atmosphere that encouraged students to explore their creative potential while developing essential life skills.
Despite the temporary nature of this role, my time at Haubinda was immensely fulfilling. It allowed me to immerse myself in the school’s unique educational environment and contribute to its mission of fostering creativity, responsibility, and a deep connection to community and nature. My wife, Felicity, was also able to secure employment as a school nurse at Haubinda during this time, which further enriched our experience within the Hermann Lietz network.
The School Rock Band
The School Choir
References
Mr. Langhans is a very professional and competent teacher who has a convincing personal manner.
Burkhard Werner - Princial
Hermann-Lietz School Haubinda
What My Students Have To Say About Me:
Hello Mr. Langhans,
Thank you for the great time and the many experiences, tips and tricks that we were able to learn from you. Thank you for your courage and willingness to invest so much time and energy in us. It is a pity that you decided to move on again. The school has benefited a lot from you and your wife, I think, as far as I have noticed in this short time. I wish you and your wife all the best and good luck for the future. I would be very happy to meet you again.
Ralf Brand - Hermann-Lietz School Haubinda-Germany-Grade 12 - 2017