In conversation with Felix Strauß - July 2025

What is the first thing that spontaneously comes to mind when you think of your time at the Schloss-Schule?
I particularly remember the last few years before the Abitur - the courses I took in the sixth form, our graduation ceremony and, of course, the Abitur trip. These are all wonderful memories! The school trips were also great: we went to England and Vienna. Unfortunately, the planned trip to Poland had to be canceled due to the coronavirus.
What I also found very enriching was the international exchange at the Schloss-Schule. A number of friendships were formed that have lasted to this day. The international students were an integral part of our everyday school life. The physics course was predominantly made up of international classmates, which resulted in particularly close contact. We were a close-knit community and the cultural exchange broadened my horizons considerably. I love traveling and am very interested in other cultures and countries, probably also because of my experiences at school.

Can you tell us something about your schooling before you came to the SK?
I attended elementary school in my home town of Onolzheim. When I changed schools afterwards, my parents and I looked at several schools. I was immediately impressed by the Schloss-Schule - especially because of the small classes and the individual support. I was already used to this environment from elementary school, so the family structure really appealed to me.

What has changed in Kirchberg?
I didn't notice any major changes. For me personally, only one thing was new: I didn't know anyone at the school at the beginning. Until then, I was used to being with classmates, many of whom I had known since kindergarten. It was different in Kirchberg.
A pupil from a higher class, who also came from my home town, was my "godfather" - I always rode the bus with him at the beginning. Nevertheless, I made friends very quickly: We had a great class community and shared interests right from the start - for me it was mainly soccer.

What did you find formative? What values, life lessons or experiences have stayed with you to this day?
My time as student representative was particularly formative for me. Taking on responsibility, organizing things and bringing people together - that gave me great pleasure. In this role, I realized where my strengths lie and was able to gain my first experience in a position of responsibility.
The technical content in the lessons was also extremely valuable - especially with regard to my apprenticeship. Technical drawing, programming and many other skills were encouraged early on.
What I particularly remember, however, is the strong team spirit: mutual support was a matter of course - not only among the students, but also in relation to the teachers. You never had the feeling of being alone. At the same time, there was plenty of room for individual initiative and personal development. Ideas were taken seriously and also implemented - such as our wish for an economics course, which was then actually included in the program, although it was not originally planned.

What happened after the SK?
After graduating from high school in 2023, I took a rather unusual path for high school graduates and started an apprenticeship as a natural stone mechanic. I was able to complete the apprenticeship after just 18 months with an average grade of 1.1 and was awarded the Bavarian State Prize - I'm very proud of that.
In addition to technical knowledge, the practical work taught me perseverance, team spirit, a sense of responsibility and the ability to take criticism. Mistakes in the workshop or on the construction site have far greater consequences than at school - that leaves its mark.
I can only recommend that you at least consider training as a craftsman after completing your A-levels. It is a great personal and professional enrichment and provides a solid foundation for the rest of your life. From October 2025, I will start a dual study program in entrepreneurship in Karlsruhe. At the same time, I am aiming to become a master craftsman. In the long term, I will join the management of our family business, which I am very much looking forward to. It is important to me to take on responsibility and continue the tradition.

What other connections do you have in your year?
We still have a WhatsApp group and are in regular contact. Some of us were also at the last alumni reunion - it was a really nice evening. I'm still in close contact with my former classmates, with whom I also traveled together after graduation.

What are you grateful for?
I am very grateful for my time at the Schloss-Schule. I left with a solid foundation - both professionally and personally. People often criticize the school for not preparing students for life. But my experience at the Schloss-Schule was different. I remember many wonderful moments and close friendships. I am particularly grateful for the great career guidance concept with its clear structure and very helpful events, discussions and information.
Today I am proud to say that I was a Schloss student!

Looking back on your time at school, what would you do differently today?
Nothing. I am very happy with the path I took.

Would you like to support the school and the current students?
If so, what could you imagine doing?
It is a matter close to my heart to get people excited about the trades and to inform them about them. I could well imagine giving a talk about my career path and working with others to highlight different trades and career paths.

What else would you like to share?
It is important to me to promote the skilled trades once again. A craft apprenticeship after leaving school is a solid foundation that you can always come back to and build on. My appeal is that even high school graduates should at least consider such an apprenticeship. Not everyone has to go to university. If everyone just studies architecture but there is no one to implement the plans, it won't work either.
As the saying goes, craftsmanship is still golden and will continue to be important in the future!