School at the Kurpfalz Boarding School
Secondary school: Successfully achieving the secondary school diploma in small classes
At our officially recognized secondary school, we guide our students towards obtaining the secondary school diploma of the state of Baden-Württemberg. Graduates of the secondary school then have the opportunity to transition to the upper grades of our gymnasium. In the secondary school, our classes never have more than ten students. This allows us to provide ideal teaching conditions and to implement focused and opportunity-oriented instruction. Here, our students receive the attention and support they deserve to successfully complete their secondary school diploma.
The daily schedule
The day follows a clearly structured plan, in which lessons, supervised study periods, and a comprehensive project program with over 40 extracurricular activities each week have their fixed place. Here we provide guidance, require initiative, and lay the foundation for academic success with a clear structure.
In the afternoon and evening, there are many opportunities to recover from the challenges of the day or spend time with friends. With the elimination of the daily commute and a leisure program right on campus, our students have more time during the day and quickly learn to appreciate the advantages of boarding school over day school.
Our highest goal is to strengthen self-confidence and develop clear objectives for the future. It is important to us to develop the professional and social skills of our students, encourage them to take on responsibility, and prepare them for a successful future. In doing so, we focus on both the option of vocational training and the possibility of transferring to our high school after completing secondary education to obtain the Abitur.
Foreign Language and Elective Courses
At our secondary school, we offer English as a compulsory foreign language. Starting from the 7th grade, our students can choose the subject of Technology, AES (Everyday Culture, Nutrition, and Social Affairs), or French* as an elective. Here, we also focus on practical aspects as a counterbalance to academic work.
* The offer is dependent on the number of students who wish to take the elective subject.
Natural sciences and social sciences
In the natural sciences of biology, chemistry, and physics, theoretical and practical phases alternate. Everyone receives the necessary foundations for their further educational or professional path and can focus on areas that align with their abilities.
In the subjects of Geography, Social Studies, and “Economics and Career Orientation” (WBS), we convey the social science competencies of our students, which are rightly demanded by future employers. Here, too, practical phases are important to us: Our students participate in various excursions, complete a social internship in 7th grade, and undertake a career orientation internship in 9th grade. Furthermore, we conduct a detailed individual competency analysis with each student.
The basis of teaching at our state-recognized secondary school is the educational plan for secondary schools of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports of Baden-Württemberg.
Career orientation and internships
In preparation for professional life, we also conduct a competency analysis (profile assessment) in 8th grade, as well as various workshops in the area of STEM support in 9th grade. In 10th grade, there is a visit to the Heidelberg Training Days. In 7th and 9th grade, a one-week and a two-week orientation internship are also part of the curriculum. Furthermore, our students have the opportunity to take advantage of various counseling services that assist them in choosing the right vocational training. More detailed information about all important dates can be found in the career orientation section.
Certificates and evaluations
Continuous feedback to our students and their parents is of great importance for a successful school experience. Therefore, two report cards a year are not enough for us. At Kurpfalz Boarding School, students and parents receive a written evaluation in every subject every ten weeks. In this evaluation, our teachers not only assess the performance with a grade but also outline strengths and weaknesses in a written comment, provide guidance, and offer recommendations for the upcoming evaluation period. This way, our students can assess their progress and define new goals. They are supported in this by their class teacher and their mentor at the boarding school.
For students who need structural support, we additionally offer individual coaching that helps to identify personal goals.
Secondary school diploma at the end of the 10th grade
In our recognized secondary school, our students take the secondary school graduation exam on site. Due to the small class size, they have the best conditions to successfully master this task and fully develop their potential. Our teachers provide them with the support they need to achieve the goals they have set for themselves.
Visit to the upper secondary level after completing secondary school.
Those who have successfully completed their Realschulabschluss can transition to the introductory class (K0) of our upper secondary school. We would be happy to inform you in a counseling session about the opportunities and chances we offer to students with a Realschulabschluss.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Realschule of the Kurpfalz Boarding School
Do you have any questions about the secondary school at Kurpfalz Boarding School?
We are happy to provide you with personal advice on the opportunities offered by our state-recognized secondary school – from daily life in the boarding school to the transition to the upper secondary level. Just give us a call or schedule an individual consultation directly with our parent and student advisor Krystyna Hradecký.
Frau Krystyna Hradecký
+49 6223 961 138 elternberatung