FAQ
Last update: January 2018
Statistics | |
How many learners are currently at the DSK? | Total: 935 learners
Primary (1 – 4): 275 |
What is the percentage of German and South African learners respectively? | German: 51%; South African: 41% Other: 8% |
How many high school learners are in the German (Abitur/NSC) or English (IEB-NSC) stream? | This refers to grades 10 – 12 only:
German stream (Abitur/NSC): 114 |
Number of classes in each grade | Grades 1 – 4: 3 classes at DSK Cape Town; 1 at our DSK satellite school in Tygerberg;
Grades 5 – 9: In total 4 classes: 2 for German stream, 2 for English stream; Grades 10 – 12: In total 4 classes: 2 for German stream (Abitur/NSC), 2 for English stream (NSC) |
Average class size per grade | It varies, mostly there are between 15 and 25 learners per class.
In Grades 1 – 4: maximum 24 |
Number of classrooms at the school | 54 classrooms, in addition to the specially equipped rooms (see below) |
Number of German or South African teachers at the DSK | In total 83 teachers teach at our school;
12 German teachers are employed / seconded by the German government; 71 local teachers are employed by the School Association; |
How does the DSK compare to other independent schools? | Our fees are more competitive due to the subsidy from the German government, therefore providing an excellent education at a lower rate;
High academic standard and achievements Two graduation options: IEB-NSC (Matric) with German language diploma DSD II and a combined graduation NSC and German International Abitur. With the German International Abitur learners have the possibility to study in South Africa, Germany, Europe and many more countries (in total over 100 countries worldwide). The NSC is the entrance qualification for South African universities, in combination with the DSD II study options at numerous tertiary institutions in Germany are possible; DSK offers similar curricula as other schools; Broad range of extra-murals, certain extra-murals are free of charge; Intensive German is taught from Grade 5 in the English stream; |
Facilities | |
What classroom facilities or special equipment does the DSK have? | 1 Computer lab; 2 Science labs; 2 Biology labs; 1 Sci-Tech lab; 2 Art rooms; double-storey multimedia-library; Music Centre complex; technical workshop; a fully equipped lecture theatre with stage.
Each classroom is equipped with a smartboard |
What special subjects / courses are offered in the curriculum? | In addition to the prescribed curriculum for SA schools, the DSK offers German at Home language level and Foreign language level.
In Grade 12 the German language diploma DSD II exam is taken by all NSC learners. This is a proficiency certificate, which, in combination with the NSC, provides the eligibility to study in Germany (certain conditions apply). English-speaking learners or those whose level of English is better than German will follow the English stream to graduate with the IEB-NSC. Elective subjects: The English stream has a broad range of subjects of which at least 2 subjects need to be elected: Additionally they will be prepared for the German language diploma II in Grade 12. The school offers in Grade 10 and 11 a NBT (National Benchmark Test) preparation course. Remedial courses (Förderkurs) in languages and Mathematics are provided at no extra cost after school hours at school. iPads can be utilised during lessons in all grades. |
Which languages are offered at the school? | English as home language; Afrikaans at first additional language level; isiXhosa as home language and first additional levels; German as home language and second additional language level; French at second additional language level (from Grade 10 onwards only for German stream). |
Are the language teachers native speakers? | Yes, with only a few exceptions. |
Lessons | |
Medium of instruction | Grades 1 – 4 in German; Grades 5 – 9 in German and English; Grades 10 – 12 in English (if English stream), in German (if German stream). |
What are the differences between the English and the German stream? | The English stream qualifies with the South African National Senior Certificate (NSC) at the end of Grade 12 in the following subjects: English, German, Afrikaans, Xhosa, Mathematics, Physical Science, Life Science, History, Geography, Accounting, Visual Art and Life Orientation.
The German stream offers a joint South African-German curriculum: English, Afrikaans, Life Orientation, in accordance with the IEB (South African) curriculum; German, Mathematics, History, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Sport, in accordance with the German curriculum. |
Extra-Murals | |
Sports | Soccer, handball, swimming, tennis, dragon boat racing, volleyball, basketball, hockey, golf, gymnastics, cross country, table tennis, karate, yoga.
External coaches are employed for these extra-murals. |
Cultural | Ballet, modern dancing, debating, marimba band, chess;
National Academic Olympiads in English, Mathematics, Science. The Music Centre offers lessons in piano and a wide variety of instruments, as well as in musical composition using the latest technology. |
Social | Eco Rangers, KIDS, Kinder mit Herz |
Special events | Sports Day; every two years Sports Olympiad and Orchestra Festival with the other German schools in Southern Africa. Hosting of chess tournament, music events, concerts and drama performances |
Social Aspects | |
How do non-German speaking learners integrate with German speakers? | Bilingualism and integration are strongly encouraged on both sides. All Grade 5 children from the English as well as the German stream participate in sports education together as well as in a weekly encounter lesson, where they get to know each other. English and the second foreign language are also taught in mixed classes from Grade 6. |
Cafeteria / Tuckshop | Balanced meals are available daily with an emphasis on healthy eating. |
Safety | The school has a health and safety committee which meets regularly. 24-hour security is provided. The DSK is fully compliant with the state safety regulations. |
The School Day | |
Double lessons | Most subjects are taught in double lessons to enable continuity and greater quality-effectiveness in learning and teaching. |
Transport service | Privately owned bus company services the school community: Table View, Tygervalley, Tokai, Hout Bay, Langa, Khayalitsha, Mitchells Plain. |
School hours | 7:55 to 14:25h Monday to Thursday;
7:55h to 13:15h: Friday. |
Assemblies | Once a month on average, usually in the sports hall or the amphitheatre. |
History | |
How old is the school? | The school was founded in 1883 by German missionaries. |
When was the English stream introduced for non-German speakers? | In 1987. |
Costs 2018 |
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School fees | R51, 714 per year; or R12,928.50 per quarter. |
Bus service costs | R12, 300 per year; or R 3,075 per quarter. |