Frequently Asked Questions
Everything You Need to Know Frequently Asked Questions
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How many learners are currently enrolled?
Total: 950+ learners
Primary School (Gr. 1 – 4): >200
Middle & High School (Gr. 5 – 12): >750
What is the average class size?
Between 15 and 27 learners per class
How many classrooms are there?
55 classrooms, along with specialised rooms equipped for specific purposes.
What classroom facilities / special equipment does the DSK have?
- Each classroom is equipped with an interactive smartboard.
- 90 iPads in rotation for student use.
- 1 iPad per student as part of our iPad Program for Grades 6-9.
- 5 iPads per classroom for Grades 1-4.
- A Science Centre featuring 3 science labs and 3 biology labs.
- 2 fully equipped computer labs.
- A dedicated Sci-Tech lab.
- 2 Art/Design classrooms.
- A double-story multimedia library.
- A Music Centre complex with seven well-equipped music classrooms.
- A fully equipped technical workshop.
- A fully equipped lecture theatre with a stage.
How many German and/or South African teachers are at the DSK?
- 15 German teachers are employed & seconded by the German government
- 85 local teachers are employed by the School Association of which 10 employees are working in our Learner Support Centre (Star Centre)
- Numerous coaches
What is the percentage of German and South African learners respectively?
- German: 53 %
- South African: 42%
- Other: 5%
How does the DSK compare to other independent schools?
- Two graduation options: IEB-NSC (Matric) with German language diploma DSD II or a combined graduation IEB-NSC and German International Abitur. As a bilingual German school abroad, we are accountable to the examination authorities in South Africa as well as Germany.
- With the German International Abitur, learners have the possibility to study in Germany, South Africa and in more than 100 countries worldwide.
- The NSC is examined by the Independent Examination Board (IEB) which is nationally and internationally recognised. Together with the DSD II, learners have the opportunity to study at numerous tertiary institutions in Germany and overseas, opening doors to an international career.
- High academic standards and achievements
- Competitive school fees due to subsidies from the German government
- Broad range of extramurals
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Language of instruction
Gr. 1 – 4 in German
Gr. 5 – 12 in English (if English Stream),
in German (if German Stream)
Which languages are offered at the school?
- German as home language and second additional language
- English as home language
- Afrikaans as first additional language
- isiXhosa as first additional language
- French as first additional language (from Gr. 10 onwards only for German Stream)
Are the language teachers native speakers?
Yes, with only a few exceptions
What time does the school start and end?
All Grades start the day at 7h55.
The end of school is staggered for the Primary, Middle and High School – followed by an extensive extramural
programme.
Why are there double lessons?
Most subjects are taught in double lessons to enable continuity and greater effectiveness in learning-quality
and teaching.
What are the differences between the English and the German stream?
The English stream
This stream allows learners to qualify with the South African National Senior Certificate (NSC) at the end of Grade 12 in the following subjects (some are elective / choice subjects): English, German, Afrikaans, isiXhosa, Mathematics, Physical Science , Life Science, History, Geography, Accounting, Visual Art and Life Orientation.
The German stream
This stream offers a joint South African-German curriculum:
English, Afrikaans, Life Orientation, in accordance with the IEB (South African) curriculum (Compulsory subjects).
German, Mathematics, History, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Sport, in accordance with the German curriculum (Some are elective / choice subjects).
How do non-German speaking learners integrate with German speakers?
Bilingualism and integration are strongly encouraged in the English and German stream. All Grade 5 learners from both language streams participate in a weekly encounter lesson and in sports education together, this allows them to get to know each other. English and the second foreign language are also taught in mixed classes from Grade 6 onwards.
Faq's Graduation
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What is the German Abitur ?
The Abitur, short for Allgemeine Hochschulreife, is the main qualification needed to enter higher education in Germany. It is awarded to students after they complete their secondary education, usually after 12 or 13 years of schooling, depending on the region.
To earn the Abitur, students must pass a series of exams, which include both written and oral tests in subjects like mathematics, languages, science, and the humanities. These exams are typically taken at the end of the final year of secondary school.
The Abitur is highly respected in Germany and is required for admission to most universities and higher education institutions. It is also recognised internationally, allowing graduates to apply to universities abroad.
The Abitur is considered a tough qualification that shows a student’s academic ability and readiness for further study. It opens doors to a wide range of academic fields and is an important achievement in the German education system.
What is German Language Diploma II (DSD II)?
The German Language Diploma II (DSD II) is an internationally recognised exam for German as a foreign language, offered by the Kultusministerkonferenz (Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs of the Länder in Germany).
The DSD II is usually taken by students with several years of German language study who wish to prove their proficiency for academic or professional purposes. The exam tests reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills.
It includes written and oral components. The written exam covers reading and listening comprehension, as well as writing, while the oral exam involves a conversation to assess speaking ability.
Passing the DSD II demonstrates a high level of German proficiency, typically equivalent to B2/C1 on the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). This qualification is useful for university admission in Germany and for career opportunities in German-speaking countries.
What is IEB?
The IEB’s assessments cover a wide range of subjects and are designed to assess students’ knowledge, understanding, and critical thinking skills. The board is responsible for setting exam papers, marking scripts, and ensuring that its assessments meet high academic standards.
Overall, the Independent Examinations Board plays a significant role in the South African education system, providing an alternative examination option for students attending private and independent schools.
What is NSC?
The NSC examinations cover a wide range of subjects, including languages, mathematics, sciences, humanities, and vocational subjects. These exams are administered by the Department of Basic Education in South Africa.
Achieving the NSC is an important milestone for students in South Africa, as it is a requirement for admission to many universities, colleges, and other higher education institutions both within the country and internationally. Additionally, the NSC serves as a benchmark for assessing the academic achievement of students and the overall performance of the education system.
What is the difference between IEB and NSC?
The IEB and NSC are both high school qualifications in South Africa, but they are run by different bodies and may have some differences in curriculum and assessment. However, both are widely accepted for university entry and employment.
Administration:
- The IEB runs its exams independently, mainly for private and independent schools in South Africa.
- The NSC exams are run by the Department of Basic Education, the government body responsible for education in South Africa. These exams are for both public and private school students.
Schools Served:
- The IEB is for private and independent schools, which have more freedom in how they teach.
- The NSC is taken by students in both public and private schools, though it is mostly linked to government-funded public schools.
Curriculum and Assessment:
- The IEB exams may be different in terms of curriculum and assessment methods, as private schools often have more flexibility in designing their teaching plans.
- The NSC exams follow a set curriculum from the Department of Basic Education, which is the same across public schools in South Africa.
Recognition:
Both IEB and NSC qualifications are accepted by universities and other educational institutions in South Africa and abroad. However, there may be slight differences in how they are viewed by some institutions.
