STEM at the DSK
1. What is STEM
STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
At the DSK, however, we understand STEM to mean …
Stay curious and keep
Thinking outside the box…while
Enjoying the fun and power of
Mathematics, Science, Technology and Engineering
The DSK employs around twenty dedicated English and German speaking science teachers in various STEM subjects and there is an increasing list of other activities. These are part of a renewed drive towards being a more STEM focused school. We have started lessons in our dedicated and newly built Science Centre. Six spacious high-tech classrooms offer our learners modern, experiment-oriented science lessons.
Astrid Schreier is a German Biology and Chemistry teacher with over ten years of experience in STEM. She has been appointed as STEM coordinator of the DSK and runs a regular workshop with other teachers where STEM matters are discussed and projects are planned.
There is a multi-stakeholder STEM Committee under the close guidance of Astrid Schreier that consists of members of the board and the school management, as well as parents and teacher representatives.
2. STEM in the classroom
For many years, the DSK has offered a wide range of STEM school activities in both the German and English streams.
Our learners are already exposed to robotics and science activities as part of our extramurals during their Primary School years.
In Middle school, the curriculum offers Mathematics, Biology, Physics and Chemistry as subjects in accordance with the timetable for German Schools abroad. The subject SciTec in grades 5 and 6, introduces our learners to a basic intro to information technology and methodology.
In High School and as exam subjects for the Abitur, learners can choose which and/or how many of the natural sciences they would like to take. On offer are: Maths, Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
With regards to a later university or career choice in South Africa, it should be noted that certain minimum marks and subject combinations are required to pursue a further education in the natural sciences. In Grade 9, a minimum mark of 60% should therefore be achieved in Maths, Chemistry and Physics. An external IEB requirement also links enrolment in Physics at a SA university to the subject of Mathematics. Learners who “only” take Mathematical Literacy will therefore not be able to enrol in Physical Sciences at a SA university.
3. STEM activities
It is important to us that learners have as much access to STEM related topics as possible to explore and discover their lurking talents and interests. We therefore encourage additional activities such as outings to the Two Oceans Aquarium, the Cape Town Science Centre, the Planetarium or the West Coast Fossil Park.
The results of various class projects are made tangible to the entire school community – the bridges of the Grade 5 SciTec classes and the atomic models from the Chemistry lessons decorate our passages.
Numerous competitions in various subjects also encourage learners to engage with STEM in a creative and fun way. For example, the Kangaroo competition in Maths and a Diercke Geography competition take place regularly. Further projects and small experiment challenges are in planning Learners interested in nature and the environment have the opportunity to contribute their ideas to the “Eco Rangers” in Grade 7.
Parents are always welcome to contribute their talents and contacts on STEM related topics and thereby extend the range of STEM activities.
Once a year, a project day with a STEM focus encourages learners to engage with STEM and think outside the box. In June, we focus on activities related to World Ocean Day. The Sentinel Ocean Alliance (SOA) is an important partner on this journey.
4. STEM career and study guide
As part of the school’s internal study and career orientation, the DSK aims to present STEM-related professions on Career Days. During the annual Grade 11 study trip to Germany, there are many opportunities to get information at universities and colleges and to get an insight into the professional world of natural sciences.
