Established in 1883 the German International School Cape Town boasts a rich history. Initially known as the German St Martini School it received German government funding even before World War I. After the war the German School Association Cape Town took over sponsorship in 1930. The school’s name changed to Deutsche Schule Kapstadt (DSK) in 1961. A new building largely funded by West Germany opened soon after. In 1964 the first students graduated with their South African Senior Certificates.
The German International School Cape Town wasn’t always exclusive. In 1981 it opened its doors to students of all backgrounds. A new swimming pool celebrated the school’s centennial in 1983. Science classrooms were added in 1984. An English stream started in 1987. The school held its first Abitur exams in 1989. The Olympics of the German Schools in Southern Africa were first held there in 1992. A new boarding house followed two years later.
Growth continued. A second primary school opened in Bellville in 1995. A music hall and renovated auditorium opened in 1997. The primary school moved from Bellville to Parow in 1998. Technology upgrades included a second computer lab in 2003. By 2008 almost every classroom had computers video projectors and interactive whiteboards. A new building with a library amphitheater and classrooms opened in 2013. A new sports hall was completed in 2019. A Science Center was finished in 2023.
The German International School Cape Town offers both South African and German university entrance qualifications. It’s a bilingual school with both German and English streams. It follows the German educational philosophy emphasizing independent critical thinking. The school year begins around January 20th. Sixty-seven percent of its students are South African. Thirty-three percent come from German-speaking countries. School buses serve several areas including Table View Hout Bay Tokai and Tyger Valley. The German International School Cape Town’s history reflects a journey of adaptation growth and commitment to education.