The German International School Pretoria (DSP) will host its Open Day on Saturday, 7 March 2026, from 09:00 to 12:00, offering families and prospective learners an opportunity to experience the school community and discover how DSP is investing in the future of Science education.

At DSP, four strategic focus areas shape the school’s development: German language, Music, Sport and Science. STEM education is currently celebrating remarkable national and international achievements, highlighting the strength of the school’s science programme.

National Recognition at FIRST Tech Challenge

From 20–22 February, the DSP MufasaBots competed in the FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) South Africa, a national robotics competition in which learners design, build and programme industrial-style robots to solve complex engineering challenges.

In only their second year competing at national level, the team impressed judges with their technical expertise, teamwork and presentation skills, earning the prestigious Think Award. This award recognises outstanding engineering design, well-structured documentation and innovative problem-solving.

International Success at Jugend forscht

DSP learners also achieved impressive results at Jugend forscht, one of Europe’s most respected science research competitions for young people, held in Hannover, Germany, from 18–21 February. Presenting independent research projects before expert juries, several DSP learners secured podium places:

• Aaron Tyler Shrader – 3rd place (Biology, Junior category)
  Project: Dung Preference in Dung Beetles

• Tarek Lampen – 2nd place (Chemistry, Senior category)
  Project: Electricity from Soil

• Johanna Kyrieleis & Natassja Kowalsky – 2nd place (Chemistry, Senior category)
  Project: The Red Thread – Influences of the Menstrual Cycle on Concentration

In addition, the school received a special MINTSPACE Award, supporting the development of a fire-resistant experimental laboratory, which aligns with the DSP’s forward-looking expansion of its science facilities.

Investing in the Future of Science

Building on these successes, DSP is currently modernising its Science facilities through a phased redevelopment project running from 5 March to July 2026. The initiative reflects the school’s commitment to providing modern, safe and inspiring learning environments where learners can explore STEM subjects in depth.

“These outstanding results at both national and international level demonstrate what is possible when academic rigour meets curiosity and innovation,” says DSP Principal Mr Manuel Haß. “Our learners are not only mastering scientific knowledge – they are applying it creatively to real-world questions. As a school, we are deeply committed to strengthening STEM education through continued investment in modern facilities and forward-thinking programmes. These achievements show that our learners are well prepared to compete confidently on the global stage.”

Families interested in experiencing the school first-hand are warmly invited to attend the DSP Open Day on 7 March.