School Life

School Life

Our school is not only a place of learning, but also a place for living, where your child should feel comfortable - therefore we attach great importance to a wide-ranging afternoon offer and positive social interaction.

Our teachers and parents dedicate themselves beyond regular school lessons to enable an interesting, varied program at the DHPS.

From exiting extra-mural activities, to social commitment and career guidance - Explore the active DHPS school life: Our school is a place of encounter, where learning and living takes place on many different levels!

Excursion & Adventures

Excursion & Adventures

Learning by Doing - Hello Adventure!

Namibia is widely known for its vastness and contrasts: During exciting and informative DHPS outings our learners regularly experience the diversity of our nature and the extensive possibilities for exploration and learning in the Namibian wilderness.

Namib Desert Environmental Education Trust (NaDEET), Grade 6

Our Grade 6 learners have the chance to experience the Namibian desert up close.
Solar cookers, Water rations, "toktokkies", sleeping under the Namibian starry sky and looking for scorpions - these are the highlights of the Grade 6´s excursion to NaDEET, the Namibian Environmental Education Trust.

Learning objectives:


  • In addition to the biology curriculum and accompanied by their biology teachers, the kids learn about the surprises the Namib desert has to offer and how remarkably flora and fauna have adapted to these arid conditions.
  • Recycle, Reduce, Reuse – that´s the excursion´s main theme where it is all about producing fuel briquettes from old newspapers, preparing meals on solar cookers and why it is important to ration water.
  • Of course learning should also be fun: Although the Grades 6 enjoy the educating projects with the NaDEET-nature conservationists to the fullest, they are absolutely thrilled with sandboarding and playing together.

Canoo trip on the Orange River, Gr. 10

Canoeing on the great Orange River in Southern Namibia is more than just a river trip! Our Grade 10 learners get to experience great exercise on the waters, the starlit African sky and the breath-taking Richtersveld National Park on the boarder to South Africa.
Under the guidance of experienced and qualified staff they enjoy an adventure not easily matched. In addition to campfires and great company it is once again all about team work, spirit and a great sense of community.

Gobabeb Desert Excursion, Grade 11 (DIAP)

Within the exam preparations of the DIAP Biology course in Grade 11 our "almost graduates" visit the desert research foundation in Gobabeb.

Learning objectives:

  • Biology up close: The students learn and elaborate in groups and with the help of nature conservationists and biology teachers about the eco systems in the Namibian desert.

Our experiences in Gobabeb 2016

Technical Skills

Technical Skills

When taking a closer look at Namibia’s educational environment it becomes evident: This is no mainstream subject. At the DHPS, besides academic education, emphasis is put on developing craft-skills and -abilities. Technical Skills is offered as a subject, comprising metal-, wood-, textile work as well as pottery.
The first project in the subject Textile Design is sewing a small bag by hand to learn basic skills such as cutting, ironing, threading a needle, tying knots, pre-sewing, sewing on a button and twisting a cord. Afterwards learners take a sewing machine driving test. For the next project “soft toy”, all skills are combined and applied.
In the metal workshop, learners are introduced to different kinds of soft metal, such as aluminium, brass, and galvanised steel. The learner fashion functional objects like keyrings, candle holders, and wind chimes, using only hand tools. Each project requires them to first explore a variety of design possibilities and then use techniques such as sawing, filing and drilling, to complete their metal object.

In the wood workshop, learners will first learn how to measure and mark correctly. Finally, skills such as (straight) sawing and filing are used to bring a key ring into the desired shape.
Each piece must be carefully sanded until it is nice and smooth. For this, learners use sand paper from coarse (60) to fine (220) grit.
Once they are acquainted with the basic skill, they can move on to more complex projects.
In grade 6, learners also obtain a drilling licence, to prove that they can operate the electrical drill safely.

During Ceramic Studies in grades 5 and 6, learners are taught the basics of preparing, working, decorating, and glazing pottery. By introducing primary hand forming techniques: pinching, coiling and slabbing, learners have the possibility to explore their creativity, and make clay projects that appeal to their imagination. In grade 7, if the learner chooses to pursue ceramics, they can apply the basic techniques they have learned to design and create their own dinner set, which is not only beautiful, but also functional.

Extra-mural Activities

Besides successful learning, achievements in sports, music, arts and the social field are particularly important to us.

The DHPS has a comprehensive offer of extra-mural activities, from Judo and orchestra to AIDS Awareness and “Youth in Science” - something for everyone:

See brochures 2024 here:

Theater Group and Tech-Crew

Building self-confidence and character - also back-stage

Theater

Fun and “human self-reflection” (Novalis)

Acting in a theater play means to take a stand, to occupy a position. For a holistic educational approach, School Theater is an excellent opportunity to perceive young people from head to toe and to enable them to take a new look at themselves and the world and explore actively. It is a way to encourage learners to confidently find and fill their personal place in life in the world later.

In addition, play-acting provides an opportunity for encounter: between different cultures and grades - all within a casual, free atmosphere, where language is “learned by doing”.

Overview of past and future DHPS theatre productions:

"Kwela, Kwela", 2018
"Once upon a time there was... or was there not?", 2017

"Ms Müller must go!", 2017
“The secret life of pirates”, 2016
“Oh, Ballade!”, 2016
“The Good Person of Szechwan” (Bertolt Brecht), 2015
“Dance of Vampires”, 2013
“Spot-on” with the Tech-Team: Lighting-, sound, and event-technology

High-quality events not only need to be well-planned on stage, but the lightning-, sound- and event-technology also plays a major role backstage.

Our technics - team offers learners extensive training and is responsible for organizing everything which is required for a successful event, a concert, a theater play ore our regular assemblies.

Music, Brass Band & Choir Class

Music, Brass Band & Choir Class

Welcome to the musical world of the DHPS


From choir, orchestra, big band or the only brass and choir classes in Southern Africa - the DHPS has much to offer not only in the academic, sporting or social field, but is also very active in music.

Our DHPS brass & choir classes are certainly one of the best ways to teach and learn music. By the combination of orchestral and instrumental lessons or choir lessons, learners learn to play an orchestral wind instrument, gain first impressions of being part of an orchestra or learn to be part of a choir and using their own voices.

The groups present the results of their work during joint school concerts and they also participate in school, internal and external events, thereby representing the DHPS in public.

Particular highlights are musical performances and participation in the orchestra workshop of the German schools in Southern Africa.

The best part for all groups is the joy in playing together and in a successful concert.

Social Commitment

Social Commitment

Social commitment is an important part of the DHPS and is actively promoted by numerous extra-mural activities.

In concrete social projects and by active learner involvement, social behavior is strengthened and together we do good for those living on the margins of society.

Especially in Namibia, a country with great social disparities and high poverty-, unemployment- and HIV/AIDS-rates, it is important to put one’s own needs aside.

Therefore our social projects and task groups, like e.g. the DHPS Interact Club or the AIDS Awareness group, support soup kitchens, orphanages, kindergartens and community events like e.g. “Namibia runs for Charity”.

Feel safe to be yourself!

Welcome to our DHPS Support Centre!


Meet our new School Counselor, Ms Silke Berens:

"Dear DHPS community

Please allow me to introduce myself to you in my new role as school counselor. I very much look forward to supporting our learners in the areas of personal/social development as well as academic progress and achievement.

As a school counselor, my mission is to create an environment in which all learners feel safe to be themselves, feel encouraged to reach beyond their goals, and are able to recognise and appreciate the unique personalities, interests, and talents within themselves and others. A close collaboration with our parents, teachers and support staff is an integral part of such an undertaking, and I anticipate a productive and positive relationship with you, the extraordinary and one-of-a-kind DHPS community. Together we can stay hopeful and strong in these challenging times!

Please continue to stay safe, and watch out for our mental health coping tips as well as resources on social media and the school website during the next few months."


Talk to us!
With immediate effect, there is now the option to make an online appointment with the school counselor. All information will be treated with strict confidentiality.
Counseling provides a non-judgmental, solution-oriented, and supportive service which aims to address personal as well as professional matters of concern. This support encompasses areas such as stress management, emotional wellness, and the development and application of individual social and personal capabilities and resources.
To make an appointment, please feel free to fill in the form and contact Ms Berens!

Please find here the detailed contact forms:

Some ideas, information and tips from our School Counselor


For learners:

For parents:


COVID-19 Resources:
CONVERSATION STARTERS:

COVID-19 STRESS:
Your contact person(s)
Silke Berens

Silke Berens

School Counselor - Schulpsychologische Beratung

Tel: 061 373 117

Dependency Prevention

Dependency Prevention

Strengthen the personality, cope with difficult phases in life, and motivate a positive life conduct - these are the goals of our dependency prevention.

The DHPS consciously sees this as their longterm health promotion as from an early age: During events, campaign days and lessons, age-appropriate information on the topic of dependency prevention is mediated, jointly developed in a multidisciplinary way and presented.

Please contact us for insights on current projects and events of the DHPS dependency prevention:
Your contact person(s)
Carina Strydom

Carina Strydom

Teacher

Melanie Campbell

Melanie Campbell

Teacher

Almuth Schwarting

Almuth Schwarting

Internatserzieherin - Boarding school educator

Make the future awesome!

With the qualifications acquired at the DHPS, the world is literally open for our alumni.

The study- and vocational guidance at the DHPS prepares you optimally for training, studies or a career in Namibia or abroad and provides advice and support for you and your parents.

Whether life takes you to Germany, Europe, South Africa or Namibia or elsewhere with your DIA or Cambridge - all important information, events and contact persons are provided here.
  • Career's Days (Grade 9 - 11, Grade 12 voluntarily): 23 & 25 April 2024

Your contact person(s)
Alexander  Ritzer

Alexander Ritzer

Lehrer & Berufsberatung Deutschland / Teacher & Career guidance Germany

Tel: +264 (0)61 373 131 / 141

Thea Groenewald

Thea Groenewald

Lehrerin & Berufsberatung Namibia/Südafrika / Teacher & Career guidance Namibia/South Africa

Tel: +264 (0)61 373 100

Library

Library

When silence falls on the library at night after a long, bustling day at school...
... then there is a sudden crackle and crunch and hustle ....


Out of 1000 books they crawl and rush, jump and hop, scurry and scuttle cheerfully – the Famous Five and the Pretty Little Liars, the Secret Unicorns and the Magical Peppers, Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn, Moby Dick, Anne of Green Gables, the Harrys and Hobbits and witches and wizards, the horse riders and fairy elves, the Lottas and Gregs, the Royals, the Horse Whisperers and Bodyguards, the chewing-gum chewing teenagers who just fell in love, the Samurai, the time thieves, fraudsters and commissioners, the princes and princesses, caliphs and storks, Mogli together with Balu, Ka and Bagira, Alladin, Mary Poppins, Winnetou and Old Shatterhand, Mephisto and Emilia, the Gauls and the Romans, and finally the Helenes and Spartans, all climb down from Olympus together with the gods to dance with Malory Towers, the Twins at St Clare’s, the Warrior Cats, Roald and his Charly the super-sweet-muddy-mushy-brown-yummy chocolate dance to the music of the Hunger Games and over the Throne of Glass, right through the school of magical animals and disappear with the first daylight again in an emerald-green Tree House.
But since the library is unfortunately closed at night and you are denied this wonderful, fairy-tale, nocturnal spectacle, you still have the opportunity to get to know all these wonderful characters...
Just come and borrow them - every school day during the big breaks and in the afternoons... We look forward to seeing you!
Your library team

The library is available free of charge to all DHPS learners and employees.

The library team, a qualified school librarian and an assistant, ensure professional advice to the visitors.

In addition to usual librarian tasks, special focus lies on supporting learners with their Internet- or project-related researches.

At the DHPS library, ample space is provided to read and learn and the computer-, group-, and quiet working zones are perfectly adapted to the needs of our younger and older learners.

The DHPS library material consists of the following:

  • The school library offers an extensive range of reading- and learning-materials and is open during school-time and in the afternoons.
  • The teacher library comprises 3000 media which are available to DHPS teachers.
  • The third section, the so-called “free teaching aids” comprises text books for lessons and reading material for language lessons (in class sets).

Library opening hours:

Monday - Thursday 06h50 - 13h20 and 14h00 - 16h00
Friday 06h50 - 12h30

For further information please feel free to contact:
Your contact person(s)
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