Primary School
Welcome to our DSN Primary School. Karibuni!
At our school far from home, we place great value on creating a lively and enriching environment for play, learning, and working. We want our students to feel that school is a place where they belong, while also receiving an excellent education from our internationally trained teaching team.
At the German School Nairobi, we cherish cultural diversity and meaningful encounters. Everyone has a special place in our community, where individual strengths and interests are seen and valued as part of our shared sense of togetherness.
Our WIR is at the heart of what we do and guides our educational approach. It stands for openness to the world, curiosity, and respect. These values form the foundation of a trusting and respectful community.
Our website offers a vivid first impression of our school life, and we look forward to meeting you in person.
Carolina John
Head of Primary SchoolHeike Czech
Stellvertretende GrunschulleitungAbout our Primary School
In Classes 1–4, children from many different nations come together to learn, explore, and grow. Our dedicated teachers follow the Thuringian curriculum and teach in a way that is community-oriented, holistic, and forward-looking.
Every child is supported according to their individual strengths and needs. At our school, every student experiences success, encouragement, and the strong sense of belonging that defines our community. We believe that only encouraged children grow into confident and responsible young people.
Regular school assemblies bring our community together – to share ideas, celebrate achievements, take part in international projects, and experience learning as something joyful and shared.
Our Curriculum
Our curriculum is based on play, curiosity, and exploration. Learning takes place through hands-on experiences, projects, and daily routines that support language, creativity, movement, and social development.
Daily Schedule
7:45 am – 1:05 pm Lessons (Periods 1–6)
1:05 pm – 2:00 pm Lunch Break
2:00 pm – 3:30 pm After School Activities and Workshops
The school day at the German School Nairobi begins in a relaxed way. From 7:30 am, children arrive on campus and have time to settle in calmly. Lessons start at 7:45 am and finish at 1:05 pm. During the morning, a shared class breakfast at around 9:00 am is an integral part of the daily routine. This time not only provides energy for the rest of the school day, but also strengthens social relationships and a sense of community.
A special focus is placed on team teaching. Most lessons in German, Mathematics, and English are taught by two teachers working together. This allows us to provide individual support and respond closely to each child’s learning needs.
In addition, pupils work with an individual weekly plan for four hours per week. This helps them to develop independence, take responsibility for their learning, and progress at their own pace.
Twice a week, children enjoy a 20 minute “language immersion” session during lessons. In this playful learning time, they are immersed in the German language, discover new vocabulary, and naturally apply what they have learned in everyday situations.
Our daily routine combines structure, community, and individual support, creating a strong foundation for successful learning.
Topic Overview
Here you’ll find an overview of the current topics and learning materials for each class. The downloads provide insight into what the children are learning in class and help parents stay informed and connected to their child’s school life.
Select your child’s grade below to view or download the current overview.
Special Activities
We go on a school trip every two years. In second grade, the children spend three days, and in fourth grade four days, in a special overnight stay in a tent camp, which is located close to the school but also close to nature. On these days, pens and paper stay at home. Team-building and class-building games are offered, there is lots of laughter and romping around, delicious meals are eaten in nature, and the children enjoy the peace and quiet. And of course, a campfire is a must.
On the penultimate day of each school year, the elementary school holds a hiking day. All classes go on a hike together through nature. Sometimes they go to Karura Forest, sometimes to the tea fields near Brackenhurst. The teachers are always on the lookout for new destinations. While the children sit together in their classes on the bus on the way there for organizational reasons, they quickly mix during the hike. The little ones walk alongside the older ones, and all the elementary school teachers spread out among the lively crowd. The idea behind this is to reward the children for their hard work during the school year and to spend some more time together before the long summer vacation begins or they have to say goodbye because they are moving away. We all look forward to this event every year.
WIR Booklet
The WIR booklet is the Primary School’s code of conduct at the German School Nairobi. It supports children throughout their school life and contains all important rules, rights, and agreed ways of making amends that are essential for a respectful and cooperative school community.
At the beginning of each school year, the rules are introduced together with the children. They are based on the picture book “Das kleine WIR”, which illustrates in a child friendly way how togetherness, consideration, and responsibility strengthen our school community.
Throughout the school year, one rule is given special focus each week. It is discussed in class, practised consciously in daily school life, and reflected upon. In this way, the rules are not only read, but actively lived, and our WIR grows a little stronger every day.
Classrooms & Surroundings
Unsere Zusatzangebote: Lernen über den Unterricht hinaus
At the German School Nairobi, learning continues after the bell rings. Our wide range of afternoon clubs allows students from Class 1 to 4 to explore their creativity, curiosity, and energy in a playful way.
From swimming, gymnastics, and football to ballet, beading, and creative crafts, our youngest learners can discover what they love most. Activities such as STEM & Robotics, Junior Choir, or Cooking Club invite them to experiment, express themselves, and work together.
Every club nurtures confidence, teamwork, and joy in learning — key values of our school community.
