The night is not just for sleeping.

That’s what 33 pupils in grades 6 to 10 thought when they gathered for this year’s Long Night of Mathematics. Equipped with calculators, a thirst for puzzles and a good dose of perseverance, they threw themselves into challenging mathematical puzzles from 6 p.m. on Friday evening until 8 a.m. on Saturday morning.

From the outset, there was a mixture of concentration and exuberance. They calculated, discussed, laughed – and started again and again when a task proved particularly difficult. Sudoku puzzles send their regards. Around midnight, a little refreshment was needed: they did some exercise in the gym to get their bodies and minds going again.

But the urge to sleep showed no mercy. A few students persevered and calculated until dawn; others ‘broke away,’ some right at the table. As someone once said with a smile, ‘The night is there for things to happen.’ And on this special night, one thing above all else happened: great, cross-year teamwork.

Their efforts were finally rewarded in the morning. Over a shared breakfast of croissants and pain au chocolats, the young mathematicians slowly regained their strength and colour. And when it became clear that two age groups had reached the second of a total of three rounds, their tiredness was almost forgotten.

And so ended a night full of numbers, team spirit and unforgettable moments – a night that was definitely not just for sleeping.