For the first time, GISSV has been awarded the prestigious Beste Schule International title in the Mathe im Advent competition! Additionally, many of our students received gold, silver, and bronze certificates, as well as participation certificates for their outstanding achievements. Some lucky winners were also awarded the Mathe-Wichtelpreis, which was determined by a lottery, and several GISSV students earned additional special prizes.

About Mathe im Advent

Mathe im Advent is a digital Advent calendar that challenges students with engaging math problems from December 1 to 24. It includes two main calendars—one for grades 4–6 and another for grades 7–9—as well as an early starter program for younger students (grade 2 and up) and a late starter program for grade 10. For advanced high school students (grade 10 and above) and interested adults, there is also the MATH+ Advent Calendar.

This year’s competition, organized by Mathe im Leben gGmbH in cooperation with the German Mathematical Society (DMV), was supported by Germany’s Federal Minister of Education and Research, Cem Özdemir. Nearly 200,000 participants from over 70 countries took part, and more than 10,000 teachers used the calendars in their classrooms—highlighting the competition’s growing impact on math education worldwide.

The Award Ceremony in Berlin

The official award ceremony took place on January 24 at the Freie Universität Berlin, where nearly 700 winners were honored. Representing GISSV at the event, Assistant Head of Elementary School, Ina Denis, accepted the award on behalf of our school community. The ceremony featured interactive exhibits, a mathematical magic show, and a special video message from Minister Cem Özdemir, emphasizing the importance of initiatives like Mathe im Advent in fostering problem-solving skills and curiosity in mathematics.

> Watch the official award ceremony on YouTube (GISSV’s recognition included!)
> Article (in German)

Student Achievements

Alongside the school-wide recognition, several GISSV students received individual awards:

🏅 Gold:  Mila B. (2a) | Paula M. & Silima B. (3a) | Evan E. (3b) | Jupiter M. & Stefan C. (4a) | Kerem K., Leonard C. & Oskar B. (4b) | Nina M. G. & Nora v.d. B. (5c) | Deren C. (7b)

🥈 Silver: Joan C. & Philipp L (3a) | Thomas G. (4a) | Tori K. & Valentina T. (5c)

🥉 Bronze: Eric F., Greta G., Mia M., Stefan V. & Tim M. (3a) | Oskar B. (4b) | Finn L. & Nila B. (5c)

🏆 Successfully participated: Jonathan L., Leo E., Leonid N & Leevke Sp. (3a) | Alexandra S., Emily G., Konstantin L.P.,  Lucas G., Luisa J., Marian V. & Maximilian A. (4a) | Camila S.-R., Elinor M., Hendrik K., Julius D., Nahall H., Nora F. & Sofía R.E. (4b) | Finn O., Lucas T., Sarp O. & Sophia B. (5c)

We are incredibly proud of our students’ achievements and will celebrate their success with a special recognition ceremony at GISSV in February. Congratulations to all participants for their dedication and teamwork!


Photos: Mathe im Advent - Christian Lietzmann