As I write this, the children in my village have been back at school for two weeks. The school just down the road, however, doesn’t start again for another two weeks. If school holidays – and indeed school types, curricula and teacher training – differ so much within Germany, how much variation must there be across Europe?

What makes diamonds strong or a tiger stripy? Why is music uplifting or the Alhambra palace beautiful? The answer: mathematics. As mathematician Marcus du Sautoy explains in our feature article, mathematics is all around us – and this can be the key to exciting lessons.

J’ai le plaisir d’annoncer que notre éditeur, EIROforum, a accepté de financer Science in School pour deux ans de plus, avec assez de moyens pour couvrir la production en ligne. Nous consacrons aussi toute notre énergie pour continuer à imprimer votre revue préférée d’enseignement de la science, afin que vous puissiez la lire dans le train, la consulter quand vous le souhaitez, ou la partager avec des collègues, des élèves ou des amis. Mais nous avons besoin de votre aide.

I am delighted to announce that our publisher, EIROforum, has agreed to fund Science in School for a further two years, with enough money to cover the online production. We are also making every effort to continue printing your favourite science-teaching journal, for you to read on the train, refer to again and again, or share with colleagues, students and friends – but we need your help.