Iceland Trip 2024

The four-night stay is an annual event designed to bring to life the content learners look at in the classroom; this year, as part of their Science and Geography topics, the trip aimed to illuminate their understanding of rivers, waterfalls, volcanoes, the atmosphere of the Earth and tectonic plates.

The weary-eyed cohort assembled outside the school at 4 o’clock in the morning, before clambering onto the coach and setting off for the airport. Once they arrived, there was time for a quick breakfast pitstop before the learners boarded their plane; next stop, Iceland.

Once they had landed and checked in, they headed to their first stop. After gazing in awe at the stunning Icelandic scenery, our learners reached Krýsuvík and explored the geothermal pool and journeyed through the iconic Lava Tunnel. One of Iceland’s most iconic landmarks, the learners had the opportunity to walk in the path of flowing lava which allowed them to better understand the inner workings of a volcanic eruption. After a tiring day, learners arrived at their accommodation where they unpacked and settled down for a well-deserved sleep.

On the second day, the Year 10s travelled to Sólheimajökull, where there embarked on a glacier walk and enjoyed a lava show. Then, it was off to the Reynisfjara Beach to see some incredible waves and hike to the top of a stunning waterfall.

Day three consisted of some sightseeing at Kerid Crater, Gullfoss – known locally as the ‘Golden Waterfall’ – and Geysir. Learners also visited a Dairy Farm – where there was time to sample some local ice cream – and the National Park, within which they examined the Eurasian and North American plates and learned how they shaped the land. A quick snowball fight was swiftly followed a burger at Íslenska Hamborgarafabrikkan before the tired students hit the sack ahead of the final day.

The final day began with a later breakfast and a short sightseeing walk to Hallgrimskirkja Church before learners headed into Reykjavik to enjoy some free time before returning to their accommodation and setting their alarms for 2 o’clock the following morning to catch their flight home.

It was a magical trip in which the learners immersed themselves in different aspects of the curriculum and embraced the Icelandic culture. They behaved impeccably and were fantastic role models for the school. We can’t wait to host the same trip next year!