Years 9/10 Iceland - June/July 2025

At the end of June, our Year 9 and Year 10 GCSE Geography students embarked on an unforgettable four day adventure to Iceland, an awe inspiring destination that brought their classroom learning to life in the most spectacular way. 

The trip began with a touch of turbulence, before even leaving the ground! A last minute aircraft change delayed departure slightly, but spirits remained high, and once safely in Iceland, the excitement truly began. 

Day 1 was all about travel and settling in. After arriving, students were treated to a live lava show, offering a dramatic introduction to Iceland’s volcanic landscape. They then travelled to their accommodation, where they enjoyed a hearty meal and took part in a fun quiz night to round off the day. 

Day 2 was packed with natural wonders and coach karaoke. The group began at Seljalandsfoss, a stunning waterfall where students could walk behind the cascading water, getting soaked in the process! From there, they visited the striking Reynisfjara volcanic beach and the dramatic Dyrhólaey headland, before heading to Sólheimajökull glacier. Equipped with helmets, crampons, and ice axes, students took part in a guided glacier walk – a truly unforgettable experience. The day ended with a visit to the majestic Skógafoss waterfall, followed by dinner and a lively scavenger hunt competition back at the accommodation. 

          

Day 3 began with a visit to Kerið, a dramatic volcanic crater lake, before students enjoyed a relaxing soak in the Secret Lagoon. After lunch at Geysir, they watched the famous hot springs erupt - one of the highlights of the Golden Circle. The next stop was the breath-taking Gullfoss waterfall, followed by Þingvellir National Park, where students stood on the boundary between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates, learning how the rift valley widens by around 3cm each year. 

             

The final leg of the journey took the group to Reykjavík, where students had time to explore the capital and pick up souvenirs. The trip concluded with a celebratory dinner at The Hamburger Factory, a well-earned treat after three action-packed days. 

Day 4 began with an early start as the group began their journey home, this time, with no delays! Students returned tired but thrilled, filled with stories, memories, and a deeper understanding of the incredible geography they had witnessed first-hand. 

This incredible trip was filled with educational experiences, breath-taking scenery, and unforgettable memories. Our students were outstanding ambassadors for the school, showing curiosity, enthusiasm, resilience and respect throughout. Iceland truly brought their geography studies to life and created memories that will last a lifetime. 

Well done to all involved!