We have a wonderful report of the Geography department's Iceland trip to share from the head of department Mr Sutton, as well as some stunning photos taken by students and staff. Enjoy!
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Our recent tour of Iceland was an unforgettable adventure, immersing us in dramatic landscapes and geographical wonders. The trip began with a walk across the ‘Bridge Between Continents’, a tangible experience of standing between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates - a group photo opportunity not to miss! We then marvelled at the bubbling mud pools of the Gunnuhver Hot Springs before heading to our home for the week: Hjardabol Guesthouse.
Our itinerary was full of awe and wonder! A personal highlight was ‘Fly Over Iceland’, an immersive 4D-style experience which provided a memorable introduction to the Land of Fire and Ice, closely followed by the ancient Raufarholshellir Lava Tunnel, a 5,200-year-old subterranean passage that offered a glimpse into Iceland's fiery heart. The tunnel also provides a natural sound stage, a perfect spot for an impromptu singalong…
The Golden Circle route did not disappoint, with its stunning highlights. We soaked in the geothermal waters of the Secret Lagoon, felt the power of the Gullfoss Waterfall, and watched in awe as the Geysir Geothermal Area erupted with superheated water. A visit to the historic Thingvellir National Park provided a moment of reflection amidst a stunning natural amphitheatre, as well as many fantastic photo opportunities.
Our journey along the south coast was equally spectacular, revealing a landscape of black sand beaches and cascading waterfalls. While thick clouds and wet conditions prevented us from completing our walk to the Solheimajökull Glacier, we were all delighted to instead visit a stretch of coastline populated by puffins! I am sure that was a photo opportunity ticked off many bucket lists.
Beyond the daytime explorations, our evenings were filled with fun and memorable activities led by members of staff on the trip. These included a photo scavenger hunt, dramatic renditions of traditional Icelandic fairy tales, and a lively quiz evening.
The students showed great enthusiasm and curiosity throughout, making it a truly rewarding expedition. We are sure the memories of Iceland's unique landscapes and exciting activities will stay with them for a long time. Lastly, a huge thank you to all the members of staff who accompanied us on this trip: Mrs Hone, Mrs Miller, Mrs Parker and Mr Lynn.
The next big Geography adventure is currently being planned for 2027. Stay tuned!
Mr R Sutton
