What an amazing experience our Year 9 and 10 Geography students had on their recent Enrichment Week Trip to Iceland! This four-day adventure was packed with incredible geological wonders, breathtaking landscapes, and unforgettable moments, giving our students a firsthand look at the powerful forces shaping our planet.

Our journey began bright and early with a flight from London Heathrow to Keflavik International Airport. Upon arrival, we wasted no time diving into Iceland’s unique geology. One of the highlights was visiting the Bridge Between the Continents, a symbolic footbridge literally spanning a fissure where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates are pulling apart. Talk about a geology lesson in action, and Mr. Timberlake was soon in his element! Next, we explored the fascinating Gunnuhver Hot Springs, a highly active geothermal area. Students observed massive mud pools and steam vents, learning how volcanic gases and seawater create this incredible natural phenomenon. We then ventured to the Nátthagi Valley, the site of recent volcanic eruptions. Seeing the vast, newly formed lava fields was a powerful reminder of Earth’s dynamic nature. Safety was key here – we learned why it’s crucial never to walk on new, unstable lava as steam was still coming off it from the last eruption in April! Our day concluded in Reykjavik, Iceland’s vibrant capital. Students had a chance to see famous landmarks like the iconic Hallgrímskirkja church and learn about the city’s rich history, dating back to 874 AD. They were then given an opportunity to explore the city in small groups and do some shopping for gifts.

Day two took us along Iceland’s stunning South Coast, a region famous for its dramatic scenery. Our first stop was Gluggafoss Waterfall, also known as “Window Falls,” where the river has carved unique arches and tunnels through the soft rock. We spent time at the LAVA Centre, a high-tech, interactive exhibition dedicated to explaining Iceland’s powerful volcanic activity and frequent earthquakes. This was a fantastic way to deepen our understanding of the science behind what we were seeing. The majestic Skógafoss (rainbow) Waterfall captivated everyone with its sheer power but unfortunately, due to the weather, no rainbows were present. Some even heard whispers of the local legend about a hidden chest of gold but despite attempts, Mr. Hiscock had no luck finding it! At Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, we marvelled at the unique black sands and towering basalt columns. It was here that we were lucky to come across hundreds of nesting puffins, an amazing sight, but not for all students as one student (not mentioning any names) was unlucky to have a puffin mess on their jacket! One of the most exhilarating experiences was a guided glacier walk on Sólheimajökull. Kitted out with helmets, crampons, and ice axes, students explored the stunning ice formations, gaining firsthand insight into the effects of climate change as well as experience a Viking press-up, the traditional way to obtain water from glaciers. We ended our day at Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, famous for its path that allows you to walk behind the cascading water – a truly immersive experience (and a great test for waterproofs!). It’s fair to say that at the end there were some very wet students and some excellent new profile pictures for their social media.

Our final full day was dedicated to the famous “Golden Circle,” showcasing some of Iceland’s most iconic natural and historical sites. We started with a relaxing visit to the Secret Lagoon, a naturally occurring hot spring that’s been a local favourite for centuries. A perfect way to warm up and see a small geyser erupting every few minutes! The awe-inspiring Gullfoss Waterfall, or “The Golden Waterfall,” truly lived up to its name with its enormous, powerful cascades dropping into a deep canyon. At the Geysir Geothermal Area, we witnessed the incredible power of Strokkur Geysir, which regularly erupts, sending boiling water and steam shooting high into the sky! A sweet stop at Efsti-dalur II – Ice Cream Farm gave us a taste of local produce, learning about sustainable farming practices and enjoying some delicious homemade ice cream. Our final major stop was Þingvellir National Park. Here, we could clearly see the rift between the Eurasian and North American plates, but perhaps even more importantly, we learned about its historical significance as the site of the Alþingi, the world’s first democratic parliament established in 930 AD and where the Vikings first landed in Iceland.

On the fourth day, we were up nice and early again, heading back to Keflavik Airport and our journey to Heathrow, then back to KWS.

This trip was an incredible success, providing our students with invaluable educational experiences and memories that will last a lifetime. A massive thank you to all the students for their enthusiasm and excellent conduct, and to Mrs. Hobson, Mr. Hiscock, Miss Longstaff, Miss Annie and Miss Noe for making this unforgettable adventure possible!

Mr. Timberlake