During the October break, some of our National 5 and Higher Geography pupils travelled to Iceland to add depth and breadth to their knowledge on volcanoes, glaciers, coasts and uses of Geothermal energy.

Forty pupils from S4 and S5 had a fantastic time exploring the island and participated in a number of excursions around the country. 

The first half of the week saw the pupils visit the Bridge between Continents, hike along the Sólheimajökull Glacier, investigate the coastal features on Reynishverfi beach and stand in awe of the very popular Skógafoss Waterfall.

The second half of the trip featured swimming in the Blue Lagoon, a trip to Hellisheiði Geothermal Power Plant, visiting the otherworldly volcanic Kerid Crater and exploring the Icelandic culture in the heart of Reykjavik. 

S5 pupils Dylan, James and Bradley shared: “This was a trip to be remembered forever, experiencing a variety of activities spanning from walking in vast craters to relaxing in the famed ‘blue lagoon’.

“We walked across the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates at the Bridge between Continents and visited the lava centre, a geothermally heated tomato greenhouse and a geothermal power station. We also explored lava tunnels and saw extremely impressive waterfalls up to 65m high. During a visit to Nátthagi Valley, lava flows from as recent as August are still giving off heat. 

“Although we were faced with powerful winds and heavy rain at times, everyone completed the activities with a smile.”