Year 11 geographers explore the land of fire and ice
From 4 to 8 July, 24 Year 11 Perse Geography students travelled to Iceland following their GCSE examinations, embarking on an unforgettable adventure through one of the world’s most dynamic and spectacular physical environments.
The trip provided students with the opportunity to experience first-hand many of the geographical processes they have studied in the classroom, while also developing independence, resilience and lasting friendships.
The trip began with a flight to Reykjavík, where students enjoyed an evening exploring Iceland’s capital before witnessing molten lava up close at the Icelandic Lava Show. This provided a dramatic introduction to the volcanic forces that continue to shape the island today. Over the following days, students explored a remarkable variety of volcanic, tectonic, glacial and geothermal landscapes.
They descended into one of Iceland’s largest lava tunnels, experienced the geothermal activity that powers the greenhouses of Hveragerði, and visited Kerið volcanic crater lake. At Geysir, they observed hot springs, fumaroles and erupting geysers, while nearby Gullfoss demonstrated the immense power of river erosion through its spectacular double-drop waterfall. Students also visited Þingvellir National Park, where they were able to stand between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge.
A particular highlight was the journey to Heimaey in the Westman Islands. Here, students walked part way up the summit of Eldfell volcano (a journey curtailed by some high Arctic winds), explored the eruption museum and learnt how the 1973 eruption transformed the local community.
The ferry crossing also provided opportunities to observe Iceland’s abundant wildlife, including puffins nesting on the island’s dramatic cliffs. Later that day, students visited the floodplain created by the famous Eyjafjallajökull eruption and explored two of Iceland’s most beautiful waterfalls, Seljalandsfoss and the hidden Gljúfrabúi.
Day four involved an altered itinerary due to inclement weather so Perse students explored the magic of Perlan, including walking through an ice tunnel. On the final day, students visited the Bridge Between Continents and the bubbling mud pools at Gunnuhver before relaxing in the geothermal waters of the Blue Lagoon. These final stops brought together many of the themes explored throughout the trip, including plate tectonics, volcanism, geothermal energy and sustainable resource use.
A particular highlight for students was the opportunity to experience landscapes and wildlife unlike anywhere in the UK.
Year 11 student and photographer Ollie reflected:
“I had a wonderful time on the trip experiencing such a different and diverse landscape compared to back home in the UK. The waterfalls that we visited were some of my favourite moments from the trip and I had an awesome time attempting to photograph the scale and power of them!
Furthermore, our trip to Heimaey in the Westman Islands was a standout for me, the massive puffin colonies present across the island are one of my dream photographic subjects and being able to experience seeing them in their natural habitat and interact in such numbers was a special experience for me. The photos that I took from this trip are some of my favourite of all time and I am so grateful to Mr Riley and the rest of the teachers that came on the trip for organising and creating such a special experience, spending time with my friends in such a stunning place is not something I am going to forget soon! “
The photographs featured in this article were taken by Ollie during the trip, capturing Iceland’s dramatic landscapes, wildlife and geological features.
Mr Riley noted that:
“Beyond the geographical knowledge gained, the trip enabled students to develop a deeper appreciation of the connections between physical landscapes and the people who live within them. Students will have strengthened their fieldwork and observational skills, gained confidence in unfamiliar environments, and experienced first-hand the value of learning beyond the classroom.”
For many witnessing active geothermal landscapes were experiences that will remain with them long after their time at The Perse. Iceland once again proved to be an extraordinary outdoor classroom and a fitting celebration of the end of GCSE Geography.