John Taylor High School – Geography Educational visit to Iceland 2025
Written by Miss Barker, Assistant Subject Lead for Geography (MAT cover)
During the October half term, 40 students and 4 staff immersed themselves in Iceland’s extraordinary landscapes, geology and culture, making memories that will last a lifetime.
On October 25th, students took flight from Heathrow airport to one of the most tectonically active countries in the world. As we flew over the incredible landscape, students were given their first glimpse of this unique land. On our way to our first stop, we took the winding roads through fresh steaming lava fields from the latest eruption on the Reykjanes Peninsula in November 2024. Our first stop was the ‘Bridge Between Continents’ where students were given the opportunity to walk between the Europe and North American plates. The Bridge between two continents at Sandvik is a small footbridge over a major fissure showing the evidence of the plates moving apart at a constructive plate boundary. On to our next stop and students were given the thrilling opportunity to ‘Fly over Iceland’ where a virtual flight tour introduced us to the nation’s dramatic landscapes and fascinating cultural history. Dinner at the Hamburger Factory wrapped up our first day, complete with the fun addition of hoping to see an advancement of Iceland’s “live population clock.”
On day two, our journey took us to Hvergerdi which is a Greenhouse town and a place of geothermal activity. Along its streets students could see many greenhouses which were heated and lit by the abundant amount of renewable energy. Students were able to pick up a bite to eat from the bakery whilst going to look at the crack that was discovered in 2003 when building the new shopping centre. They incorporated this into the design an students were able to see the crack that runs under it. Not many people can say they have been shopping on two continents in the space of 30 minutes! We hoped back on the coach and visited the stunning Seljalandsfoss and Gljúfrabúi waterfalls, a personal highlight for many students was being able to walk behind it and embrace the power of the water cascading over the cliff from a nearby glacier. Reynisfjara, the iconic black sand beach was our next stop and was an eye-opener on the force of nature with its “sneaker waves” and towering basalt columns. Our evening concluded with a one-of-a-kind Icelandic Lava Show in the town of Vik, where students felt the intense heat of molten lava safely behind barriers—an experience they won’t soon forget.
Day three took us to Solheimajokull glacier for a guided Glacier Walk. Equipped with crampons and ice axes, students explored ice formations and deep crevasses. This glacier is under threat from global warming, retreating at a rate of 60 meters a year. Many students stated that this was the highlight of the trip and felt very lucky for the opportunity with on student saying, ‘It was an experience they would never forget’. They were visibly awestruck by the beauty of Skógafoss waterfall, and we explored Raufarholshellir’s Lava Tunnel, witnessing first-hand the formation of Iceland’s lava tubes.
Day four was when we got to experience the ‘Ice’ in Iceland with 40cm falling in 24 hours, this is the most snowfall that Iceland has received in October since records began. This meant that a couple of our plans had to be rearranged in order to stay safe in the snow. We were still able to visit some of the scenic wonders of the Golden Circle. Gulfoss waterfall, and Geysir, students observed Iceland’s unique geological features, including the famed Strokkur geyser’s reliable eruptions. An incredible surprise came when we could see the Northern lights dancing outside the hotel. Student embraced the snow to experience this once in a lifetime experience.
Day five saw us have a drive through the snowy streets of Reykjavik and observing the sites such as the Hallgrimskirkja church with its basalt inspired columns and the Sun Voyager Sculpture which resembles a Viking long ship. On our way to the airport, we stopped at the Blue Lagoon for a swim in the geothermal pool which gets its milky blue colour due to its high silica content. Travelling through the car park students could witness the construction of a lava wall to help prevent further damage to the blue lagoon car park, if there were to be another eruption in the area. Students stated that taking a swim in the Blue Lagoon was a nice relaxing end to a jam packed, adventure filled trip!
A massive thank you to Mr Simmons for organising the visit whilst I was on Maternity leave and to Miss Platts and Mr Roberts for spending their half term break supporting the students.
Throughout, students demonstrated curiosity, resilience, and respect for Iceland’s rugged environment. This trip offered a blend of education and excitement, and I’m proud to have helped lead such an enthusiastic group. There will be many stories and memories they’ll carry forward from Iceland!
If you want to secure a place on the 2026 Iceland Trip, read more here: Trip: Book your place – Iceland 24th October – 28th October 2026 – John Taylor High School
