By Mrs McPhail (Geography Teacher)
Snow-topped lava fields greeted the BGS Geographers and staff as we arrived at Keflavik Airport just outside Reykjavik. The build-up to a school trip is always exciting, and for all 36 students from Year 11 to Upper Sixth, wearing their new hoodies, the anticipation of exploring Iceland’s tectonic landscape was high. Geography teachers always enjoy introducing students to new places. We hope this year’s group returned with an even greater love for the subject, having seen textbook features brought vividly to life.
After our first stop at the ‘Bridge between the Continents’, we headed to the high-energy coastline where students witnessed the power of the Atlantic Ocean, and, more unexpectedly, the piano from the film Eurovision. Classic Icelandic comedy.
Next was an active geothermal area, where flumes of smelly sulphur surrounded us as the girls captured the moment on camera. An alert pinged on our phones just minutes before, heightening the sense of real-world geography in action. These early rumbles turned out to be signs of an impending eruption.
Following a delicious breakfast on day two, we travelled along the south-west coast, beginning at the Lava Centre, where we enjoyed incredible views across the plains. We climbed to the top of waterfalls, walked behind great torrents of Icelandic water, and observed the effects of climate change on a receding glacier. A visit to Reynisfjara beach was equally dramatic. Covered in snow and marked by a sudden hailstorm, it gave us all an Icelandic-style facial. We certainly experienced all four seasons in a single day.
We visited so many places and shared plenty of laughs along the way. A coastal ‘miracle’ church provided a moment of quiet reflection. The vibrant sights of Reykjavik, along with the spectacular Gullfoss Falls and Geyser in the ‘Golden Triangle’, offered breathtaking experiences. The day ended, somewhat counterintuitively, with an ice cream in 2-degree weather. It was one of many memories to take home. The funniest moments and new friendships are often what stay with us longest.
Although we didn’t see the Northern Lights this time, we almost witnessed a lava eruption just two hours after our departure. It would have been an unforgettable sight for any geographer, but perhaps next time.
Martha Ibbott (Upper Sixth) reflected: “Iceland was my last trip with BGS and one I won’t forget. The landscape in Iceland felt unreal - seeing the geysers, old lava flows and visiting waterfalls where we were able to walk behind one! Our tour guide was very knowledgeable about the local area and made the bus rides interesting by explaining Iceland’s culture and ways. Visiting the capital of Iceland, Reykjavík, and being able to explore the city with friends was a very memorable experience.”
View the stunning photos here.
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