Over the half-term break, our A-level geography pupils had an unforgettable experience where they travelled to Iceland for their annual trip. From exploring glaciers to seeing the Northern Lights, there was so much for our pupils to experience and explore!
Amelie Parker writes:
'Straight away, we were greeted with cold but crisp conditions as we acclimatised to what would be the warmest weather of the next few days. On our way to our all-you-can-eat pizza meal, we stopped off to see our first geographical landmark – mud pools and steam vents! After our meal, we made our way to the highly anticipated Blue Lagoon – something which is on many people’s bucket lists! While at the lagoon, we could relax in the naturally heated pools while enjoying drinks and silicone face masks. After feeling very rejuvenated, we stepped outside to see the Northern Lights! This was definitely a highlight of mine as you never know when you may see the Northern Lights, but we were lucky enough to see them on our first day in Iceland. After many pictures, we headed back to the hotel for some well-deserved rest.
On day two, we woke up for a guided tour of Reykjavik, where we watched the sun rise as these are quite late in Iceland! We then headed on the coach to Hellisheidi Geothermal Power Station, which provides renewable energy for households in Iceland by using steam from the ground to generate electricity. This was a really cool place to see, as it links directly to our course - using renewables instead of finite resources such as fossil fuels to produce energy. After this, we headed to the lava tunnels. There, we could walk inside one of the largest lava tunnels in Iceland which was formed from an eruption 5000 years ago! After spending an hour in the tunnel and experiencing it in the pitch black, we headed back to the hotel and had an evening meal before using the hot tubs!'
Lucy Price, adds:
'Day three and the action never stops! On this day we went to visit a small selection of Iceland’s waterfalls including some we could walk behind and others you had to climb into a cave to see. After the waterfalls, we went to one of Iceland’s glaciers. Instead of just admiring them from afar, we got up close and were given to opportunity to walk on a glacier that could be gone in as soon as 150 years!
On day four, we started at the lava museum learning all about volcanoes and lava. We then headed over to visit some geysers! After this, we went to a local national park to go on an unwinding walk. To top this day off, we finished at the hamburger factory!
For our final day in Iceland; with the time we had left, we went to the harbour to go on a whale watching experience. This day consisted heavily of low temperatures, big hazmat suits, and very rocky boats. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to see any whales, but we did spend 3 hours with a large group of dolphins!
Although this only includes a selection of what we did, the trip was a very big eye opener for all the students (and teachers) as we were able to experience things we were learning about first hand. When back at school, we were all talking about how much we enjoyed the trip to Iceland and how we fit so many activities into just five days – which is the best way to experience somewhere new! I would like to thank Miss James, Mr Cooper and Mr Burrows for organising the trip and for making the trip so fun, but also so interesting and something we can all take away into our A-level geography. They brought humour and enthusiasm every day despite the tired complaints and without them, this trip wouldn’t have been possible.'
Head of Geography, Mr Jack Cooper, said:
"Once again, Iceland was a success; the weather was incredible for this time of year, and the Shiplake pupils made both themselves and the College proud. Our tour guide and bus driver were so impressed that they expressed their desire to be with our group again next year. The knowledge gained about geothermal energy, climate change, volcanic hazards, and population dynamics will be invaluable for their A-level exams. A big thank you to Miss James and Mr Burrows, who supported me on this trip."
