Our journey to Iceland in early Spring was an enriching and unforgettable experience, allowing us to extend our geographical understanding far beyond the classroom. We began at the Sólheimajökull glacier, which has been retreating steadily since the late nineteenth century at an approximate rate of 100 metres each year. Having studied glacial processes in lessons, seeing the landscape in person was truly inspiring.

Later that day, we visited the coastal town of Vík, where we walked along the striking black sand beach with views of the Reynisdrangar sea stacks rising dramatically from the water. The powerful waves crashing against the cliffs offered a vivid demonstration of coastal erosion and brought to life concepts we had explored in the classroom.

We also visited Skógafoss, one of the most memorable waterfalls of the trip. Its 60‑metre cascade, fed by two glaciers, demonstrated the interconnectedness of Iceland’s landscapes and reminded us of how central geography is to understanding the natural world.

That evening, we were fortunate enough to witness the Northern Lights. It was something many of us had hoped to see, and watching the sky transform with shifting colours on our first full day created memories none of us would forget.

The following morning, we travelled to Gullfoss, one of Iceland’s most renowned waterfalls. Walking along the edge of its two‑tiered drop into a mile‑long gorge, we admired the deep aqua waters and fast‑flowing streams framed by snowy scenery. Later, we visited a geysir, observing eruptions reaching up to 30 metres, before travelling to Thingvellir. Standing within the rift valley where the Eurasian and North American plates slowly pull apart offered a rare insight into tectonic processes. We then explored Reykjavík, visiting historic centres, old ports and lakes, along with the striking Hallgrímskirkja Church.

On our final day, we spent time at the Sky Lagoon, enjoying geothermal waters, a panoramic sauna, a cold plunge and a restorative scrub treatment. The calm, unstructured atmosphere allowed us to relax, reflect and bond with pupils from other years. It was a perfect conclusion to a breathtaking and eye‑opening trip.

Bea, Evelyn, Heidi, Isabella, Alice, Lena and Ginevra, Lower Sixth