In recent years, Leweston's Sixth Form Geography students have been privileged to embark on an annual field trip to Iceland, immersing themselves in the awe-inspiring geographical marvels of this unique region. Over the October half term, this year's Sixth Formers had the enriching experience of witnessing live volcanoes, majestic waterfalls, a geothermal power station, and intriguing fumaroles up close.
Our Sixth Form Geography students, along with Mrs. Dencher and Mrs. Lilly, touched down in Iceland for their field trip bright and early! Their first day was packed with excitement as they explored four incredible stops: the awe-inspiring bridge between continents (where the Eurasian and North American plates meet), and fascinating fumaroles, bubbling mud puddles, and steaming hot springs. They also took in the coastal views and wrapped up their day with the breath-taking Flyover Iceland, a thrilling 4D cinema experience showcasing the beauty of Iceland!
To top it all off, they were fortunate enough to witness the mesmerising northern lights right from their accommodation—some even enjoyed the spectacle while relaxing in hot tubs!
On Day 2 they embarked on an adventure filled with awe-inspiring natural wonders.
Their journey took them to the Secret Lagoon, Iceland's oldest geothermal swimming pool, and the breath-taking Gullfoss waterfall, beautifully draped in snow. At the Geysir geothermal area, they witnessed a rare spectacle as the Strokkur geyser erupted 11 times in a row, a remarkable feat considering it typically erupts just once every 5-10 minutes.
The day wrapped up with some relaxation at their accommodation and a lively quiz competition!
Day 3 and 4 for our Geographers were packed with unforgettable adventures and numerous exciting stops including:
- The Lava Centre - an interactive museum that brings the dramatic stories of Iceland's earthquakes and volcanoes to life.
- Seljalandsfoss waterfall - a thrilling, wet exploration behind the cascading waters, followed by a visit to another hidden waterfall nestled within a fissure.
- Reynishverfi - a stunning beach with black basalt sands and striking basalt columns.
- Sólheimajökull glacier walk - a sunlit trek equipped with ice axes and crampons, offering breath-taking views.
- A quick visit to the majestic Skógafoss waterfall.
Capping off day 3 with another mesmerising display of the northern lights in the evening.
Day 4 unfolded with another series of captivating experiences:
- Kerid Crater, a volcanic crater filled with a serene lake.
- The Hveradalir Geothermal area, where the earth's energy bubbles to the surface.
- A fascinating guided tour of the Hellisheidi geothermal power station, packed with insightful information on the carbon cycle and climate change.
- Free time to wander and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of Reykjavik.
- A splash of fun at Reykjavik's open-air swimming pool, complete with a thrilling slide and relaxing hot tubs.
Before travelling home on day 5, ready to share their exciting adventures with their peers this week!
