Geography in Iceland case study case study

Heathside School's Geography Trip

Hear about the transformative Geography trip to Iceland which moved both teacher and students alike

Be 'that' teacher!

Blue Lagoon iceland school group photo v2
Mrs Wappett-Grusd, Head of Geography
“I wasn’t prepared to feel emotional when standing in between the mid-Atlantic Ridge of the USA and European plates. I have been teaching this for years and then to finally see it in front of me and not in a text book made it all seem worthwhile.”
KEY FACTS ABOUT THE TRIP
  • Dates - Mon 17th to Thurs 20th Oct
  • Hotel Ork
  • Group size 22 paying & 4 free places

Why we go to Iceland with Voyager School Travel

The Learning Objectives for the trip were to gain an understanding of plate tectonic processes and to bring this learning to reality.

We started our visit with a trip to the Blue Lagoon,  a great introduction to Iceland and truly amazing! The geothermal pool was a wonderful experience for staff and students alike and gave pupils plenty of time to ask questions as to how the water gained it’s colour and how it was heated.

Our guide for the Golden Circle tour on day two met us at the hotel and I would give them 5 stars - he was very good at interacting with staff and students alike. He was extremely knowledgeable, speaking with ease about the tectonic plates when we were at Thingvellir Park and showing us the folds in the rocks, formed by volcanoes. Our next stop Golfoss was truly stunning. When you get off the coach all you can hear is a roaring noise, but it is not until you get close you gain your first sight of this large and magnificent waterfall. The stunning landscapes, waterfalls,  as well as watching the great Geysir erupt managed to keep students engaged throughout a very long day.

The weather was a little rainy for our South Shore tour day, but it didn’t dampen anyone’s spirits. One of the most memorable experiences was walking around and behind Seljalandsfoss waterfall. Our guide then took us to Vik to see a typical Icelandic fishing village, as well as the black volcanic sands on the beach. Our guide explained the various rock formations, as well as explaining the meaning behind the Icelandic flag - red for fire, white for ice and blue for water. We completed the day with a trip to the Eyjafjallajokull visitor centre - the volcano which erupted and stopped the world travelling!

On our last day we finished with a walking tour of Reykjavik, before heading to the airport and our flight home.

Iceland is not cheap, but in terms of what we saw and the experiences we gained, it was all very much worth it.

05 Hotel ork Northern Lights

What about the accommodation?

“The Hotel Ork was perfect for our group, in a ideal location for all the visits. The hotel had a games room, heated swimming pool, plus the staff were very friendly and accommodating.”

“The food was great, with a choice of hot and cold food for breakfast, with students making their own sandwiches for lunch. Dinner was always a lovely hot meal - much needed after some very long days exploring.”

Volcano crater

What were the Learning Outcomes from the trip?

“Back in the classroom when I was doing the lesson on tectonics, it was wonderful to hear the students talking fondly of their trip to Iceland and talk confidently about their understanding of plate tectonics and to keep hearing “we saw this in Iceland”. I now have some students using Iceland within their own case studies.”

VST Team2 v9

Why do you choose to travel with Voyager?

“Voyager was recommended to me by the MFL department who run a French trip with them.”

“The best part of the service was that nothing was too much bother and people were always helpful and friendly. We had last minute pupils wishing to join the tour and Voyager dealt with professionally.”

“Voyager ensured the trip came in on budget.”

Headline Itinerary

Day 1

Fly to Iceland, Blue Lagoon visit.

Day 2

Golden Circle tour, incl. Kerid Crater, Gullfoss waterfall, geysir.

Day 3

Guided South Shore, incl. Seljalandfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls, Solheimajokull glacier, Reynisfjara black beach & Vik.

Day 4

Raufarholshellir Lava tube and walking tour of Reykjavik before return to UK.

What's included?

  • 4 free places based on 22 paying students
  • Return Flights
  • Overseas coach transfers
  • 3 nights full board at Hotel Ork Hveragerdi
  • Entrance to the Blue Lagoon, Guided Golden Circle tour, Guided South Shore tour, walking tour of Reykjavik
  • Insurance

Teacher resources

Find a selection of useful resources related to your trip.

Hellenthal Eifel student love cropped

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Why choose Voyager School Travel for your school trip?

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Peace of mind knowing our French managers, instructors, coach drivers & support team will look after your every need. Read more →

For teachers who are serious about the educational outcomes of their school trip.

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