The Year 10 Geography trip to Iceland was another fabulous success. The students have written diary entries for the four days they were there:
Day 1: Planes and Lagoons
At midnight, we arrived at school and after a short delay we hopped on the coach to Manchester. Once in the airport, we grabbed something to eat and the lads got photos with Fabio Carvalho, the first thrill of an overall exciting trip!!
We boarded the plane and 3 hours later we found ourselves in Reykjavik, Iceland. First stop the plate boundaries. We crossed the bridge and stood in black sand, one foot on the North American plate and the other Eurasian plate. Who said you can’t be in two places at once??
Following a soaking wet coach ride, we arrived at the blue lagoon. The weather cleared up brilliantly for the time we spent there, providing perfect conditions for the experience. The atmosphere was amazing, and we all had the most incredible time applying their specialised face masks and keeping warm in the hot pools, powered by geothermal energy.
After a tiring day visiting some of Reykjavik’s most memorable sights, we headed back to the hotel where we unpacked, got ready and enjoyed dinner. The final event of the day was when we all headed down to the games room for a couple hours of pool, darts, table tennis, air hockey and uno, before hitting the hotel rooms for a good night’s sleep.
– Lauren, Chloe, Ava, Izzy, Claudia, Jacob and Matthew
Day 2: Hydraulic Action and Sustainability
Today we woke up and left the hotel at 9am after breakfast to set off to an incredible extinct volcanic crater (Kerid crater) which was approximately 6,500 years old. After that we went to one of the small waterfalls in the Thingvellir National Park where we got some amazing photos before we walked up to the constructive plate boundary and overlooked the prime minister’s summer house. After that we went to witness an incredible erupting geyser & climbed a high platform to watch the magnificent site from.
After we had enjoyed our lunch we went to Mr Murray’s favourite waterfall Gullfoss. It was the most amazing waterfall I have ever seen in my entire life. A real highlight was walking down many steps to stand over the highest falls where Mrs Martin told us all about the formation of a waterfall & processes like hydraulic action.
Finally our last stop on today’s adventure was being shown around a giant greenhouse where we learnt how they use geothermal power to grow strawberries, cucumbers, and tomatoes which are all sold locally! Very sustainable.
After a long day of walking and incredible scenes we spent the night in the games room which included a pool table, dart board, ice hockey table and a ping pong table! And in the fantastic outdoor heated hotel pool.
– Natalia & Anna
Day 3: Fire, Ice and Black Sand
We began waking up excited for our last full day! It was an early start so a quick full English fuelled us for the day ahead. Almost instantly we were on the coach setting off for the first of many destinations – the lava centre. A movie and advanced technology left us fascinated and intrigued as we set off for yet another waterfall. This time, a path looping around the waterfall gave us a spectacular view and plenty of pictures were taken. After a challenging 400 steps we witnessed a vast waterfall which made the stairs worth it.
A quick coach drive gave an opportunity for a sandwich break and let us soak in the excitement for the next location. Mr Murray gave an explanation of the retreating glacier at a perfect view point. The backstory and history of the glacier was fascinating. A well-deserved pit-stop for souvenirs was needed as many Icelandic gifts were purchased.
Finally we crossed the road for the long stretch of black sand, crashing waves and basalt columns of Vik beach before we headed back with happy faces only. The two hour drive back was a breeze as the night ahead began.
– By Jacob, Jack, Matty
Day 4: Reykjavik
We were nice and refreshed after enjoying a sleep in and a buffet breakfast. We then sadly left the hotel for the last time but still had an adventurous day to come. On the bus we sang happy birthday to our wonderful tour guide Leif, who everyone loved. We then had a lovely tour of the River Varma, the hot springs and the town we were staying in.
We then got back on the coach and travelled to an outstanding viewing platform, of Reykjavík, and took plenty of photos. We then went into the capital city of Reykjavík where we visited a historical Lutharian church where we lit candles for the people who we love. We then travelled to the stunning Music centre where we had a quick but breath-taking exploration. After a quick exploration we walked around the town centre where we bought more souvenirs for family and friends.
After that we proceeded to the City Hall where we saw fantastic swimming ducks and swans and took tons of pictures. We then got on the bus, with our hearts melting as we proceeded to our final destination: Shopping Centre.
We followed our amazing Leif to the food hall with food surrounding us and shops everywhere. The food was outstanding and workers were lovely.
And for the final time we got on the coach and made our way to the airport, where we flew to Edinburgh and drove back to St Thomas More and with that, our journey was over but lots of memories were made!
– Ellie & Gabby
Leif says “Hae hae” (Hi)
Mrs Brown says “All the students were fantastic & so respectful to me.”
Keep LIVING THE DREAM Year 10
For more photos see below:
