The itinerary combined opportunities to explore the forces shaping Iceland with visits to Reykjavík’s cultural landmarks, connecting learning about plate tectonics, glaciation and geothermal activity with the landscapes themselves.

The opening programme focused on the Reykjanes peninsula, taking in the Bridge Between Two Continents, the steaming geothermal landscape at Gunnuhver and the bubbling mud pools at Krýsuvík, introducing pupils to the volcanic activity that would be a recurring theme throughout the visit!

On Monday, the group visited Þingvellir, where Iceland’s parliamentary history meets the dramatic landscape of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. The Geysir area and Gullfoss waterfall provided further opportunities to explore the power of water and geothermal energy, while Kerið crater lake and the LAVA Volcano and Earthquake Centre extended the focus on Iceland’s volcanic origins.

A guided hike on Sólheimajökull glacier was a central feature of Tuesday’s itinerary. Equipped with crampons and ice axes, pupils were scheduled to explore the glacier’s surface with expert guides and examine the meeting of glacial and volcanic landscapes. The day also included the Lava Show in Vík, featuring real molten lava, and a visit to Seljalandsfoss waterfall.

The exploration continued with Leiðarendi lava tube, offering an insight into how cooling lava can leave hollow passages beneath the ground. At Perlan’s Wonders of Iceland, an ice cave and Northern Lights planetarium brought further dimensions to the study of glaciers and the science behind the aurora.

There was also time on the trip to discover Reykjavík, with visits to Harpa Concert Hall and Hallgrímskirkja, alongside an immersive FlyOver Iceland experience offering a different perspective on the country’s varied terrain.

A final morning at the Blue Lagoon rounded off an itinerary rich in contrasts: ice and molten rock, underground caves and open landscapes, natural wonders and city sights. Throughout, the trip’s focus was on making connections between geographical processes studied in school and the remarkable environments they create.

Mr Green, Head of Geography at Hill House School, said that the trip was a great success. “This year’s visit to Iceland was as wonderful as ever – a fantastic way to bring the subject to life and a particularly special visit as we were lucky enough to see the Northern Lights. Not only will this trip support pupils in their development of the subject, but will have provided them with memories to treasure”.