Over the recent half-term break, 51 geography pupils from Year 10 to Upper Sixth at Hill House School embarked on an exciting journey to Iceland, the “Land of Ice and Fire.” The trip offered a breathtaking exploration of Iceland’s remarkable landscapes and vibrant culture, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

The itinerary included hikes on the retreating Sólheimajökull glacier, where pupils observed glacial lakes and ice formations while reflecting on climate change, as well as visits to Iceland’s iconic waterfalls – Gullfoss, Skógafoss, and Seljalandsfoss. A highlight was exploring Iceland’s tectonic activity at the LAVA Centre, followed by a walk along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates divide.

Geothermal wonders captivated the group as they observed mud pools, steam vents, and the Strokkur geyser, and learned how Iceland uses geothermal energy sustainably. A visit to the Blue Lagoon provided a relaxing conclusion to the trip, with pupils enjoying geothermal pools and Iceland’s famous silica masks.

Throughout the trip, Hill House’s geography motto – “Nothing changes more than geography” – resonated deeply, as pupils saw active lava fields still steaming from recent eruptions. Despite North Atlantic winds, the group’s resilience and teamwork shone, and the adventure strengthened both their knowledge and camaraderie. Hill House School eagerly anticipates their next Icelandic expedition, to witness the ever-changing landscape.