Year 12 Geography Expedition to Iceland
Our Year 12 students recently returned from an unforgettable educational visit to Iceland, bringing their geography studies to life through hands-on fieldwork.
The group began their adventure on Monday with a walking tour of central Reykjavik, exploring the vibrant Rainbow Street (Skólavörðustígur) before crossing the Bridge between Continents - the boundary between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates - and visiting the Perlan Museum. On Tuesday, they took a ferry to the island of Heimaey to hike the Eldfell volcanic crater, spot puffins, and later walk behind the roaring curtain of Seljalandsfoss waterfall.
Wednesday provided an unexpected, real-world lesson in environmental science when rapid melting forced the cancellation of their scheduled glacier hike. Seeing the direct effects of climate change was eye-opening, and the group pivoted to the spectacular Vík Lava Show to see real molten rock up close. They rounded out the day examining the basalt columns at Reynisfjara black sand beach and visiting Skógafoss waterfall.
On Thursday, the students explored the iconic Golden Circle, observing geothermal features at the Secret Lagoon and the erupting Geysir hot springs. They studied the immense power of Gullfoss waterfall, walked the tectonic rift valley at Þingvellir National Park, and enjoyed the FlyOver Iceland flight simulation before a final celebratory group dinner at the Hamburger Factory.
The group had an absolute blast, supported by a fantastic tour guide and driver, alongside some authentically Icelandic weather. Following an early morning departure on Friday, the students returned safely to Guiseley with a wealth of practical geological knowledge, a deeper understanding of active environmental processes, and wonderful shared memories from a trip they truly loved.
