Fire and Ice

In an adventure that blended learning with breathtaking landscapes, a group of 23 Harrodian pupils from our 14s and 15s (Years 10-11) embarked on a five-day exploration of Iceland’s geological wonders over the October half-term break. Led by Head of Geography, Kerry Shaw, and accompanied by Mr Tom Cooper, Mr Jon Bryson and Ms Elspeth White, the trip proved to be an unforgettable experience for all.

DAY ONE:
The trip kicked off with a visit to Seltún, the colourful geothermal landscape at Krýsuvik. Bubbling mud pools and columns of steam rising skywards provided a mesmerizing introduction to Iceland’s unique terrain. The day continued with a trip to the Lava Tunnel, one of largest and longest caves in Iceland, to see the inner working of a lava tube.

DAY TWO:
On the next day, the group ventured into Thorsmork and Eyjafjallajökull, navigating the rugged volcanic terrain in Monster trucks. The effects of Eyjafjallajökull’s eruption were starkly visible, with melted ice forming powerful floodwaters that rushed through Thorsmork valley. A visit to the valley glacier ‘Gigjokull’ provided a first hand look at the impact of the glacier’s retreat. The day concluded with awe-inspiring views of Seljalandsfoss waterfall and a walk along the black volcanic beaches at Reynisfara to see the basalt cliffs and caves. In the evening the group enjoyed the Lava Show, the only show in the world where you can witness and feel the heat of molten lava in a safe environment (see the video clip below, in which the Lava Show is featured).

TO WATCH A COMPILATION OF MOBILE PHONE FOOTAGE TAKEN ON THE TRIP, SEE BELOW:

DAY THREE:
Due to windy weather, the planned glacier walk at Sólheimajökull was replaced with an impromptu trip to the Secret Lagoon, a tomato farm, and a dairy farm too for the chance to sample ice cream! The group then marvelled at the erupting geysers at Geysir (some of which spouted up to the height of around 30 metres) and explored the fumaroles emitting steam and gas, followed by a viewing of Gullfoss, one of Iceland’s most photographed waterfalls. A visit of Thingvellir National Park offered insights into Iceland’s early history as pupils walked among rifts and observed ropy pahoehoe lava from a shield volcano eruption.

DAY FOUR:
They travelled to Deildartunghver, Iceland’s largest and most powerful hot spring and the highest in Europe and took in the majestic falls and rapids of Hraunfossar and Barnafoss. A short walk led to the enchanting Glanni Waterfall, believed to be the dwelling place of elves and trolls. The day concluded with a visit to the Grábrók crater which was formed during a fissure eruption three thousand years ago.

DAY FIVE:

The final day brought a relaxing and rejuvenation visit to the Blue Lagoon, one of Iceland’s most popular attractions. Bathing in the warm, silica-rich geothermal seawater gave everyone a chance to reflect and take-in all the highlights of an amazing trip. Before heading off to the airport, they were able to squeeze in one more trip to the Bridge between Continents, where they crossed the 15-metre footbridge spanning a fissure between Eurasian and North American tectonic plates.

PUPIL TESTIMONIALS:
Reflecting on the trip, Milo in the 14s, who will be taking Geography GCSE next year, expressed his appreciation, stating, “I am so glad to have gone on this trip because it gave me the chance to see things that I am learning about in Geography in real life rather than from textbooks or videos. The geysers, lava tunnels, glaciers, and waterfalls – it’s a whole different experience when you’re standing right in front of them!”

Ollie, also in the 14s, is equally enthusiastic when he says,” Even though I’m not studying Geography for GCSE, I found every moment on the trip fascinating. The Blue Lagoon and the Lava Tunnel were incredible. But it’s not just about the sights; it’s also about all the interesting facts and information behind them.”

15s pupil Siri who is in her last year of the Geography GCSE course found the trip helpful for revision purposes and for extending her subject learning. “It was great to go over all our work on volcanoes, tectonic plates, and glaciers but also to learn other things about them that we didn’t know. Going on the trip has made me reconsider doing Geography for A Level, the problem is now I have an even harder decision deciding which four subjects to opt for,” she says.

Asking the three of them to agree on the best part of the trip is hard because there are so many highlights. Bathing in The Blue Lagoon seems to have been their overall favourite activity, although in addition to this Siri picks out the Lava Show, Milo the geysers and Ollie the Lava tunnel. They also really enjoyed the unplanned trip to the tomato farm, where they had the opportunity to sample tomato lattes, tomato sorbet and tomato cheesecake although Ollie isn’t so sure about the tasting part and describes the tomato sorbet as ‘disgusting!’

However, what they do all agree on is the educational value and fun factor of the trip and the fantastic opportunity to witness the geographical sights of Iceland first hand. The memories forged will hopefully leave an indelible mark on their minds and further enrich their academic journey.