Students from Manor High School, part of OAK Multi Academy Trust, recently returned from an unforgettable geography trip to Iceland, giving them the opportunity to experience first-hand the landscapes and natural forces they study in the classroom.
The five-day trip took pupils across some of Iceland’s most iconic and dramatic environments, often described as the “Land of Fire and Ice”. The itinerary included visits to volcanic landscapes, glaciers, waterfalls and geothermal sites around Reykjavik and the south-west of the country.
During the trip, students explored the Reykjanes Peninsula, where they were able to see the effects of tectonic movement between the North American and Eurasian plates. They also visited the famous Golden Circle, including the erupting Strokkur geyser and the spectacular Gullfoss waterfall.
Other highlights included hiking near the Sólheimajökull Glacier, visiting the black sand beaches near Vík, experiencing the unique Vík Lava Show, exploring a lava cave and learning about renewable energy at Iceland’s largest geothermal power station. The trip also included a visit to the world-famous Blue Lagoon.
In addition to the geography learning, the trip offered many students an opportunity to travel internationally for the first time. Among the group were 15 students with SEND, representing around 30% of participants, as well as five pupils eligible for pupil premium support.
For some students, the trip marked their first experience of travelling abroad, while others were building confidence through international travel after previous school trips.
Experiences like this are a powerful reminder of how educational visits can bring learning to life. Seeing landscapes shaped by volcanoes, glaciers and geothermal activity helped students deepen their understanding of geography in ways that simply cannot be replicated in the classroom.
The trip also provided opportunities for pupils to build independence, confidence and lasting memories while sharing the experience with friends and staff.
Manor High School continues to prioritise inclusive opportunities that allow as many pupils as possible to take part in enrichment experiences, ensuring that travel and cultural learning are accessible to all.