News & Headteacher Blogs

Iceland Trip – 13-17 April, 2025

• The initial event letter was here: letter
• Presentation for parents & carers here

Trip Summary:

Our intrepid Sixth Form Geographers recently returned from an unforgettable week exploring the dramatic and otherworldly landscapes of Iceland.

Led by Mrs Hicks and the Geography Department, students immersed themselves in the striking geological features of this unique island. Their itinerary took them to the thundering Gullfoss Waterfall, the bubbling geothermal pools of the Secret Lagoon, the active hot springs at the Geysir Geothermal Area, and the rift valley of Thingvellir National Park, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet.

The group also visited the Kerið volcanic crater, Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls, the Reynisfjara black sand beach, and even walked on the ancient ice of Sólheimajökull Glacier.

Despite the cold temperatures and brisk Icelandic winds, spirits were high throughout. Students showed genuine curiosity and insight as they observed first-hand the powerful forces that have shaped Iceland’s dramatic terrain.

Mrs Hicks praised the group for being excellent ambassadors of the school, noting how they “showed deep knowledge of the landscapes surrounding them.”

This trip was more than just a geographical field visit, it was a truly awe-inspiring journey that deepened students’ understanding of plate tectonics, volcanism, and glacial processes, while also bonding over unforgettable shared experiences in one of the most beautiful and raw environments on Earth.

We’re incredibly proud of how our Sixth Formers represented The Downs School and look forward to many more enriching trips like this in the future.