Crofton School, Geography Department, Iceland Information Evening

Why Attend? Spectacular landscapes. GCSE Geography links including- rivers/waterfalls, glaciers, geothermal energy, volcanoes and earthquakes, sustainability. Also linked to new A/Level curriculum. Small bursts of taught content by local experts at the various sites we visit. Opportunity to learn about a different culture- rich folklore and fairy tales. Adventurous activities such as glacier walk, blue lagoon swim and cycle tour. Experienced staff, all of the geography teachers have led and supported European residential visits before. Discover the World are a reputable tour company we used successfully in 2016.

Why Attend? Spectacular landscapes. GCSE Geography links including- rivers/waterfalls, glaciers, geothermal energy, volcanoes and earthquakes, sustainability. Also linked to new A/Level curriculum. Small bursts of taught content by local experts at the various sites we visit. Opportunity to learn about a different culture- rich folklore and fairy tales. Adventurous activities such as glacier walk, blue lagoon swim and cycle tour 2016 Blog Driving through the largest lava field in the world and taking 15 minutes to do it is certainly one way of bringing home the reality of our amazing planet, just one of today’s experiences. Travel enables us to learn about both our planet and the cultures that dwell within it. To see one member of our party literally jumping up and down with excitement as she saw the Northern Lights was a great example of the impact ‘learning in the field’ can have. 

2016 Blog… “The weather today has ranged from beautiful sunshine whilst exploring the glacier to face-numbing wind and mist by the dramatic coast. As our guide for next few days, Anda, reminded us, ‘if you don’t like the weather in Iceland, just wait five minutes and it will be different’.” 

Travel and Accommodation Coach transfer from Crofton to Gatwick Airport Flight to Keflavik All accommodation on a full board basis 2 nights in Reykjavik- 2 nights in Dyrholaey national nature reserve (countryside) Return flight to Gatwick Return Coach to Crofton

Draft Itinerary Day one- Coach to Gatwick, Flight to Keflavik Reykjanes Peninsula Overnight in Reykjavik

Reykjanes Peninsula The dramatic and rugged landscape of the geothermal wonder that is the Reykjanes Peninsula features volcanic craters, lava fields, caves and hot springs, it is also home to one of Iceland’s most iconic attractions – the Blue Lagoon. The junction in the earth’s crust between the European and American tectonic plates is also demonstrated clearly here.

Draft Itinerary Day two- Seljalandsfoss – Skogar – Solheimajokull Glacier & Glacier Walk– Reynishverfi – overnight countryside Possibility to glimpse aurora borealis in the countryside location due to reduced light pollution!

Seljalandsfoss A narrow plunge waterfall where the water plummets over a former sea cliff, far enough away from the bedrock to allow you to walk behind it. The waterfall from the river Seljalansa drops 60 metres over the cliff of the former coastline.

Skogafoss An iconic waterfall in the south situated on the Skoga River at Iceland’s former coastline. After the coastline had receded 5 kilometres seawards, the former cliff’s remained. Solheimajokull Solheimajokull offers opportunity to witness glacial processes in action. Study the moraines and see first-hand how the glacier is shaping the land.

Draft Itinerary Day three- Myrdalssandur – Laufskalavarda – Eldhraun – Fjardargljufur – Jokulsarlon – Kviarjokull - Svinafellsjokull – Skaftafell National Park – Skeidararjokull – Dverghamrar – Kirkjugolf – overnight countryside Possibility to glimpse aurora borealis in the countryside location due to reduced light pollution!

Draft Itinerary Day three- Myrdalssandur – Laufskalavarda – Eldhraun – Fjardargljufur – Jokulsarlon – Kviarjokull - Svinafellsjokull – Skaftafell National Park – Skeidararjokull – Dverghamrar – Kirkjugolf – overnight countryside Possibility to glimpse aurora borealis in the countryside location due to reduced light pollution!

Draft Itinerary Day four- Hveragerdi- Earthquake Simulator – Hveragerdi Geo Thermal Centre – Kerid - Gullfoss – Thingvellir National Park – Reykjavik Bike Tour – overnight Reykjavik

Gullfoss Nicknamed the Golden Waterfall, this two-tiered natural wonder channels the river flow of the Hvita from a glacier into a rift valley with impressive power.

Draft Itinerary Day Five- Blue Lagoon Flights home, coach transfer back to Crofton

Things to consider… Accommodation will be hostel style so clean but basic Days are fairly busy/ physical e.g. glacier walk so pupils will need to be prepared for some days to feel tiring Flights are not yet confirmed and so the price may change slightly Weather can be cold and unpredictable so pupils will need waterproof, warm clothing, hats and gloves. Shoes/boots designed for walking/hiking. Prices for snacks and sundries currently compare as being expensive to UK equivalent. We will have to pay locally for the earthquake simulator this is 300 ISK- currently about £2.20. Payment plan will be arranged via finance.

Things to consider… £100 deposit £175 ten weeks after deposit (exact date TBC likely July) Final balance due by mid January 2018. Deposits are non-refundable- if a serious behaviour incident were to occur pupil places could be in jeopardy. 2016 Blog “The party has been privileged to enjoy many of the wonders of Iceland with the protection of modern clothing, a comfortable and safe coach and warm accommodation serving hearty food. You cannot but feel immense respect for those early settlers in this land of ‘ice and fire’ who managed to carve out a life without any of these luxuries. Respect is also what you sense the islanders have for the earth, which could erupt at any time in numerous places and potentially cover them in ash, lava, water or all three! Iceland does not have any armed forces, the threats to their nation come from the very land that also gives them their identity.”