23rd February 2024
On the 8th April, 34 students and 4 staff flew out to Iceland for a Geography trip.
While waiting for the flight, we received news of the volcanic eruption in Grindavik,
south of the island and flying into land, staff and students were able to see the
eruption live from the plane!
After arriving, we went straight to seeing sites such as the bridge between the continents, Gunnuhver Hot Springs and the Reykjanes Lighthouse and finished the day in Reykjavik with some shopping.
Day two started with much needed relaxing swim in the Secret Lagoon enjoying the hot springs. We then went around the Golden Circle visiting the spectacular Gullfoss waterfall and Geysir. The afternoon saw a stop at an ice cream farm for an afternoon treat, and finished by walking through the rift between the Eurasian and North American plates at Thingvellir National Park.
On day three, students and staff visited Skogafoss waterfall, climbing to the top and taking in the views of Iceland’s south coast. We then visited the much anticipated Sólheimajökulll glacier - taking in the views of Eyjafjallajökull volcano on the way – a volcano studied in our Key Stage 3,4 and 5 curriculum. The afternoon destinations were Iceland's most southerly village, Vik and the famous Reynisfjara Beach!
The final day in Iceland consisted of a tour of Reykjavik, seeing the local sites and learning about the history of Iceland. Students saw the Tjörnin frozen lake and visited the President's House! Our final stop was Hafnarfjörour - a Viking village
most known in Icelandic folklore as the home of the hidden people (Icelandic Elves).
Overall students and staff had a fantastic time – experiencing Geography learnt in
the classroom! It will be an experience to remember!
Year 12 student, Farida said:
Iceland was absolutely amazing!! Definitely made it into my top memories of my time at Windsor. We did so much sightseeing, including: waterfalls, secret lagoon, plate boundaries, glaciers and exploring the town. As geography students it was a great experience and opportunity to see the features that we've studied in real life. It was special to be able to spend time with friends and get to know people in other years. Many thanks to the teachers for organising such an incredible trip!"
James in Year 13 said:
It was thoroughly enjoyable and a once in a lifetime experience. I was fortunate enough to see Gulfoss Waterfall, the erupting geysers and swim in the Secret Lagoon. This trip also gave me the opportunity to make new friends as well as memories with my peers. Thank you to the staff for organising it!"