WORLD DIFFERENTLY! SEE THE
We believe in the power of experiential learning. Our curriculum adventures allow us to see ourselves, others and the world differently, and develop our critical thinking and cultural understanding.
5 DAY CURRICULUM ADVENTURE ICELAND
Step outside the classroom and join us on an actionpacked adventure in Iceland. Become fascinated by geography when we visit waterfalls and see geysers erupt, learn about climate change on a glacier trek and put your problem-solving skills to the test in a global citizenship challenge and a life skills discovery quest. When you embrace learning, there’s no limit to life’s possibilities.
STARTHERE
DAY 1
ARRIVE IN REYKJAVIK
Sleep: Hostel
Highlights: Icebreaker and goal setting
DAY 2
GOLDEN CIRCLE GEOGRAPHY IMMERSION
Sleep: Hostel
Travel: Transfer 3-4hrs between sites
Highlights: Thingvillir National Park, Kerrid Crater Lake, Gulfoss Waterfall, Stokkur Geyser
Touch down in the world’s most northerly capital, Reykjavik. Welcome to Iceland, the land of fire and ice. Formed by volcanic eruptions over millions of years, this fascinating country once lay buried under ice.
Head to our hostel and tuck into your first Icelandic meal – think fresh fish, ‘kjotsupa’ (lamb stew) and ‘pylsur’ (hot dogs). Yum! Get stuck in to an icebreaker session – this is your opportunity to set personal and group goals, discuss expectations and prepare for the adventure ahead.
You’re about to experience a country where geography comes alive and
climate change lessons are woven into the very fabric of the landscape. It’s time to get involved.
TRAVELLING RESPONSIBLY
REMEMBER, YOU’RE MORE THAN A TOURIST IN THIS PLACE. YOU’RE PART OF A TEAM OF GLOBAL CITIZENS, EMBRACING DIVERSITY AND COMMITTED TO LIFELONG LEARNING. STAY OPEN TO OPPORTUNITIES, CONTRIBUTE WHERE YOU CAN, AND CONNECT WITH THE MANY PEOPLE YOU MEET ALONG THE ROAD.
Let’s hit the Golden Circle. This crazily scenic route is around 250km long, so we’ll pick some of its best highlights. Thingvellir National Park is where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet. You can actually stand in between the plates – a gap that grows by around 2cm each year!
Learn about landscape evolution at Kerid Crater. It’s believed the lake here was formed when a volcanic cone collapsed into an empty magma chamber. When we reach Gullfoss Waterfall, hear the sound of glacial waters crashing down and watch rainbows form over the falls.
You’ll get your mind blown by watching a geyser blast hot water into the heavens. The Great Geysir erupts rarely, but its neighbour, Strokkur, goes off around every ten minutes.
Walk past steaming vents and chimneys in the geothermal area.
Careful not to stand downwind of the mighty geyser – the water is around 120°C!
After a day crammed with natural phenomenons, return to Reykjavik for a night in the city.
PLANNING TIP!
BOOK OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES IN ADVANCE. YOU COULD VISIT THE BLUE LAGOON ON YOUR ARRIVAL OR DEPARTURE DAY. LEARN ABOUT GEOTHERMAL ENERGY WHILE RELAXING IN THE SOOTHING WATERS.
DAY 3
SOUTH COAST ADVENTURE & GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP CHALLENGE
Sleep: Hostel
Travel: Transfer 5-6hrs between sites
Highlights: Seljalandfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls, Reynisfjara black-sand beach, Reynisdrangar sea stacks, Solheimajokull glacier hike, global citizenship challenge
We’re heading south, to see the effects of Iceland’s glacial melts, volcanoes and coastal erosion first-hand.
Ever dreamt of walking behind a waterfall? At Seljalandsfoss, follow the path around the back of the fall, gaining a unique glimpse into erosion and sediment transport.
We’ll see glacial meltwater in action at Skogafoss, a 62m-high waterfall that’s fed by the Skoga River – the result of the Eyjafjallajokull glacier melting. Learn how important glacial meltwater is to river flow and sustaining ecosystems downstream. Reynisfjara’s black-sand beach is backed by incredible basalt columns, formed by the cooling
and solidification of lava flow. Spot volcanic rock in the cliffs and Reynisdrangur sea stacks. As we explore, discuss coastal erosion – it’s particularly prevalent here due to the exposed location.
Time to trek… on a glacier! Follow your guide onto the icy expanse of Solheimajokull, learning more about glacial dynamics and the effects of climate change.
Later, we’ll gather for a thoughtprovoking global citizenship challenge. As a team, consider the causes and impacts of global warming in Iceland, and come up with your own solutions to some of the country’s biggest challenges.
DAY 4 LIFE SKILLS DISCOVERY
QUEST
Sleep: Hostel
Highlights: Life skills discovery quest in Reykjavik, development review and reflection
You’ll need to bring your A game today as you take on a life skills discovery quest through Reykjavik. In teams, you’ll race through the city, using clues to solve puzzles along the way.
Seek out special landmarks, like the Hallgrimskirkja Church, Sun Voyager and Harpa Concert Hall, asking locals for help along the way. Complete challenges that combine history, culture, and geography with teamwork, problem solving and strategic thinking.
This is an opportunity to develop your ability to think outside the box, work collaboratively and get immersed in local culture. And there are prizes to be won!
Celebrate your success over a final team dinner. As your trip wraps up, reflect on your growth journey.
Notice how your confidence has grown and set your new friendships in stone. This trip has broadened your horizons and the memories will stay with you forever.
DREAM TEAM
WORK TOGETHER AS A TEAM ON YOUR LIFE SKILLS DISCOVERY QUEST. POOL YOUR PROBLEM-SOLVING SKILLS AND STRATEGIC THINKING TO CONTRIBUTE POSITIVELY TO THIS CHALLENGE.
DAY 5 TRAVEL HOME FROM REYKJAVIK
After the best five days of your life, it’s time to travel home. Cram everything into your bag and head to the airport. Check in, sit back and let it all sink in. You’ve just experienced something incredible. Iceland has opened your eyes and taught you so much more than any textbook ever could.
You’ve been immersed in geography in real time and witnessed incredible
INCLUSIONS
4 nights accommodation in Dalur Hostel (or similar)
• Breakfast every day, lunch on days 2 and 3, and dinner on days 1-3
• Flights to Reykjavik
• Airport transfers on arrival and departure in Reykjavik
Guided tour of the Golden Circle (Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss, Geysir, Kerid Crater & Fridheimar tomato farm)
• Guided tour of the South Coast (Seljalandfoss, Skogafoss, Reynisfjara)
EXCLUSIONS
natural phenomenons. You’ve used teamwork and problem solving to find a solution for a global citizenship challenge, and understand now more than ever about the potential of ethical decision making.
These experiences will shape who you are and put you on the path to becoming a true global citizen. Prepare to return home forever changed.
Guided hike on Solheimajokull Glacier
• Comprehensive logistical notes to enable smooth running of your trip
Facilitation notes for running student development exercises – life skills discovery quest, global citizenship challenge, icebreaker, personal growth reflection
24/7 Operational support whilst travelling
• Comprehensive pre-departure support from a dedicated School Relationship Manager
• Comprehensive medical insurance
Carbon offsetting
Meals not mentioned • Drinks and snacks • Optional activities including Blue Lagoon • Tips and gratuities • Visa fees (not required for UK passport holders) • Transport to and from the UK departure airport • Insurance for students’ personal money and belongings • Tourism taxes
EDUCATIONAL OUTCOMES.
Visits to Iceland’s incredible natural wonders will enhance students learning of physical and human geography, whilst also fostering a deeper understanding of the importance of sustainability in protecting natural environments
By spending time away from home students will learn to adapt to new and different environments, creating a sense of independence and building confidence to travel further, and for longer, in the future.
Students will complete a life skills discovery quest, collaborating with their peers, and engaging creative problem-solving skills, to achieve their goals.
Through guided activity and reflection, students will explore their emotions together with their peers, building empathy for one another and fostering the skills needed to build strong relationships in the future.
By completing a global citizenship challenge, students will learn to think creatively with consideration of ethics, to propose hypothetical solutions to global challenges.
CURRICULUM LEARNING
