In 2006, eighteen students started their studies a week earlier than the other Oaklands pupils, but none of them were complaining given that their classroom was situated in the dramatic landscape of Iceland. In fact, this was the first time that the Geography department had taken students abroad and the success of the trip was repeated in 2008 as a further 24 students had the opportunity to visit the dramatic Icelandic landscape in the final week of the summer holidays. The success of the trip has resulted in the expansion of the trip with 45 students and 6 staff attending in 2010.

All of the members of the department are firm believers in the use of fieldwork to engage students and this is characterised by the extensive use of such activities to deliver the Geography curriculum at the school. However, none of the trips have been able to rival the experience of the land of ‘Fire and Ice’.

During the five-day trip the students were able to experience much of the breathtaking scenery that has made Iceland so famous. The thrill of climbing volcanoes, bathing in the Blue Lagoon, viewing geysers and waterfalls were particular favourites, as was clambering over a glacier. However, many of the students just enjoyed being in a landscape so far removed from the urban centre of Portsmouth and the rolling Chalk hills that they are used to in southeast Hampshire.  

Iceland Student Report by Megan Chapman

School started a week early for 24 of us, but we weren’t complaining given we were jetting off to scenic Iceland. During our five days we encountered many humourous events including our very enthusiastic bus driver Bini and Ms. Adams frequent geysir eruptions! Besides this, we experienced a number of once in a life-time opportunities. For one, conquering a volcanic island and cooking lunch in the hot rocks was superb, but we also managed to crunch away across a phenominal glacier using crampons and also be hosed down by a number of impressive waterfalls. We will never forget whale watching on a boat trip around Heimaey and  standing quite spell-bound by the majesty of the geyser erupting every 8 minutes at Geysir too.

The students on the trip from Years 11-13 would like to say a massive thankyou to all the staff who organised such a fantastic trip, including Miss Henry, Mr. Bamford, Ms. Adams, Mrs. Brettell, Hannah Shepherd and last but not least the ‘Mothership’ Mrs. Shepherd for all her time and effort given in organising the trip and giving us the opportunity to experience a landscape so far removed from what we are used to in southeast Hampshire.

We truly had the experience of a lifetime!

FOR INFORMATION ON THE 2010 TRIP (FINAL ARRANGEMENTS ETC CLICK HERE).

Just a quick note on the baggage allowance (outlined in the letter to you dated 23/2):

Hold: 20KG max
Hand luggage: 55cmx35cmx25cm – no more than 10KG

We are flying with Iceland Express if you want further guidance from their website – http://www.icelandexpress.com/ 

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