Extraordinary Learning Adventure in Iceland for Milton Abbey School Students

Milton Abbey School GCSE and A Level students embarked on an unforgettable geographical and scientific expedition to Iceland, where they explored the country’s landscape and were fortunate enough to witness the Northern Lights.

Milton Abbey students brought their best selves on a six-day journey through Iceland’s extraordinary landscapes. An experience that perfectly captured the School’s commitment to learning beyond the classroom. The trip was not only a geographical and scientific exploration, but also a powerful exercise in teamwork, resilience, and character.

While Iceland delivered its share of natural wonders, it was the students’ enthusiasm, positivity, and kindness that transformed each moment into something truly memorable. From geothermal valleys to glacial expanses, they demonstrated the adventurous spirit and curiosity that define a Milton Abbey education.

The adventure began in Hveragerði, the “Greenhouse Town” renowned for its innovative use of geothermal energy. As the group climbed out of the morning fog into brilliant sunshine, they explored the bubbling hot springs and steaming vents of Reykjadalur Valley before venturing underground into the dramatic Raufarholshellir Lava Tunnel. That evening, Iceland treated them to an unforgettable surprise: a dazzling display of the Northern Lights, uniting everyone in shared awe and wonder.

Travelling along the south coast, students explored the flood plains of Eyjafjallajökull, learning about the 2010 volcanic eruption that shaped the landscape. They stood behind the cascading Seljalandsfoss waterfall and discovered the geological beauty of Reynisfjara’s black sand beach and basalt sea stacks. The highlight of the day was a glacier walk on Sólheimajökull, where students used crampons and ice axes to explore the ever-shifting ice—an inspiring lesson in Earth’s dynamic forces.

A more relaxing pace followed the next morning with a rejuvenating soak in the Secret Lagoon, surrounded by rising steam and bubbling geothermal pools. From there, they visited Gullfoss, one of Iceland’s most iconic waterfalls, and the erupting geysers at Geysir Geothermal Area. At Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, students walked between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates and learned about Iceland’s first parliament—an inspiring fusion of geography and history.

On their final full day, the group undertook a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience: snorkelling in the Silfra fissure, where crystal-clear glacial water separates two continents. Confidence and teamwork shone through as students braved the cold and embraced the challenge. The day continued in Reykjavík with immersive experiences at FlyOver Iceland—a virtual flight over the country’s dramatic terrain—and the Icelandic Lava Show, where they witnessed molten lava flow before their eyes. A celebratory dinner at the Hard Rock Café rounded off the adventure in style.

As they returned to the UK, students reflected on a journey that expanded not only their geographical knowledge but also their sense of connection—to each other, to the natural world, and to the values that underpin a Milton Abbey education.

“Our students showed such curiosity, courage, and kindness throughout the trip,” said Mrs Cavallaro, Geography Subject Lead. “They embodied everything Milton Abbey stands for, learning through experience, teamwork, and personal growth. Iceland gave us breath taking landscapes, but it was the spirit of our students that made it truly unforgettable.”