Toynbee School’s Geography Trip to Iceland

Recently, Toynbee School stepped beyond the classroom and explored the geographical wonders of Iceland.

Headed by Party Leader Michelle Robinson, the trip was a mixture of natural awe, interactive exhibits, and geographical discoveries. With the expertise of Field Study Tutor Karen Wassell, who accompanied the school on the tour, students and staff alike experienced the best that Iceland had to offer.

Discover more about their fantastic journey below!

What did the Itinerary Look Like?

Firstly, let’s take a look at some of the excursions the school did!

Visited countless waterfalls, including Skógafoss and Faxafoss
Walked between two tectonic plates at the Bridge Between Continents
Explored the steaming mud pools of Gunnuhver Hot Springs
Relaxed in the Secret Lagoon
Witnessed Strokkur erupt at the Geysir Geothermal Area
Learned about Iceland’s volcanic history at the Lava Centre
Experienced the ice formations of Sólheimajökull Glacier
Discovered Iceland’s natural wonders at the Perlan Centre

The Magic of Icelandic Waterfalls

One of the most memorable moments for the group was visiting Skogafoss, one of the largest waterfalls in Iceland – this waterfall produces a copious amount of spray, meaning that on a sunny day groups can expect to see rainbows zipping through the sky!

Michelle describes just how much of a stand-out experience Skogafoss was:

Standing at the top of Skógafoss and beside the thunderous power of Gullfoss, I could hear the sheer excitement in the students’ voices. Watching them experience the true awe and wonder of Iceland in real time was unforgettable. Moments like these remind us exactly why we teach, and why we run these trips.

Michelle Robinson, Toynbee School

An Exceptional Destination for School Groups

When asked why she would recommend Iceland to other schools and groups, Melanie described it as a destination that combines extraordinary natural beauty with unforgettable educational experiences.

I would recommend Iceland as a school trip destination because it offers an unbeatable blend of natural beauty, awe-inspiring landscapes and unforgettable educational value. The sheer majesty of its waterfalls, black sand beaches, glaciers and geothermal areas inspires genuine curiosity and wonder in students, making geography feel alive right in front of them.

Michelle Robinson, Toynbee School

Melanie also reflected on the breadth of geographical features that students can experience first-hand, explaining how Iceland provides a living classroom unlike anywhere else. She highlighted the way educational attractions complement the country’s natural landscapes, helping students deepen their understanding of geographical processes.

The country’s diverse environments, tectonic plate boundaries, lava fields, hot springs and glaciers provide every geographer’s passion in one place, brought to life even further by experiences like the incredible interactive volcano exhibit at the Perlan Centre. This immersive experience, combined with Iceland’s unique natural features, makes it an exceptional destination for inspiring future geographers.

Michelle Robinson, Toynbee School

The Value of a Field Study Tutor

Having a dedicated Field Study Tutor was a valuable addition to the trip, enriching the experience with expert geographical knowledge and local insight. As experienced geography educators and tour leaders, our Field Study Tutors support students’ fieldwork, bring destinations to life through real-world context, and help ensure each day runs smoothly by assisting with the itinerary and on-tour logistics.

Melanie describes how beneficial Karen, one of our fantastic FSTs at Rayburn Tours, was for the students and staff:

Once in Iceland, Karen proved to be an excellent guide. Her deep knowledge of the country, paired with her great sense of humour and wonderfully calm nature, made every moment memorable. She brought each location to life and created an atmosphere where everyone felt comfortable, informed, and well looked after. This combination of excellent communication before the trip and exceptional guidance during it made our experience unforgettable. We couldn’t have asked for better support!

Michelle Robinson, Toynbee School

Expert Support Every Step of the Way

Delivering an overseas school trip comes with plenty of moving parts, but Rayburn Tours’ experienced team helped make the process straightforward. By taking care of the travel arrangements and practical details, they enabled staff to focus on what mattered most: supporting students and making the most of every learning opportunity.

From start to finish, the experience was made exceptional thanks to the fantastic support received from the travel team. Our travel coordinator, Ed, was always on hand to answer every question, no matter how small. His reassurance, patience, and clear advice at every stage made the planning process so much easier. Being able to have a pre‑travel call with both Ed and our tour guide, Karen, was incredibly valuable. They explained everything so clearly, and it truly helped me to feel prepared and confident before we even set off.

Michelle Robinson, Toynbee School

Ready to explore the world?

If you’re feeling inspired by this brilliant case study, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our specialist team. From 24/7 on-tour support to tailored itineraries that align with curriculum links, our award-winning staff are here to help!

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