Dear Parent/Carer,
Iceland – Monday 13th July – Friday 17th July 2026
Across the academic year, Leigh Academy Halley leads several residential trips to locations in the United Kingdom, and internationally too. We believe that trips and visits provide students with enriching experiences and opportunities, by taking part in exciting activities beyond the classroom and, in line with the International Baccalaureate Careers Programme and National Curriculum guidance. The objectives of all trips align with the International Baccalaureate and Academy values and ethos, and we intend to offer students studying at the Academy real-life knowledge of global contexts and cultures.
The Geography department and Discover the World Education are excited to invite students to attend an amazing 5-day, 4 night trip across multiple centres in south-west Iceland from Monday 13th July to Friday 17th July. Students will travel via aeroplane to Keflavik International Airport (KEF), the main international airport for Iceland. Flight details will be confirmed at a later date, by Discover the World study trips agency. The total cost of this trip is £1,300.
Students will:
- Explore historical sites firsthand
- Broaden their understanding of key historical events
- Enhance their cultural and historical contextual knowledge
Activities will include visits to:
- The ‘Bridge Between Continents’, to demonstrate the geological forces that are constantly shaping Iceland
- Gunnuhver Hot Springs to experience a powerful display of Iceland’s geothermal energy
- A virtual tour of Iceland’s stunning landscapes
- Secret Lagoon: One of Iceland’s oldest natural geothermal swimming pools
- Gullfoss: A massive, two-tiered waterfall, often called the “Golden Waterfall”
- Geysir: The famous geothermal area that gave the English language the word “geyser” to see Strokkur, a geyser that erupts every few minutes and observe the dynamic power of geothermal activity
- Thingvellir National Park: A UNESCO World Heritage Site with historical and geological significance
- Seljalandsfoss: A beautiful waterfall that you can walk behind.
- Solheimajokull: An outlet glacier from the Mýrdalsjökull ice cap
- Reynisfjara: A world-famous black sand beach known for its basalt columns and powerful waves
- Vik: A small coastal village, a popular stop on the South Coast
- Skogafoss: One of Iceland’s largest and most beautiful waterfalls, often featuring a rainbow on sunny days
- Borgarnes: A town in West Iceland, often a stopover for travellers
- Deildartunguhver: Europe’s most powerful hot spring. The purpose is to see a massive amount of boiling water emerge from the earth. The hot water is used to heat homes in nearby towns
- Hraunfossar & Barnafoss: Two waterfalls flowing from a lava field (Hraunfossar) and through a narrow canyon (Barnafoss)
- Grabrok Crater: A volcanic crater that you can easily walk up to for great views of the surrounding area
The cost of this trip is £1,300, which includes all main meals and insurance. Snacks and additional food items are not included. An estimated cost for snacks is approximately £5-10 per day, therefore we would advise that students travel with enough money to purchase any additional food items outside of their breakfast, lunch and dinner meals. Each instalment of payment is non refundable as the Academy must meet the strict payment schedules given by the travel company.
The breakdown of instalments for this trip is as follows:
- Deposit of £200 by 31st January 2025, non refundable
- Instalment 1 of £220 by 38th February 2026, non refundable
- Instalment 2 of £220 by 31st March 2026, non refundable
- Instalment 3 of £220 by 30th April 2026, non refundable
- Instalment 4 of £220 by 31st May 2026, non refundable
- Instalment 5 of £220 by 30th June 2026, non refundable
As this exciting residential trip is offered as a reward trip (due to the trip taking place during term time), your child’s place will be dependent on the criteria detailed below being met:
- Attendance must exceed 95%. Periods of illness caused by COVID or other medical needs may be considered
- Students must be on target in the majority of subjects and if this is not the case they must be engaged with relevant interventions/homework to move towards their targets. Students who are not reaching their target grade may attend the trip if staff acknowledge that the student is working hard in all their lessons
- Students must have a good behaviour record with minimal behaviour points and no severe sanctions such as referrals to The Compass or suspensions. An accumulation of sanctions such as Academy Leadership Team detentions will also result in students not being able to attend the trip
If you would like your child to attend this trip, please visit your ParentPay account to make a deposit payment.
Please do not hesitate to contact us at the Academy if you have any queries or would like further information about this trip.
Yours faithfully,
Mrs H. Panton | Deputy Head of Turing School