GEOGRAPHY students from The Skipton Academy explored volcanic landscapes, saw the Northern lights and experienced erupting geysers on a groundbreaking trip to Iceland.

The 31 GCSE students spent three nights in Iceland seeing at first hand many of the geothermal and other features which they will study on their course.

Principal Wendy Hamilton said: “This was a once-in-a-lifetime trip for the students and a first for The Skipton Academy. We are committed to enabling our students to get the most out of their courses, and going to Iceland was inspirational and motivational for our geographers.

"We will always look for ways to enrich studies and this was an example of the sort of opportunity we hope to continue to offer our learners.”

The group visited natural wonder of the world the Blue Lagoon with its hot geothermal waters, toured Reykjavik, caught the spectacular Northern lights and walked between two tectonic plates which are moving apart at the rate of two centimetres a year.

The spectacular Strokkur geyser was on the itinerary, a volcanic crater and stunning waterfalls.

Teacher Corinth Blackwell said: “We had a tour of a tomato greenhouse which uses geothermal energy to grow crops, and we made our way up to a glacier which is retreating at the rate of one football pitch a year. Being in Iceland, we also got to see a 98 per cent eclipse.

"We had an amazing time with experiences which will really make our studies come alive. The pupils were a credit to the school.”