Derwen College's Trip to Iceland

To give the SEND students at Derwen College the same opportunities as mainstream students. To experience overseas travel and give them the opportunity to develop independence and confidence, and experience a unique and fascinating country. 

Iceland is known for its safety, accessibility and welcoming culture. 

Its unique landscape and attractions will provide a sensory experience and widen students' understanding of the world around them. 

We visited the Bridge Between Two Continents, Gunnuhver Geothermal Area, Reynisfjara black sand beach, the Lava Centre, the Secret Lagoon, waterfalls (including Gullfoss, Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss), and Kerid Crater. 

We chose these places because they offered a combination of spectacular natural sights, unique geographical features and unforgettable sensory experiences. Each location allowed us to experience Iceland's dramatic landscape and understand how natural processes have shaped the country. 

Our lasting memory of the trip will be taking in the breathtaking Icelandic scenery, reflecting on the amazing places we visited and the unforgettable experiences we shared. The dramatic landscapes, natural wonders and unique sensory experiences made the trip truly memorable. We left Iceland with a greater understanding of its physical geography, as well as memories of an incredible adventure with peers that we'll treasure for years to come. 

Halsbury have an excellent reputation. I had researched the company and read reviews. From our first enquiry, I was impressed with their communication and way of working. This gave us confidence in our first overseas trip.

Yes, Halsbury offered several additional benefits that helped make the trip run smoothly. Their knowledge and expertise of Iceland helped us choose interesting and educational visits that linked closely to the brief. The support with planning and organisation, including risk assessments and safety arrangements, gave us confidence that the trip was well organised. Their guidance and communication also made the experience easier for both staff and students, allowing us to focus on enjoying the trip and making the most of the learning opportunities. 

Working with Halsbury has been a fantastic experience. From the initial planning stages to the return home, the team have been friendly, approachable, knowledgeable, and extremely supportive. 

Communication was excellent, and we felt confident and reassured throughout the process. The itinerary was well planned and provided our students with an incredible opportunity to experience Iceland's spectacular landscapes first-hand, bringing learning to life. The whole trip ran smoothly and created some truly unforgettable memories for both students and staff. 

I would recommend Halsbury and use them again because they provide reassurance, expertise and a well-organised experience, allowing teachers to concentrate on the students and the educational value of the trip. 

"I have never been to Iceland before. It was so cool experiencing this with my friends and the places we visited were amazing." LP, third-year student

"Iceland is one of the best places I have ever been. It was cold but I loved the waterfalls. Walking behind one was a really good thing to do." DP, third-year student