Iceland Trip 2023

Monday 17thJuly

I am pleased to report that we have teamed up with Jersey Walking Adventures and plan to offer a "Fire and Ice" day on Monday, 17th July staffed by the Geography department, involving a series of walks and talks from both my colleagues and some of the specialist geologist team at Jersey Walking Adventures. 

I would encourage everyone to study the weather for July in Iceland carefully. Average temperatures are around 15c, with a relatively low average rainfall of 5 cm over the month.

• Passport
• T-Shirts
• Socks
• Water bottle
• Trainers
• Small Rucksack
• Toiletries
• Waterproof Sunglasses
• Warm jacket
• Casual trousers
• Jumpers
• Swimming Shorts + Towel (we might have a chance to visit the public swimming pool one evening

Breakfast, packed lunch and supper are included (with the exception of a packed lunch on the final day). Spending money is a personal preference; however, pupils might wish to purchase food at the airport on both travel days, and while our final night's meal is also included, pupils might want to buy soft drinks and other options off the stock menu. With the longer evenings, we are likely to take pupils into Reykjavik on at least one evening, and again this might be a chance to purchase souvenirs etc. Much of Reykjavik is cashless, so a debit card is sensible. I would recommend no more that £100 and £40 - £50 should be more than enough.

Iceland Air: https://www.icelandair.com/support/baggage/allowance/ (Economy Standard)

British Airways: https://www.britishairways.com/en-gb/information/baggage-essentials/checkedbaggage-allowances (Economy)

Pupils in years 7-10 must hand in their mobile phones each evening before bed. From experience, they might wish to bring battery packs, as there will be limited capacity to charge phones while held overnight in staff rooms.

Expectations of behaviour will remain in step with those pupils remaining in school. Any cases of behaviour seen to contravene school rules or policy will be dealt with and could result in pupils remaining supervised in the hotel and missing days or, for the most severe issues, returning home early at the cost of parents. Pupils will receive a briefing on behaviour nearer the time to ensure clarity on expectations.

Yes – as part of the price we will organise travel insurance. If, for any reason, you feel your son might have a medical issue requiring additional exemptions, don't hesitate to get in touch with Daniel Hodder at d.hodder@vcj.sch.je.

Government of Jersey - Education Travel Policy

At the time of writing, there are no restrictions on travel to Iceland linked to Covid. Our travel agent has a Covid policy - https://www.discover-the-world.com/study-trips/covid-assurance/ for more information.

Government of Jersey - Covid Guidance

Depending on the nation and passport in question, we might be required to organise an entry visa. This cost would be in addition to the tour price. Please get in touch with me at d.hodder@vcj.sch.je if you have any questions prior to paying the initial deposit.

All pupils on the Iceland trip will spend the first two days of activities week at the college taking part in on-site activities in preparation for the trip away on Wednesday.

Mr Townsend is busy cross checking the lists to remove boys from their original choices. Therefore, you are not expected to sign up to and pay any deposits for an Activities Week choice as your son is now confirmed on the Iceland trip. Thank you to all those who have emailed Mr Townsend to clarify this.

I will ensure any further messages alongside more FAQ's appear on this website page. Additionally, if you have any more l questions, please don't hesitate to contact me at d.hodder@vcj.sch.je.

On arrival in Iceland, we will explore the area around Keflavik airport; I would advise pupils to travel with gear ready to start walking on arrival in Iceland either on their person or in their hand luggage.