Today is Norway's National Day
Today's the day to celebrate with our Norwegian friends as they mark their National day.
Many celebrations take place throughout Norway with children's parades and festivities taking place the length and breadth of Norway. The bands start early so you could be woken to the sound of a marching band to start the festivities and all the communities come together to celebrate their independence.
Pupils in the last year of secondary school make a huge contribution to the celebrations. They are called "russ", are dressed in red or blue costumes, and spend the whole of May celebrating. They have their own parades, with buses and vans with loud sound systems. Ask them for a "russekort" and you will get their personal sixth former card, with personal info and jokes on it.
If you would like to meet the locals and see the amazing geography that Norway can offer your students then why not take one of our Norwegian Study trips.
Posted on May 17, 2012 in Geography , Norway , Study Trips , Travel Stories | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this
Discovering Morocco with the Geographical Association
The Geographical Association's Dorcas Brown travelled with us to Morocco in February, together with a group of geography teachers. You can read all about her impressions of this amazing country in the GA Magazine, which is arriving on doorsteps now! If you're not already a member of the GA, find out more about joining on their website.
The article is also available for viewing on our website. Dorcas also asks the question 'why Morocco?', looks at issues and solutions for launching a study trip there, and offers reviews and advice on hotels (and tents!), currency, food, language and other facilities.
If you're interested in following in Dorcas' footsteps with a school trip to Morocco, or would like to visit on a Teacher Inspection Trip in 2013, please get in touch with our Specialist Schools Team.
Posted on May 14, 2012 in Geography , Geology , Morocco , Study Trips , Travel Stories | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this
Today's earthquakes follow Mid Atlantic Ridge in Iceland
One of the first things I do each morning is to check the earthquake activity in Iceland. And today I found a very interesting pattern that I wanted to share - not that there is anything sinister about it - just a mirror image to the mid-atlantic ridge. So I thought I would share it with you courtesy of the Iceland Weather service who host the information.
The Iceland weather service hosts information on earthquakes in Iceland and tracks activity. Before the volcanic eruption of Eyjafjallajokull in 2010 the pattern of earthquakes changed significantly.
For FREE ONLINE STUDY AID on Eyjafjallajokull that won the coveted Silver GA award please sign up here.
Posted on May 11, 2012 in Earthquakes , Geography , Geology , Iceland , Science , Volcanoes | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this
Life on Fire - Volcanoes up close and personal!
Can’t wait for this …
Starting on the 9th May, Eden is showing a new series "Life on Fire". Narrated by Jeremy Irons this offers a close up view of the impact of living around the volcanoes for humans, animals and plants.
The programme makes use the most up to date technology – high speed HD cameras,
and an impressive zoom that allows viewers to get 85 times closer to any object, without pixilation.
Working closely with respected researchers and volcanologists, the production company was granted immediate access to the latest information on eruptions across the world, allowing unprecedented coverage of some of the most spectacular and powerful forces on the planet.
The sky plus is going to go on overtime for this one.
If you would like to see the impact of living with a volcano close to home then why not join us on a study trip to Iceland, Bay of Naples and Vesuvius, Sicily and Etna or even a long trip to New Zealand to see Ruapehu!
Posted on May 3, 2012 in Bay of Naples , Geography , Geology , Iceland , New Zealand , Sorrento , Study Trips , Volcanoes | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this
Stretch Your Horizons and win a trip to Iceland!
Have you signed up to the Stretching Horizons Conference?
If you are as passionate about field trips as we are then this is something not to be missed!
Stretching Horizons is an event where trip organisers can get the latest information on field visits. With a host of industry experts and teachers offering inspiring seminars and advice, you can pick and mix your conference experience and tailor it to your needs. You will also find leading educational tour operators and youth expedition providers, tourist boards, trip support specialists, kit suppliers and more. Whether you are experienced at arranging overseas educational visits or a complete novice, this is one professional development conference you cannot afford to miss.
As supporting sponsors of the event, you can meet with the Discover the World team. If you are a teacher, enter our competition at the event and be in with a chance to win a trip to Iceland.
Posted on April 26, 2012 in Geography , Iceland , Study Trips , Travel Stories , Volcanoes | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this
The longest geographical name in the world!
And some thought Eyjafjallajokull was hard to prounounce!
The longest geographical name in the world is:
Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauotamateaturipukakapikimaungahoronukupokaiwhenuakitanatahu.
It is a hill in New Zealand, a maori phrase which translates to “place where Tamatea, the man with the big knees, who slid, climbed and swallowed mountains, known as land-eater, played his flute to his loved one." New Zealand is full of geological wonders! What better place to experience a school trip of a lifetime!
http://www.discover-the-world.co.uk/school/trip/en/destinations/new-zealand/index.html
Posted on April 26, 2012 in Geography , Geology , Geysers , glaciers , New Zealand , Science , Study Trips , Volcanoes , Waterfalls | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this
Free resource for Geography Teachers wins Silver at GA Conference
We were delighted to receive a silver award for our Eyjafjallajokull Study Aid at the GA Conference in Manchester last week, and felt it only fitting that David Rogers collect it! (co-author Simon Ross had the very good excuse of being in Iceland at the time!). Photo credit (left): Bryan Ledgard/Geographical Association.
We have a limited number of free Volcano Study Aid posters, so order yours asap! And don't forget you can request a free sample of volcanic ash from the infamous Eyjafjallajokull, which is bound to inspire your students. Register online for the FREE Eyjafjallajokull Study Aid. If you want to find out more, check out a video of David Rogers' session on this invaluable resource at the GA Conference on Saturday.
If you have any feedback on the Study Aid, or would like to contribute to it, we'd be delighted to hear from you. Just give us a call or drop us a line.
Posted on April 18, 2012 in Geography , Geology , glaciers , Iceland , Science , Study Trips , Volcanoes , Volcanos | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this
Iceland's volcanoes to potentially power the UK
There's a fascinating article in the Guardian newspaper today, about how Iceland's geothermal energy could well provide power to UK homes in the future.
Charles Hendry, the UK's Energy Minister, is set to visit Iceland next month to discuss tapping into Iceland's natural geothermal power source, something that the Icelanders are expert at. He has already reviewed the proposal with the head of Iceland's national grid. "We are in active discussions with the Icelandic government and they are very keen," Hendry told the Guardian. In reality, the cable between the two countries would have to be 1,000 to 1,500km long and by far the longest in the world - a mind-boggling idea!
The Icelandic talks are all part of a grand government scheme to reduce the UK's dependence on fossil fuel importants, and meet climate change target through sourcing clean, reliable energy.
There are many locations in Iceland where your students can witness the harnessing of geothermal power first-hand, from Reykjavik's Perlan (which supplies natural hot water to the whole capital area), the power station at Hellisheidi, to the greenhouse village of Hveragerdi - this 'hot topic' (excuse the pun!) is brought to life on a school trip to this amazing country. Take a look at some suggested itineraries on our Schools Discover website and contact our team of educational tours specialists to start planning your trip today.
Posted on April 12, 2012 in Geography , Iceland , Science , Study Trips | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this
GA Conference - win a trip to Marrakech!
We are delighted to be attending the GA Conference once again this year in Manchester on the 11th to 14th April.
It will be great to meet old friends and make new ones at the number one event in the UK for Geographers.
This year we are delighted to have our free new online Study Aid - written by Simon Ross and David Rogers on the Eyjafjallajokull eruption of 2010. Come along and register for FREE access. Also, we are delighted that David Rogers in association with Schools Discover will be presenting a workshop "The Eyjafjallajokull Eruption" on Saturday. (Workshop 38)
Come along to our stand 69, and find out details about our fantastic £2000 grant towards a trip to Iceland, our FREE CPD event on 3rd July in Surrey with Simon Ross, and also to find out how you can WIN a free long weekend to Marrakech - without the students!!
If you are unable to come along but would like more details of the £2000 grant, and the Volcano Study Aid please click here
Look forward to seeing you in Manchester - The Schools Discover Team.
Posted on April 4, 2012 in CPD , Geography , Iceland , Morocco , Study Trips , Volcanoes | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this
Iceland - a frozen 'Giant's Causeway' in today's Daily Mail & Daily Telegraph
Iceland is a spectacular location for photography as well as an incredible destination for study trips abroad, as articles in today's online Daily Mail and Daily Telegraph show. Long-time friend of specialist Iceland holiday company Discover the World, the photographer, Ragnar Sigurdsson, has captured some stunning images of Iceland's glaciers and iceberg lagoon. Image featured in the online articles include an ice field which resembles the Giant's Causeway! Glaciers and the iceberg lake 'Jokulsarlon' are easily accessible on a study trip to the south of the country.
Incidentally, many of the shots from Discover the World's Schools & Groups brochure are courtesy of Ragnar, who has accompanied several schools on trips around Iceland. For further inspiration, take a look at Ragnar's website, which showcases further stunning images captured in the Land of Ice and Fire... Or, if you're interested in planning your own field visit to Iceland, contact our schools team at Discover the World.
Posted on March 15, 2012 in Geography , Geology , glaciers , Iceland , Science , Study Trips , Travel Stories | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this
Blue Peter in Iceland - 8WD Truck - Helen's Polar Challenge
Iceland is just three hours by plane from the UK, and with all that snow and ice in the mountains providing a terrain and conditions not dissimilar to the Antarctic at times, no wonder Blue Peter decided to send intrepid presenter Helen Skelton to the land of ice and fire.
Helen is known for her endurance challenges, having kayaked the Amazon and mastered tight rope walking! Now she is turning her attention to the polar regions in aid of Sport Relief.
Jan from our Schools & Groups team spotted Blue Peter in Iceland - however if you missed it you can watch it again for a limited time on BBC iPlayer. Fast forward to 6.53 minutes – 8.40 minutes.
The programme featured the team travelling to the Langjokull icecap, which is in West Iceland, close to Gullfoss waterfall. They took the 8WD Ice Explorer up onto the ice; a mammoth 8WD truck. If you're interested in taking a closer look at a glacier with your group, then the ideal way to do this is on a glacier walk on the easily-accessible Solheimajokull - a wonderland of crevasses and ice sculptures. However, the very same truck featured on Blue Peter is offered exclusively by Discover the World to Schools exploring South Iceland, and is a popular mode of transport a thrilling day's excursion. The 8WD vehicle ventures into the Thorsmork Valley and explores the area around the infamous Eyjafjallajokull volcano, thanks to its immense tyres, which easily navigate through rivers and across rough terrain (where 'standard' coaches cannot venture). Take a look at our Eyjafjallajokull & Thorsmork 8WD Tour! No other UK operator can offer you this experience.
Contact our team to find out more about visiting Iceland's glaciers, the 8WD Ice Explorer experience, or simply to start the ball rolling in arranging a school trip to Iceland.
Posted on March 5, 2012 in Geography , Geology , glaciers , Iceland , Study Trips | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this
Moroccan Sahara adventure - in David Attenborough's footprints
Here in the schools department we hope you had a fabulous half term break.
Some of our team were out and about; Darren was with a school trip to the Bay of Naples and Katherine and Beverley had a fantastic five days in Morocco with a group of teachers on an inspection visit to Morocco.
Here is a little snippet from Katherine regarding their trip.
"I spent the week on a teacher inspection trip in Morocco and I’m absolutely smitten with the country – amazing geographical diversity, extremely photogenic and culturally fascinating. It’s a great place to study human geography, in particular, surviving in extreme environments.
Did you see David Attenborough’s Human Planet series – the second episode specifically “Deserts – Life in the Furnace”? You can watch a clip online about the digging of underground rivers to link a network of hand dug wells in order to filter water from high altitude areas to the desert communities. Although this clip was filmed in Algeria the same method has been adopted and is used in the southern areas of the Moroccan Sahara, just above the Algerian border, where I was last week – we saw some spectacular examples of these rivers and wells."
Both Katherine and Beverley want to thank all of the teachers who participated on the trip to see these geographical wonders of Morocco and the opportunities it would offer their students. It was a wonderful experience made all the more enjoyable by such good company.
For details of how you can participate in a free* teacher inspection vist please click here.
PS we will feature Darren's trip next time
*terms and conditions apply
Posted on February 22, 2012 in Geography , Geology , Morocco , Study Trips , Travel Stories | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this
Half term whale encounters in Iceland
We are often asked here in the schools department whether whale watching is a good idea in February. Well, we are delighted to report that some of our adventurous schools who braved the elements of the North Atlantic this past half term have had some amazing encounters of a cetacean kind.
The trip yesterday morning for our school was quite an adventure. The weather played a part bringing snow, sleet, hail and then snow again, a small pod of white beaked dolphins was spotted but the trip was crowned by an encounter with a humpback whale as they were returning to the harbour. With wonderful flukes close to the boat the students had a fantastic end to their study trip to Iceland.
Not only that but they also managed to witness the Northern Lights during their trip so it really was a trip to remember.
Also, our inaugral Killer Whales and Northern Lights trip on our main programme to the wonderful bay of Grundarfjordur earlier in February had Orca whales and the Northern Lights also making a visit to Iceland in February a memorable experience. The tours for this year are already sold out for the rest of February and March but sign up for our e newsletter to be the first to know all about our new tours when they are launched.
Posted on February 17, 2012 in Geography , Iceland , Northern Lights , Wildlife | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this
FREE One day Geography CPD course for KS3 and GCSE
This free CPD course at our offices in Banstead, Surrey aims to develop the use of global examples and case studies in the teaching of geography at KS3 and GCSE. You will have the opportunity to discuss and evaluate a range of practical approaches to develop your geography students’ global sense of place.
zzzSimon Simon Ross
is Head of Geography at Queen’s College, Taunton and is an examiner/moderator for a major GCSE exam board. He has written and edited numerous textbooks including Geography GCSE AQA A (Nelson Thornes) and AQA Geography AS/A2 (OUP). He is the Geography Advisor for ‘Discover the World’ and has been working on the production of resources for teachers both in the field and in the classroom.
David Rogers
is Curriculum Leader of the multi-award winning geography department at Priory School in Portsmouth. He is a Chartered Geographer and Chair of the Geographical Association's Secondary Phase Committee. David has delivered professional development sessions to a wide variety of audiences and is known for his innovative approach to learning and practical, easily implemented tips.
To register for your FREE place please email
If you would like more information please click here.
Look forward to meeting you in Banstead, Surrey
Posted on February 14, 2012 in CPD , Geography , Geology , Study Trips | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this
£2,000 Discover the World inaugral grant for schools
You could win our inaugral £2000 grant towards a school field trip to Iceland - we believe this wonderful country is the world's best living textbook!
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We are offering a £2,000 grant for one school group to use against a field trip to Iceland. Any school can apply, you just need to let us know why you think your school should qualify for this fantastic opportunity. The winners will be awarded the grant on the basis of the application that most impresses the adjudicators at the Geographical Association. As a result of the grant you could organise a school trip to Iceland from as little as £340 per person (based on 20 paying passengers and 2 free staff in low season for a 3 day tour). |
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All applications must be received by 20 April 2012. To find out about full terms and conditions and how to apply, click here » |
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More information about our student trips to Iceland and beyond.
Posted on February 7, 2012 in Geography , Geology , Geysers , glaciers , Northern Lights , Science , Study Trips , Travel Stories , Volcanoes , Waterfalls | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this
