A group of 15 Form 3 geography students from San Andrea senior school spent a day in Sicily to see Mount Etna.

A school spokesman said they had already learnt the causes of volcanic eruptions, which may happen from time to time. "So the aim of this fieldtrip was to reinforce the theoretical work done in class. The students could observe the extent of the volcano and the positive and negative effects it has had on the social, economic and physical landscape. To do this, photos were taken and worksheets filled in," the spokesman said.

The activities will form part of a case study about the causes and effects of a volcanic eruption. A case study concludes a topic by applying theory to real life situations.

Mount Etna has been safely erupting for the last four weeks, with lava safely pouring into a lava valley (Valley of the Ox). The students were lucky enough to see this process in action and admire the red flow of molten rock as it made its way down the hillside. They also observed the typical Sicilian landscape and many of the features which had been discussed during geography lessons were observed and debated.

Such a trip is held annually in conjunction with Virtú Ferries. "It is one of the most anticipated events of the year for our students," the spokesman said.

The activity is one of the many fieldtrips organised by the humanities department at San Andrea with the aim of bringing the humanities subjects to life and make them more popular with students. "Such field trips contribute to the holistic way of learning much associated with a school like San Andrea," the spokesman added.