At first glance, the headline of this article might have you imagining a small, fluffy bundle of sunshine, with soft, downy feathers, webbed orange feet, an upturned beak and bright, inquisitive eyes.
But before you get too excited, no, it’s not a literal duck we’re talking about - though, that would certainly make for an interesting article!
Instead, this duck mascot is a symbolic figure, one that ventured to Iceland alongside our GCSE and A-Level Geography students to mark Croydon High School’s 150th anniversary.
So, just how far did this well-travelled duck go?
This duck crossed the iconic bridge between continents - literally standing between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates at Þingvellir National Park.
It also hiked behind the famous Seljalandsfoss waterfall before making the climb to the top of Skógafoss, where the view of cascading water and Iceland’s vast landscapes made it clear...
This wasn’t just any ordinary trip.
From there, the Croydon Duck proudly posed at the Sólheimajökull glacial viewpoint, absorbing the icy majesty of the glaciers.
It even took a detour to Reynisfjara’s black sand beach, not to check out the surf (though it is safe to say it would have loved to) but to witness the beach’s otherworldly beauty.
As if that wasn’t enough, the Croydon Duck then watched the sunrise over the vast Eldhraun lava fields before continuing to the famous Gullfoss waterfall, where rainbows painted the mist like a masterpiece - a fitting scene for this adventurous mascot.
Perhaps the most peaceful moment of this remarkable journey came when the Croydon Duck joined students at Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon.
Surrounded by floating icebergs, students and teachers and ducks alike, stood in awe of the raw power yet delicate beauty of nature.
Lorelei Leung, a geographer who ventured alongside this duck to Iceland, shared that "Iceland was an unforgettable adventure.
“Seeing the power of nature up close was amazing, from standing between two tectonic plates to watching rainbows form in the mists at Gullfoss.
“It was special to know that our little duck, a symbol of our school’s spirit, was with us through every moment, reminding us that curiosity and discovery are always worth chasing."
One thing is for certain: while the Croydon Duck may not have had to deal with travel delays or Iceland’s famously unpredictable weather, it certainly experienced the best of what this island’s nation has to offer.
From huge waterfalls and glaciers, to vast volcanoes and lava fields, this tiny mascot could not have asked for a better adventure.
And while it might not have had a passport, the memories of its journey will certainly last a lifetime.
For the students of Croydon High School, the Croydon Duck’s trip to Iceland was more than just a symbolic gesture - it was a reminder of the boundless curiosity and joy that adventure inspires.
After all, who says a little duck can’t see the world?
