ISLE of Portland Aldridge Community Academy (IPACA) students have been shortlisted for a national award.

Year Seven students, pictured right, have twice been nominated for the Times Education Supplement Award for creativity after creating campaigns to support digital design technology in schools.

The competition was open to all secondary schools in the country and there are four finalists – two are from the IPACA. Director of digital learning and innovation Gary Spracklen said: “It is a real honour to have two separate teams selected for such a prestigious national award in our first year as an academy.

“It’s great recognition of the hard work put in by students and staff on these projects, which have included showcasing the very latest 3D print technology we have at the academy.”

Year Seven student Naome Smith from the IPACA Makey group, said: “I really enjoyed working on this project and I am really excited that we have made it to the final. “Our project was focused on telling people about the amazing 3D printers we have at school. “We created a 3D character called Oni the Octopus and plan to take him to visit primary pupils within the academy and tell them about the magic of digital design technology.”

Year Seven student Matthew Price, from the second group IPACA Makers, said: “I am so pleased all our hard work has paid off, this is so exciting.

“Our project was all around pewter jewellery and how a milling machine can be used to create higher specification products.”

Representatives from the academy will travel to London to attend the awards ceremony.