FORMER Minister for Schools, Lord Knight, visited the Isle of Portland Aldridge Community Academy (IPACA).

Lord Knight visited the Academy to see the developments it has made since opening as an academy in September 2012.

He began his visit with a look round the Osprey Quay campus to see the way the technology is integrated with the building space.

Lord Knight said he was 'inspired by the campus’ which represented ‘an exciting model for the world of education’.

He continued his visit with a trip to Royal Manor campus where he observed a lesson by Dorset’s only Google certified teacher, maths teacher Lea Spencer.

He showed Lord Knight how students were working with a one to one provision of Chromebooks. Speaking about the visit, the director of digital learning and innovation, Gary Spracklen, said: “It was a pleasure to welcome Lord Knight of Weymouth to our academy and show him the tools which are making a big difference in raising attainment and standards in learning.

“We are proud to be a fast improving local school and are excited about a journey which is only just beginning.”

IPACA has also been chosen as a finalist for the 2014 ‘Innovation in Education’ awards, which will be held later this month.

Speaking about the nomination vice-principal Rob Russell said: “This award nomination is recognition of our whole organisation which has embraced innovative practice which supports and inspires learning for our students.”