At Cirencester Deer Park School, our department’s mission is to “provide pupils with a challenging and engaging curriculum that equips them with the skills needed to navigate a rapidly changing world, leading to outstanding employment opportunities.” In response to the fast-evolving technological landscape, the Computing & Digital Technology department is undergoing a significant transformation. Our updated curriculum ensures it remains relevant, forward-thinking and aligned with the needs of both students and the wider workforce.
The curriculum now focuses on key areas such as Computer Science and a comprehensive range of end-user software. By integrating these subjects, we aim to provide pupils with a solid foundation in both the theoretical and practical aspects of technology. Pupils will develop a deeper understanding of computer systems, coding, algorithms and the application of these skills in real-world contexts.
Furthermore, the course includes essential software skills, ensuring that pupils are proficient in tools central to industries ranging from business to media and engineering. This practical approach prepares pupils to adapt to emerging technologies and equips them with the confidence to thrive in an increasingly digital world.
Whether pursuing higher education or entering the workforce directly, this curriculum will empower pupils to become innovative, adaptable and capable contributors in the tech-driven job market.
KS3 Computing & IT
Over the course of three years, students will develop skills to become independent problem solvers, logical thinkers, and critical evaluators of technology’s impact on society. The curriculum fosters creativity in problem-solving, helping students approach challenges with a systematic and imaginative mindset.
As students gain practical knowledge in computing, they will also consider the ethical, social, and environmental implications of technology. By examining how technology influences various industries and society, students will become informed, responsible users of digital tools.
By the end of the course, students will be well-prepared for further study, with a strong foundation in critical thinking and real-world problem-solving.
KS4 Computer Science
For students seeking an intellectually stimulating challenge, we offer the AQA GCSE Computer Science course. This rigorous curriculum gives students a deep understanding of programming, algorithms, computer systems, networks and cybersecurity.
Throughout the course, pupils will explore fundamental concepts of modern computing, including hardware, software and how these components interact. They will gain hands-on experience designing and implementing algorithms (pseudocoding), as well as solving complex problems using Python, one of the most versatile programming languages.
The course is designed to prepare pupils for further study or careers in technology, developing their problem-solving techniques and computational thinking. It’s an ideal stepping stone for those who wish to pursue Computer Science at A Level or pursue on a career in the growing tech industry.
KS4 Information Communication Technology
At Cirencester Deer Park School, we understand the importance of offering a diverse range of courses that not only engage pupils but also prepare them for future opportunities. The Eduqas Level 1/2 Vocational Award in Information Communication Technology is perfect for pupils who enjoy Computing & IT but prefer a less programming intensive approach.
This course allows pupils to explore topics like cybersecurity, the inner workings of the internet and how computer systems interact. These subjects are highly relevant in today’s digital world, and pupils will develop practical skills in using software tools such as Microsoft Excel for spreadsheet modelling, database management and digital application creation.
A key feature of this course is the Non-Examination Assessment (NEA), which accounts for 60% of the final grade. Through this assessment, pupils engage in real-world problem-solving and project management, developing vital skills in time management and client brief analysis.
This vocational qualification is an excellent option for pupils interested in business IT solutions, data management or digital project development, offering them hands-on, practical learning that leads to rewarding career pathways.
Extra Curricular
We offer a number of ways to enrich students’ experience of Computing and Digital Technology, helping them to connect classroom learning with real-world applications and even future opportunities in this fast-evolving subject.
Trips & Visits
As well as a Digital Futures workshop at Cirencester College, we have taken groups to The University of Gloucestershire and the University of Oxford, where they learn about the huge range of further and higher education computing courses and employment opportunities available.
Competitions
Every year our students enter the national Bebras Coding Challenge, run by the Raspberry Pi Foundation. This competition involves computational thinking, creativity, problem-solving skills and programmed solutions. Our students have historically performed exceptionally – at the top 10% of the country.
Computing Masterclasses
In recent years we have been fortunate to have been offered a place for four of our students across years 10 and 11 to attend the prestigious Royal Institution Masterclasses in Computer Science, supported by Morgan Stanley and the University of Oxford’s Department of Computer Science. Over the course of three months, our students dedicated their Saturday mornings to attending a series of engaging and thought-provoking workshops alongside like-minded young people from schools across the region. The masterclasses provided a unique and inspiring opportunity to explore a wide range of fascinating areas within Computer Science
Drone Club
This extra curricular club enables students to programme drones to fly a set course. By writing code, students translate abstract programming into immediate physical actions, developing practical skills in algorithms, sequencing, loops, and debugging. The club is due to start again in the academic year 2026-2027.