This graphic shows how the skills needed to produce high standard are progressively developed from step one through to progression step five. Use this when planning activities to ensure that progression in skills and the appropriate level of challenge are central to any task.

📊 Databases

Data handling is the process of collecting, organizing, analysing, and interpreting data. It involves gathering information from a variety of sources, such as surveys, experiments, or observations, and then sorting and classifying the data in a way that makes it easy to understand and analyse. The data is then analysed to look for patterns, trends, or relationships, and the information is used to draw conclusions or make inferences.

The goal of data handling is to extract meaningful and useful information from the data. Software such as j2data, Google Sheets and Microsoft Excel can be used for data handling tasks. Each of them has their own strengths and weaknesses, and users can choose the one that best fits their needs and preferences. This document shows how the skills associated with databases can be developed from progression step 1 through to 5. This can be used to support your activity planning, ensuring that appropriate skill progression and level of challenge are suitable for learners.

⭐ EXPLORING!

Ensure offline opportunities to explore and gather data (indoors and outdoors) as well as the opportunity to sort classify the objects physically.

⭐ REAL LIFE!

Data should be relevant to learners to increase the authenticity of the learning.

⭐ MODEL AND PRACTICE!

Modelling and practice using the tools will improve learners’ independence.

⭐ MIX IT UP!

Use a wide range of software tools and platforms to broaden the learning experiences.

⭐ LET’S TALK!

Allow learners the time to explain what they have done and why. Allow peers to evaluate and interrogate their work.

Suggestions 🔎

JiT

j2create

j2data

j2office

Google Sheets

Microsoft Excel

Pic Collage

Numbers

Microsoft Access

Here are some applications and software that you can use to develop database skills. These are a small selection - there are MANY more available. It is essential that you select the applications and software that is suitably matched to the learner's stage and that each learner experiences a range of these applications as they apply and develop their digital skills.

PS1 - Collect and present

What does good look like?

Learners can collect and organise information regarding familiar objects found in and around the classroom. Learners can sort and classify this information using a single criterion. Data is presented in the form of pictograms and learners will be able to interpret them, drawing appropriate conclusions e.g. most popular pet in the class.

How about...

Create a pictogram on J2Data of minibeasts found in the outdoor environment.

Collect information on class pets, favourite fruits, activities and hobbies etc.

Sorting Autumn leaves into colour, size and type.

⭐ Skills ⭐

Collect information (Numeracy)

Collect data within the school environment e.g. number of particular objects, and record using simple methods such as tally chart / pictogram.

Interpret Data (Numeracy)

Interpret information presented in charts and diagrams, and appropriate conclusions e.g. highest / lowest.

Sort (Numeracy)

Sort and match objects or pictures by recognising similarities and communicate choices.

PS2 - Increased focus and purpose

What does good look like?

Learners enhance their work by collecting and organising data into different groups or formats. They will begin to interpret and construct pictograms, tally charts, block diagrams and simple tables. Learners can use their charts to answer given questions and create their own questions to ask peers. Questioning is then developed to sort data into different groups using a branching database, spreadsheet or a simple database.

How about...

Create a graph to represent findings of a scientific enquiry e.g traffic survey - number of different vehicles that pass the school. Interpret the data and present findings through an extended activity.

Input data into a spreadsheet about the pupils e.g name, month of birthday, shoe size, height etc. Sort the data to answer specific questions such as how many children have their birthday in January. Create a graph to show the pupils' favourite sport.

⭐ Skills ⭐

Simple Tables

Organise a table in a database correctly so that it creates a block chart.

Interrogate data (Numeracy)

Extract and interpret information presented in charts / graphs / tables.

Representing data (Numeracy)

Convert data into a visual format e.g. block / bar chart labelled in 2, 5 and 10.

Sort and filter

Learners use a branching database / table in a spreadsheet to sort and filter data to specific groups using more than one criterion.

Collecting data (Numeracy)

Learners collect data through voting or organising and record their findings in lists / tally charts / tables and diagrams.

PS3 - Increasing Complexity

What does good look like?

Learners will design and create a range of databases that accomplish given goals. This will include collecting, analysing, evaluating and presenting data / information in a range of software programs. Learners are able to create databases with text, number, list, picture and Boolean fields. The sophistication and size of the data that learners collect and use has increased.

How about...

Create a database with multiple data types e.g. facts about European countries, Disney films, vehicles, book characters etc, and use complex searches to sort and search for information.

Search real-life databases for specific information to support work in their topics / themes.

⭐ Skills ⭐

Create a Database

Construct a database using various types of data and an increasing collection of information.

Interrogate (Numeracy)

Extract and interpret information by sorting data using increasingly complex searches e.g. using 2 or more search criteria.

Using information (Numeracy)

Draw conclusions from the data and use findings and patterns accurately and purposefully e.g. use the information they have found in a production / writing / oracy task.

Evaluate and refine

Learners improve their databases by reconsidering how they are organised, the usefulness of the data included and the quality / reliability of the data samples collected.

PS4 - Analysing Data

What does good look like?

Learners will design and create a range of databases for multiple purposes using data from multiple sources. This will include larger data sets from imported sources. Learners will have the opportunity to use increasingly complex database software. Learners will plan, create and modify databases to consider appropriate data types and primary key(s). Learners will interrogate data sets to establish trends using sorts, searches and complex searches.

How about...

Design and create a database for an authentic purpose using MS Access. (data may be imported from external sources / devices ).

Design and create databases that use a range of appropriate data types and primary keys for a range of authentic instances.

Import larger data sets from csv files e.g. secondary sources or data logging.

Interrogating data sets for given scenarios using a query builder for a single table and single/multiple criteria.

⭐ Skills ⭐

Database Design

Design a database structure to include fields, data types, primary key, forms and queries.

Entering

Create and modify a database and import data sets from external sources.

Form Design

Create data capture forms with appropriate chosen input boxes for each data type.

Interrogate

Analysing data sets through use of tools such as sorts and queries.

Capturing

Capture data from a variety of sources e.g. data capture forms, data logger etc.

PS5 - Enhanced Databases

What does good look like?

Learners will strategically plan and create relational databases to a given brief. An effective relational database should include both primary and foreign keys. Database design should include relevant customisation to improve the user experience. Learners should be able to produce increasingly detailed reports which are tailored to a given purpose. Evaluation processes will include a planned testing programme to aid development and improvement.

How about...

Design and create relational databases that link multiple relevant tables using primary and foreign keys. e.g. customer, employee, products and sales tables for a business venture.

Design and implement validation methods that aim to ensure the robust nature of data e.g. presence, length, range, format and type checks.

Considering also where verification methods such as double keying and proof reading might play a useful role in quality of data.

Interrogate data sets for multiple lines of enquiry using complex and parameter queries, making use of wild card operators.

Create and modify forms and reports that consider effective user interface design e.g. considering use of Headers/ footers, colour, command buttons, images etc.

Design and implement a test plan that effectively tests the database’s ability to return accurate results when exposed to valid, extreme and erroneous data.

Critically evaluate the effectiveness of the solution and development processes to consider potential for improvements to the table/form/report design, data set, validation and test plan.

Construct a relational database to investigate data e.g.which customer has bought which type of product.

⭐ Skills ⭐

Relational Database

Create and modify a database and import data sets from external sources.

Reporting

Produce reports from queries with customization to ensure that the report is fit for the given purpose.

Validation and Verification

Create data capture forms with appropriate chosen input boxes for each data type.

Testing

Provide a test plan for a database giving detailed reasoning and identifying valid, extreme and erroneous data. Evaluate testing successes and identify improvements.

Customisation

Create effective, simplified forms for data entry, enhancing layouts for a given brief. This may include features and controls that make the system more user friendly that ease navigation.