Choose exam board for KS4 Computer Science (GCSE)
Choose exam board for KS4 English
Choose exam board for KS4 French
Choose exam board for KS4 Geography
Choose exam board for KS4 German
Choose exam board for KS4 History
Choose tier for KS4 Maths
Choose exam board for KS4 Music
Choose exam board for KS4 Physical education (GCSE)
Choose exam board for KS4 Religious education (GCSE)
Choose exam board for KS4 Spanish

      Creating a paper-based database

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can use a paper database to record data.

      Key learning points

      1. Data can be recorded using forms.
      2. A database is an organised collection of data.
      3. A physical database can be sorted in different ways.
      4. Data can be ordered, sorted and grouped.

      Keywords

      • Data - a letter, word, number etc. that has been collected for a purpose, but that is stored without context

      • Database - an organised collection of data stored on a computer

      • Record - one complete set of data about a single item in a database

      Common misconception

      All records must be filled in with text.

      You can use tick boxes, numbers, or other formats to show data.

      Teacher tip

      Focus on the method pupils use to search and record data, rather than specific answers, as real-world flight details may vary.

      Equipment

      Pupils will use printable record cards, which are provided in the lesson materials.

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

      Loading...

      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Which of these is an example of a yes/no question?

      What is your favourite colour?
      Correct answer: Do you like apples?
      How old are you?
      What is your name?

      Q2.
      What do we call a collection of information kept together?

      Correct answer: a database
      a map
      a drawing
      a storybook

      Q3.
      Which of these is NOT a good way to organise information?

      writing it in a list
      using a branching database
      storing it in a table
      Correct answer: scattering it on random pieces of paper

      Q4.
      What is one advantage of using a list?

      Correct answer: It keeps information organised.
      It makes information harder to find.
      It takes up a lot of space.
      It is only useful for drawings.

      Q5.
      How do yes/no questions help in a branching database?

      They make the database colourful.
      They make the database harder to use.
      Correct answer: They help sort information into groups.
      They allow open-ended answers.

      Q6.
      Arrange these steps to organise a list:

      1 - write down items
      2 - group similar items together
      3 - arrange the items in order
      4 - check for missing items

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      What is a database?

      a collection of drawings
      Correct answer: an organised collection of data
      a list of random ideas
      a computer program

      Q2.
      What is a record in a database?

      a single piece of data
      a list of items
      a drawing of a database
      Correct answer: one complete set of data about a single item

      Q3.
      Which of these can be used to record data in a paper database?

      Correct answer: numbers
      Correct answer: tick boxes
      Correct answer: text

      Q4.
      What is the purpose of sorting data in a database?

      to make it harder to find information
      Correct answer: to make it easier to find information
      to make it look pretty
      to remove unnecessary data

      Q5.
      Which of these is NOT true about a database?

      It is a collection of data.
      It can be organised.
      Correct answer: It is always electronic.
      It can be used to store records

      Q6.
      Match the action to its purpose:

      Correct Answer:sort data,make it easier to find

      make it easier to find

      Correct Answer:create records,organise data about single items

      organise data about single items

      Correct Answer:use tick boxes,record data in a simple format

      record data in a simple format

      Correct Answer:organise a database,group and arrange data

      group and arrange data


      To help you plan your 5 computing lesson on: Creating a paper-based database, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...