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Databases with Access
Databases are one of the most difficult areas of the A-level
specification to teach well.MS Access is an excellent tool but difficult to get to grips with unless you know exactly what you want to achieve - even then it is far from trivial.
Students often develop significant databases for OCR, AQA and WJEC A-levels in ICT and for Edexcel have a 10 hour examination based on a pre-released scenario.
There are underlaying skills applicable to all and although some of the more advanced techniques are rarely needed for the Edexcel Applied course there are other aspects which need careful attention.
Depending on your level of experience I will put together a course for you which covers the aspects of the following that are required for your particular course.
It is not an exhaustive list but gives a brief idea:
- Data structures: and related issues: 1NF – 3NF and how to remember it.
- Dummy Data Generation:
Generate data for
scenarios or to populate a database realistically
- Importing Data:
Speeding the process
- Forms: Forms and subforms. Good form design. Get the most out of combo boxes. Dependent combo boxes
- Queries: Select and Action queries. Cross-tab queries.
- Reports: Report based on queries, Sums and Running Sums, Footers / Headers, Sub Reports
- Work through past Scenarios or significant projects. Booking, Appointment sales systems etc.
- Useful VBA and use of inbuilt macros
Spreadsheets with Excel
- naming cells and regions
- lookup and vlookup
- input forms
- creating menu driven applications
- protecting cells on sheets to prevent input/changes
- recording macros and some VBA
- adding ActiveX controls
- pivot tables
- solver to look at “What ifs?”
- scenarios to investigate multiple alternatives
- error checking
- pitfalls of times and dates
- adding basic security and hiding menus etc
- General hints and tips and delegate issues