🎵 KS3 · Year 8 · Computing

Databases & SQL

Become a junior data analyst at DataDrop — the UK's fastest growing music streaming platform. Learn how real databases are built, queried, and managed.

6
Lessons
SQL
Included
MS
Access
🎵
Unit Scenario
Welcome to DataDrop
You've been hired as a junior data analyst at DataDrop, a fictional music streaming platform. Over six lessons you'll build and query the database that powers the platform — tracking songs, artists, and listening data. By the end, you'll know how to speak the language of every major tech company: SQL.
Lessons
Click a lesson to open its resources
L1
Lesson
What is a Database?
Discover why databases exist, learn the key terminology, and explore the DataDrop database in Microsoft Access.
Theory MS Access Tables · Records · Fields
📽 Slides 📋 Worksheet 🗃 Database
L2
Lesson
Designing a Database
Design a new Artists table: choose data types, set a primary key, add validation rules, and build it in Access Design View.
Design Data Types Primary Keys Validation
📽 Slides 📋 Worksheet 🗃 Database
L3
Lesson
Queries in Access
Use the Query Design grid to ask questions of the DataDrop database — applying criteria, sorting, and building your first parameterised query.
Practical QBE Grid Criteria & Operators Parameters
📽 Slides 📋 Worksheet 🗃 Database
L4
Lesson
Introduction to SQL
Learn the language behind every database on the planet. Write real SQL queries using SELECT, WHERE, ORDER BY and more — directly in Access SQL View.
SQL SELECT · WHERE ORDER BY AND · OR · LIKE
📽 Slides 📋 Worksheet 📖 SQL Ref
L5
Lesson
Forms & Reports
Build a professional data-entry form and generate a "Top Streamed Songs" report — making the database usable for non-technical staff.
Practical Forms Reports UI Design
📽 Slides 📋 Worksheet
L6
Lesson
Mini Project — Podcasts Module
Apply everything you know. DataDrop is launching Podcasts — design and build the database from scratch, write SQL queries, and pitch your solution.
Project SQL Independent Build Peer Review
📽 Slides 📋 Project Brief ✅ Peer Review
Scheme of Work Overview
Key learning objectives per lesson
Lesson Topic Key Skills Focus
L1 What is a Database? Terminology, explore existing database, run pre-built queries TheoryAccess
L2 Designing a Database Data types, primary keys, validation rules, Design View DesignBuild
L3 Queries in Access QBE grid, criteria operators, sorting, parameterised queries Practical
L4 Introduction to SQL SELECT, WHERE, ORDER BY, AND/OR, LIKE, BETWEEN SQL
L5 Forms & Reports Form Wizard, form customisation, report from query Practical
L6 Mini Project Full build: table, data entry, SQL queries, form, report, pitch Project