Unit 4: Relational Database Development is now live on KnowItAll Ninja. It joins Information Technology Systems, Cyber Security & Incident Management and Website Development, so all four of the core BTEC Level 3 IT (AAQ) units that most schools teach are now covered. As with all our courses, it comes in two formats: an e-learning course for your students, and a full set of downloadable resources for your classroom.
A big unit, from first principles to a finished database
Relational Database Development asks a lot of students. They need the theory first: keys, integrity constraints, relationships, relational algebra, SQL and normalisation. Then they have to put all of it to work, scoping a database for a client, designing it, building it in a DBMS, testing it with real users and judging how well it meets the brief.
The unit is internally assessed through a Pearson-set assignment, so students need to understand the content well enough to apply it on their own. Our course teaches the knowledge and skills behind that assignment one step at a time, so your students arrive at it prepared.
What’s in the course
- 27 narrated lessons across 10 modules. Every lesson is read aloud, with the words highlighted as they are spoken, so students can listen as well as read.
- One realistic client from start to finish. The worked examples follow a vet’s surgery, Riverside Veterinary Practice, from its first brief to a tested and optimised database, so students see how every stage connects to the next.
- 97 interactive activities. Sorting, matching, gap-fill and ordering tasks sit at the end of each block of content, checking understanding before students move on.
- 27 self-marking quizzes. Each lesson’s quiz draws 8 questions from a bank of 12, so a second attempt is never the same as the first.
- Worked SQL and Access examples. Students see real statements for creating, changing and querying tables, and how the same jobs are done in Microsoft Access.
- Achievements, XP and leaderboards that turn revision into something students want to come back to.
- A downloadable presentation for every lesson, for teachers who want to deliver it front of class.
Complete coverage of the specification
The course follows the Pearson specification through all three learning aims:
- Learning aim A: Principles of relational databases and normalisation
- Learning aim B: Designing a relational database solution
- Learning aim C: Developing a relational database solution
That takes students from the types of RDBMS and how tables relate, through SQL, data dictionaries and normalisation to third normal form, to entity relationship modelling, design documentation, building forms, queries and reports, automating tasks, and finally testing, reviewing and optimising the finished solution. Like all our courses, it is written by an experienced teacher and BTEC textbook author.
Ready-to-teach classroom resources
Alongside the e-learning course, we’ve released a complete Relational Database Development (AAQ) resource pack. Each of the 27 lessons comes with an editable e-learning presentation, an in-class teaching presentation, a classroom worksheet with suggested answers and a homework worksheet with a full mark scheme.
Learning aim C also includes four step-by-step Microsoft Access practicals, in which students build a complete database for a judo club, with an example database for every stage so you can check work and help anyone who misses a lesson catch up. The pack is also included in our Downloadable Resources Access library.
Already a member?
- All Inclusive members: Unit 4 has been added to your membership. Add it to any class from that class’s Courses page whenever you’re ready.
- BTEC Level 3 IT (AAQ) members with all three earlier units: we’ve added Unit 4 to your membership at no extra cost, ready to add to your classes in the same way.
- Student Subscription: Unit 4 is already in your course list, alongside every other course.
If your school chose specific units, you can add Unit 4 to your membership at any time.
Take a look
- Preview the Relational Database Development course free. The first module, Relational Database Management Systems, is open to everyone without signing up.
- Download a free sample of the classroom resources to see the quality for yourself.
- Start a free three-week trial with every course, including Unit 4. There’s no card to enter.
- Subscribe your school to give your classes access to the course.
- Browse the classroom resources for the full downloadable set.
Whether you want to set work for your students, teach it front of class, or both, it’s ready when you are.
Studying it yourself? Students can also subscribe directly.