This Computing video supports teachers in introducing the concept of databases, helping the children explore the similarities and differences between paper-based and computerised systems.

The video introduces the terms ‘record’ and ‘field’ using familiar examples such as catalogues or phone books. It shows how Top Trump cards can be seen as a paper-based database and how the same information can be transferred into a spreadsheet for quicker sorting and retrieval. This builds the children’s foundational understanding of databases and prepares them for future lessons on digital data handling.

This video is part of the Year 3 Data handling: Comparison cards databases unit, supporting the children to develop their data handling and digital skills.

See more of our Year 3 Computing scheme of work.

• Computing, Year 3, Data handling: Comparison cards databases, Lesson 2: Race against the computer.
• Computing, Year 3, Data handling: Comparison cards databases.