ICT at key stage 3 (Year 8)
Unit 12: Systems - integrating applications to find solutions
Section 4: Activity 4
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Objectives |
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- to design the structure for a simple flat-file database (revision)
- to enter data into a database (revision)
- to design simple standard letters for mail-merging
- the difference between database fields and standard field codes
- to incorporate the corporate identity graphics into the design of standard letters
- to test the output from mail-merge printing
- to incorporate existing graphics files into designs for other documents
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Activities |
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Outcomes |
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Children: |
- Discuss a prepared database and revise database concepts. The prepared data file should have 10 names and addresses of potential sponsors and guests/helpers. Explain to pupils how to discuss and respond to initial ideas, carry out the task and then review and refine ideas.
- Demonstrate how to send a prepared letter to all contacts, using the mail-merge process from initial layout of the standard letters to incorporation of field codes (both standard ones,
eg date, and fields from the database). Demonstrate how one particular group,
eg sponsors, is selected.
- Ask groups of pupils to produce two standard letters incorporating logo graphics, one to sponsors and one to guests, and use conditional merging depending on type of letter and type of entry in the database.
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- understand how file structures relate to the requirements of a system
- enter data into a database
- insert fields into a standard letter
- incorporate graphic designs into a standard letter
- incorporate graphic designs into word-processed documents
- undertake conditional merging of data into standard letters
- contribute to sustained group work to carry out and report on a task
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Points to note |
- Arrive at an agreed format for the file to ensure that all groups use the same fields and field types. Output from different groups can then be used with consistency,
eg a standard letter to a potential sponsor from one group and a standard letter to a potential helper from another group. The data file is mainly for information rather than query but needs to distinguish between two groups,
eg guests/helpers or sponsors.
- Homework could be to design a letterhead using the logo.
- The logo designed in activity 3 can be incorporated into letterhead template designs for each type of standard letter.
- Homework could be writing the text of the letters.
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This unit is divided into sections. Each section contains a sequence of
activities with related objectives and outcomes. You can view this unit by
moving through the sections or print/download the whole unit.
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