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GCSE Computer Science8525

GCSE Computer Science update

GCSE Computer Science: DfE updates to subject content and specification changes for exams in 2027

3.7 Relational databases and structured query language (SQL)

3.7.1 Relational databases

ContentAdditional information

Explain the concept of a database.

 

Explain the concept of a relational database.

 
Understand the following database concepts:
  • table
  • record
  • field
  • data type
  • primary key
  • foreign key.

Understand that the use of a relational database facilitates the elimination of data inconsistency and data redundancy.

Note that whilst the terms entity, attribute and entity identifier are more commonly used when an abstract model of a database is being considered, the terms given here will be used for both implementations of and abstract models of databases.

3.7.2 Structured query language (SQL)

ContentAdditional information
Be able to use SQL to retrieve data from a relational database, using the commands:
  • SELECT
  • FROM
  • WHERE
  • ORDER BY…ASC | DESC
Exam questions will require that data is extracted from no more than two tables for any one query.

Be able to use SQL to insert data into a relational database using the commands.

INSERT INTO table_name (column1, column 2 …)
VALUES (value1, value2 …)

Be able to use SQL to edit and delete data in a database using the commands.

UPDATE table_name 
SET column1 = value1, column2 = value2 ... 
WHERE condition

DELETE FROM table_name WHERE condition