A - level ICT syllabuses make a big point of extolling the virtues of client - server and distributed databases but then accept coursework projects done in Access (what is all that about?).
OCR extols it in one part of one section of one module at A2. Pupil's knowledge really needs to be principles and background rather than technical, looking at exam questions. Being pragmatic, I would consider a pupil's chosen project - then point out that a 'pure database' solution will take a lot less development time than a web + SQL one. Less development time FOR HIM as an inexperienced developer. And since almost all the marks in project work come from following the development process and documenting it, and relatively few from the implementation per se, I would always want a candidate to spend as much time on paperwork as possible. Hence the minimum time necessary to a good implementation. This of course isn't education - it's mark chasing. But with UCAS points, parental attitudes, Management Team and school leagues to consider, I think we all end up doing a lot of mark chasing. My exam board may not specify Access, but all the exemplar and training material I have ever found for OCR ICT is based on Access - because that's what they know about. There's an OCR (I have had students develop database-only and others client/server stuff. It's up to them really. I will support what they want to do whether it's Access, asp, php, Mysql whatever.) -- Derek -- ******************************************************************************** All mail sent and received may be examined to prevent transmission of unacceptable material. Wellington College does not accept responsibility for email contents. Problems to postmaster@wellington-college.berks.sch.uk. Website: http://www.wellington-college.berks.sch.uk ********************************************************************************